LEED — New Homes
LEED-Homes (LEED-H) is a voluntary initiative promoting the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. It will provide a much-needed tool for homebuilders, homeowners, and local governments for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-efficient places to live. There are eight categories:
There are six categories of design and performance that are evaluated for a total of 108 points possible:
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The four levels of LEED-NC certification and the
required points are:
Certification Level Points Required Certified 30-49 points Silver 50-69 points Gold 70-89points Platinum 90-108 points
The first two categories, Location and Linkages and Water Efficiency, do not apply to the use of PolySteel in the structure. The remaining four hold opportunities to achieve superior performance for you and your client:
Credit 5, Non-Toxic Pest Control
Points Available: 2
The intent is to avoid use of poisons for insect and disease control, and different measures can be taken earning 0.5 points each for pest management practices, especially in areas of termite infestations. PolySteel is the only manufactured ICF available with Perform Guard EPS Termite Resistant Insulation, which is a borate treatment. Because of Perform Guard, solid concrete walls, fastener options, etc., up to 2 points can be earned.
Credit 3, Local Sources
Points Available: 2
This credit promotes the use of materials extracted, processed and manufactured within 500 miles of the home. Many eligible components are possible for 0.5 points each up to a maximum of 3 points. PolySteel construction can impact components of exterior walls, foundation and insulation.
Credit 4, Durability Plan
Points Available: 5
Having a durability plan promotes the increased service life of the building enclosure (envelope) and its components and systems through appropriate design, materials and installation. PolySteel creates an extremely durable and high performance structure and can have a direct impact on up to 5 points.
Credit 5, Environmentally Preferable Products
Points Available: 0.5
A half point can be gained because of PolySteel’s lack of VOC properties in the polystyrene insulation.
Credit 6, Waste Management
Points Available: 2
This rewards waste generation rates below national averages. There is significant reduction in waste when using PolySteel and all parts of the form can be recycled.
Credit 1, Energy Star Labeled Home
Points Available: 16
LEED-H wants to improve overall energy performance of the home by designing and building a high performing Energy Star labeled home. To achieve points, a HERS score above 86 must be achieved and the points formula is as follows: # of LEED-H Points = 2 X (HERS-86). PolySteel homes have achieved HERS of 94, which would earn the maximum possible 16 points.
Credit 2, Insulation
Points Available: 1
The intent of the credit is to design and install insulation to prevent thermal bridging.
Credit 3, Air Infiltration
Points Available: 2
PolySteel can achieve the maximum two points since it consistently averages 0.1 Air Exchanges per hour (ACH).
Credit 1, Innovative Design
Points Available: 4
These points are for incorporating green design and construction measures beyond those contained in the LEED-H rating system that produce tangible, demonstrative environmental improvements
Taking the existing criteria into consideration, it is evident that the use of PolySteel in the construction of a LEED-H project can significantly contribute to the achievement of up to 34.5 points, which is over the minimum of 30 points required to obtain the Certified level. Moreover, the extensive range of benefits provided by PolySteel will allow you and your homeowner to enjoy a home that is more comfortable, healthier, safer, less costly to heat, cool, and maintain, more durable, and more valuable.