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Expert Advice on Green Buildings

Thermal Insulation: How do I Track its Performance for LEED?

   
Question:

SK asks: If the energy used in cooling is brought down by a thermal insulation product, how can we map it to LEED credit/points?

Answer:
Advice provided by: Ed LeBard, Associate AIA, PMP, LEED AP, Gensler
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Hi SK,

This applies to the following LEED EA prerequisites and credits:

1) EA Prerequisite 2 - Minimum Energy Performance

2) EA Credit 1 - Optimize Energy Performance

3) EA Credit 5/5.1/5.2 - Measurement & Verification

Compare the energy savings of your project to the baseline established.

If your project ends up saving 10% in energy use compared to the average building, such performance would meet LEED EA Prerequisite 2 in LEEDv.3 New Construction.

Thermal insulation itself is a specified product that contributes to the energy performance of the building, lowering its Coefficient of Utilization (heat transfer).

You can include thermal insulation products for MR Credit 4 Recycled Content as there are many insulation products that include pre-consumer and post-consumer content.

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Expert Advice and Comments

Response

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 13:58 — NJ Cellulose (not verified)

Many homeowners like to focus on the aesthetics of their homes, but they really ought to take a look at the infrastructure as well. Trying to convince someone to give up their granite counter tops in exchange for spray foam insulation is a lost cause, but they should consider giving up something or adding a bit to their budget to produce a return on investment forever.

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