Everyone from architects to builders are looking for simple, easy ways to become more environmentally friendly. To this end, one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your green profile is to make the simple switch from traditional construction adhesives to low-VOC adhesives.

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are potentially harmful chemical compounds released from the use of many of today’s construction adhesives. Ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, these compounds can irritate allergies or asthma and lead to additional, more serious health risks from continuous exposure. Low-VOC construction adhesives, such as a subfloor or multipurpose adhesive, significantly limit VOC emissions and, consequently, worker and building occupant exposure to harmful chemicals.

Without sacrificing performance, low-VOC adhesives can improve indoor air quality, provide a safer working environment for workers and reduce environmental impact. In fact, aside from reduced odor, it is difficult to distinguish low-VOC construction adhesives from their traditional counterparts when fully cured.

In the past, governmental guidelines have been implemented to restrict the amount of VOCs in building products, such as adhesives and sealants. Most commonly known as VOC-compliant, these well-intended guidelines set the scene for the recent evolution in construction adhesives.

However, as more research shows the health risks associated with VOCs in addition to the increasingly stringent requirements in green building, VOC-compliant is quickly becoming outdated. With many VOC-compliant guidelines limiting VOC emissions to 200 g/L and low-VOC products emitting less than 3 g/L, it is easy to see why these restrictions are no longer the benchmark for safer, greener building.

Manufacturers have begun to see the future of green building, right down to the glue that holds them together. Products such as OSI GreenSeries provide builders with a complete line of low-VOC construction adhesives and sealants without sacrificing an ounce of performance. With all of the GreenSeries products GREENGUARD-certified and able to contribute up to three and a half points toward the LEED for Homes certification and up to five points toward NAHB certification, there is no doubt as to just how simple and easy it is to go green.