Green Building with BREEAM Health and well-being Hea 9: Volatile organic compounds Criteria Hilti contribution Aim The VOC values of Hilti foam and firestop systems as well as the full range of To recognize and encourage a healthy chemical anchors are undergoing testing. So far they have all met the standards set internal environment through the specifi- forth by South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1168 and by ISO 16000. cation of internal finishes and fittings with Coating and paints are applied on large areas where, in a short time, massive quanti- low emissions of volatile organic com- ties of organic compounds could be released in the workplaces and living rooms. pounds (VOC). Requirements must be set higher to minimize the quantities of VOCs inside buildings. Studies have proven that poor indoor air quality is largely responsible for so-called Feeling good in our homes or offices “sick-building syndrome” which may cause illness or headache to the occupants in isn’t just a matter of having a beautiful new or remodeled buildings. To avoid further contribution to organic compounds space. A poorly designed indoor environ- Hilti has formulated its paints and coatings with water-based polymers. If you need ment can literally make you sick. Build- a specific VOC value for a Hilti product for your green building project, please do ing green means considering not only not hesitate and contact your local sales representative or consult our technical sup- the environmental impact of materials port. We are happy to provide you with VOC values according to LEED (USA) the and construction, but also the physical Green Star (Australia), DGNB (Germany) and HQE (France). and psychological health of the occu- pants. Companies that make the move to green buildings have employees with lower turnover rates, fewer sick days and higher productivity. Schools demonstrate higher test scores, lower absenteeism and heightened academic enthusiasm. Low levels of volatile organic compounds and noise are key factors in providing maximum comfort for building occu- pants. Assessment criteria: To achieve exemplary performance, all relevant product types must have been tested against and meet the relevant standards for VOC emissions. page 12