LEED®
Potential credits for ThermaSteel panel use.
It is important to note that the scoring below is meant for reference only. Actual project scoring will depend on the individual rater, contractor and other factors.
Residential Projects
LEED for Homes
EA — Energy and Atmosphere
Performance path
EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance — maximum 34 points
Using the performance pathway, the building is awarded points based on overall energy performance, measured by a HERS index. A home’s HERS index is calculated by a certified energy rater and takes into account the insulation, results from a blower door test, HVAC, lighting and other relevant information. LEED points are allocated on a scale ranging from 0 points for ENERGY STAR to 34 points for a net zero energy home. Homes must meet ENERGY STAR requirements as a prerequisite for this credit.
Prescriptive path
EA 2.1: Insulation — maximum 2 points
Contractors must install insulation that meets or exceeds the requirements of the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and are given points for exceeding this standard. Structural Insulated Panels are listed as an exception to this requirement and must alternately pass a visual inspection using the ENERGY STAR SIP Visual Inspection Form.
EA 3: Air Infiltration — maximum 3 points
Well-sealed, airtight ThermaSteel homes have a proven track record of achieving extremely low levels of air infiltration. Homes are awarded points based on their blower door test results, with a maximum of 3 points possible.
MR — Materials and Resources
MR 1.4: Framing Efficiencies — maximum 3 points
The project is given one point for each SIP system used: walls, roofs and floors. ThermaSteel panels are manufactured for all three usages.
MR 1.5: Off-Site Fabrication — maximum 4 points
This credit can be awarded to homes with pre-cut SIPs in the walls, roof and floor. If SIPs are cut on site, or only used in walls and/or roof, no point should be awarded for this credit; points may be awarded in MR 1.4 instead.
MR 2.2: Environmentally Preferable Materials — maximum 2 points
SIPs should be treated as two different components — framing and insulation. If the requirements for either or both components are met, points should be awarded accordingly (MR 03–04).
MR 3.2: Construction Waste Reduction — maximum 3 points
Using prefabricated SIP panels decreases the amount of on-site construction waste, helping contractors qualify for waste reduction points. Waste reduction points are given on a scale from 0 to 3 depending on the amount of waste generated per square foot of the home.
Commercial Projects
LEED 2009 (v3.0) — New Construction and Major Renovations
ThermaSteel panels are used not only in residential projects but also in commercial projects. The variables in commercial construction differ vastly from one project to another, so if you have a commercial project seeking LEED certification, we can help you on a per-project basis.
EA — Energy and Atmosphere
EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance — maximum 19 points
ThermaSteel wall panels are ENERGY STAR™ compliant. The panel provides not only structural integrity but excellent insulation properties. The EPS component is solid (except where wire chases are incorporated) and does not provide voids or allow air movement through the walls. In a study conducted by energy scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the stated R-value of virtually every product evaluated in the real world of thermal breaks — corners, windows, doors and stud walls — was drastically reduced, except when using Structural Insulated Panels. For example: a 2″ × 6″ stud wall 24″ on center with R-19 fiberglass batts tested at R-13.7, while a Structural Insulated Panel wall tested at R-21.7. The panels outperformed the stud wall by 58%.
MR — Materials and Resources
MR 2: Construction Waste Management — maximum 2 points
ThermaSteel panels produce little to no waste on the jobsite, since they arrive as numbered blocks ready for precise assembly.
MR 4: Recycled Content — maximum 2 points
ThermaSteel panels are assemblies made of steel studs and EPS infill. Steel is green because it contains a minimum of 25% recycled steel and is 100% recyclable. The recycled content value of a material assembly is determined by weight; the recycled fraction is multiplied by the cost of assembly to determine the recycled content value.
MR 5: Regional Materials — maximum 2 points
Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site for a minimum of 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total materials value.
RP 1: Regional Priority — maximum 4 points
ID 1: Innovation in Design — maximum 1 point
References
- ENERGY STAR SIP Visual Inspection Form
- LEED for Homes — search “SIP” (U.S. Green Building Council)
- LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations (U.S. Green Building Council)
- ASHRAE Journal, March 1996 — Christian and Kosny
Prepared by Nida DeBusk, Intl. Assoc. AIA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP BD+C
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