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LEED Certification and Soy Insulation
The following are suggestions of how our soy-based spray foam insulation might be incorporated into a project in order to achieve LEED credits, the green rating system established by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Soy foam insulation may be applicable in the following LEED credit categories:
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The list below are the most common points Renewable Resource Insulation can assist with, but it is by no means exhaustive. Please consult with a LEED Accredited Professional for further details.
LEED Credit Category – Energy & Atmosphere
Prerequisite 2 – Minimum Energy Performance
This LEED prerequisite requires the building to comply with ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 or the local energy code, whichever is more stringent.
When Renewable Resource Insulation installs our soy foam into a structure, the insulating and air sealing properties of the foam will provide an envelope that will facilitate the design of an efficient system.
Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance
This credit requires a reduction in design energy cost compared to the energy cost budget.
By installing our soy foam insulation in your structure, the building is sealed with a tight envelope, allowing the designer or HVAC technician to downsize HVAC systems and supply the required ventilation. When used with a whole building concept, our insulation can help achieve the 10 possible points.
LEED Credit Category – Innovation & Design Process
Credit 1 – Innovation in Design
This LEED credit provides design teams and projects with an opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Soy foam insuation's superior performance characteristics and installation flexibility contribute to this credit in two ways. First, our insulation allows easy installation in areas that do not allow simple installation of conventional insulation products. Second, our insulation is guaranteed to perform to the stated specifications for the life of the structure.
LEED Credit Category – Materials & Resources
Credit 2 – Construction Waste Management
This credit requires recycling and/or salvaging construction, demolition and land clearing waste.
Since our installers are trained to apply exactly what is needed in each area, there is very minimal waste from our foam insulation. What little waste is created contributes a significantly lower amount of waste materials by weight, tremendously helping a project reach the 50% to 75% target for diverting waste from the landfill.
Credit 6 – Rapidly Renewable Materials
Requires use of rapidly renewable products and materials (made from plants harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter) for 2.5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project.
Our insulation is manufactured with annually renewable soybean oil and is naturally classified as a rapidly renewable product. Depending on the size, cost, and amount of the project insulated, soy foam insulation can contribute a significant portion of the required 2.5% of rapidly renewable products and materials.
LEED Credit Category – Indoor Environmental Quality
Credit 4.1 – Low Emitting Materials: Adhesives & Sealants
This LEED credit seeks to reduce the concentration of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants.
During the installation process, we use water as its blowing agent (not oil like most other spray foams), therefore it falls below the 50 VOC g/L less water limit that is set for plastic foams, and can be incorporated into a variety of substrate types and specific applications.
Credit 6.1 Controlling of Systems – Thermal Comfort
Credit 7.1 – Thermal Comfort
Requires a thermally comfortable environment and supports the productivity and well being of building occupants.
Soy foam insulation can help a building comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 by insulating and air sealing the building, which allows for controlled ventilation strategies that enhance uniform temperatures, humidity control and pollutant reduction.
Review our resources or contact us for any further questions.