Frequently Asked Questions

Green Building Adhesives Q & A

What does “green building” mean?
In a general definition, green building is a worldwide movement to promote the use of environmentally friendly products and practices in de-construction, construction, remodeling and repair. The goal is to match materials and activities to building design to minimize the overall environmental impact.
 

What are VOCs? What makes a product VOC compliant?

VOC is an acronym for volatile organic compound. These compounds react with atmospheric ozone, along with particulate, to form smog. Smog is thought to be a major contributor to air pollution and health problems, such as asthma.
 

In 1991, the U.S. EPA passed the Clean Air Act with the specific intention of lowering smog levels. One way to do this is to reduce the amount of VOCs available for release into the air. Hence, parts of the country where smog is a greater problem have begun implementing regulations limiting the amount, or level, of VOC a product can contain. If a product’s VOC level is below the limit set forth in the regulations, then it is VOC-compliant.

What makes a product “green”?
Although the term “green” is subjective, most “green” products can be classified into one or more of the following categories:

Products made with salvaged, recycled or agricultural waste content

• Products that conserve natural resources
• Products that avoid toxic or other emissions
• Products that save energy or water
• Products that contribute to a safe, healthy built environment
  

How can I tell if a product is “green”?
One key way to see if a product is “green” is to note the VOC content.  The lower the level of VOCs, the more environmentally friendly that product will be. Since solvents represent a large portion of the VOC category, it also means that the solvent level in the product will be lower, and the product likely is safer for the environment. The amount of recycled content in either the product or the packaging ultimately helps conserve the environment and adds to a product’s eco-friendliness. 

What is a “green” adhesive?
Key criteria for defining an adhesive as “green” include formulas that are green because of what is not in them (such as hazardous air pollutants and ozone depletors); products that are green because they reduce the environmental impact of building operation (such as the energy efficiency gained from effective use of caulks and sealants); and products that contribute to a safe and healthy indoor environment (such as low VOCs or formaldehyde-free adhesives).

 

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