Growing and harvesting our building materials would be a great way to move toward a closed-loop system rather than a linear path from extraction to disposal. Doing so holds the promise of true sustainability and regeneration of ecosystems instead of damage to them.
Unfortunately, biobased materials today can be at least as problematic as any other material. Intensive land use, chemical use, fuel use, nutrient runoff, and other pollution are among the impacts of agriculture; add to that competition between food crops and those used for building materials or fuel. We would like to see sustainable use of biobased materials, but improving practices and figuring out how to assess and document more sustainable practices will take a long time. There is no ready equivalent to FSC for biobased materials that aren’t wood, although certification to “organic” standards or other sustainable agriculture standards can provide guidance in some cases.
At the same time, we don’t want to exclude biobased products that are typically responsibly sourced just because they don’t have a certification—particularly where they replace more problematic materials. GreenSpec continues to give preference to rapidly renewable alternatives to materials that present greater concerns. Examples of rapidly renewable materials in GreenSpec include linoleum, cork, and textiles such as wool, sisal, and organic cotton.
OSMO Polyx-Oil
OSMO Polyx-Oil, formerly known as Hardwax Oil, is a penetrating floor finish made from natural vegetable oils and waxes, and contains no biocides or preservatives. Because OSMO is very high in solids, it can be applied in only two coats and is very durable. The finish may also be spot-repaired.
Clear finishes protect woodwork against aging, scratches, moisture, and the chemicals found in common cleaners. There are a number of finish options available, from natural, low-toxic products primarily used on residential woodwork through factory-applied finishes where added durability is required, such as those used on cabinetry or commercial architectural millwork.
The current South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) limit for VOC emissions from clear finishes is 275 g/l, 250 g/l for stains, and 730 g/l for shellac. The environmental and health burden of these VOCs varies, however. Shellac uses ethanol (alcohol) as a solvent, for instance, which is far less toxic than toluene and xylene used in some lacquers. Many products that require a solvent now use VOCs exempt from regulation, such as acetone. Those aren’t always safe, though.
Stains are available as pigments or dyes. Pigment stains sit on top of the wood and some still use slow curing solvents to control the amount of stain on the wood. Those that use waterborne products are safer but can be difficult to work because of their fast drying time. Dyes are popular because they are dissolved in water and penetrate into the wood, providing greater color control and depth.
Waterborne polyurethanes and acrylics are less toxic than varnishes that use petroleum-based solvents, but waterborne products contain glycol ether solvents, which can be reproductive toxicants.
VOCs and hazardous airborne pollutants (HAPs) are significantly more of an indoor air quality concern during application when the product is still wet. Allowing a product to fully cure before bringing it into an occupied space minimizes exposure risks. When possible, have woodwork finished offsite where a factory can prevent most emissions from entering the environment.
Several companies offer Greenguard-certified products that only meet the emissions requirements if allowed to cure for a set amount of time, normally between 3 and 14 days. These products are meant for professionals and are typically applied at the shop.
When allowed to fully cure, the emissions from clear finishes should be minimal, but some chemically sensitive people may still react to these products.
Look for stains and clear finishes such as those listed by GreenSpec that are below SCAQMD standards for VOCs; contain no heavy metals, phthalates, or aromatic solvents; and/or are natural products with less environmental burden.
LEED Credits
EQc4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints&Coatings
IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
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osmo North America is the importer and master distribution source for osmo color products including polix oil. ecohaus is one of the dealers for the osmo. Osmo na can be reached at info@osmona.com 1.888.487.8054