Can I use solvent cements in “green” and “sustainable” building systems, like LEED?
Yes. While solvent cements contain VOCs, the total quantity used during home construction is very small compared with other products commonly used by the gallon, like paints and other adhesives. Solvent cemented plumbing systems are essentially permanent once installed and do not need repair or reapplication. LEED V 2.2 does require the use of low VOC solvent cements in Environmental Quality credit 4.1. In order to obtain the credit point, all adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building are to meet SCAQMD rule #1168. Low-VOC solvent cements manufactured to comply with SCAQMD and are commercially available. Solvent cemented piping systems, like ABS, PVC and CPVC each find uses in sustainable piping systems such as gray water, subsurface irrigation, radon venting, rain water catchment, and higher efficiency hot water distribution.
