August 1, 2008—Based on testing at independent labs, seven HVAC tapes manufactured by Shurtape Technologies have been qualified for and contribute to green building credits issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) based on requirements for the association’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Shurtape is the first HVAC tape producer to demonstrate this capability, according to the company.
Many municipal, state, and national building codes now require environmentally friendly building materials that qualify for “green” credits. Products that are eligible for LEED credits are routinely specified by mechanical engineers in construction plans, in order to reduce harmful air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), cut energy usage, and save water.
Shurtape’s manufacturing process, which is the reason the HVAC tapes are credit-eligible, predominately uses water-based adhesives that do not emit VOCs. When specifications require the use of solvent-based adhesives, the company’s manufacturing process recaptures and destroys air-borne toxins through regenerative thermal oxidization (RTO), greatly reducing emissions.
Shurtape’s portfolio of HVAC tapes that contribute to LEED credits are: AF 100 Aluminum Foil Tape – UL181A-P/B-FX; AF 973 Aluminum Foil Tape; AF 982 FSK Tape; DC 181 Flex Film Duct Tape – UL181B-FX; PC 857 HVAC Professional Grade Duct Tape – UL181B-FX; PC 609 Industrial Grade Cloth Duct Tape; LS 300 Line Set Tape – UV Resistant.
When these HVAC tapes are combined with other reduced-VOC adhesives and sealants used throughout a building, that building is eligible to receive credit toward LEED certification. In commercial buildings the credit is one point; in residential construction, the credit is one-half point. Final credits are awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council upon project evaluation.
For more information visit Shurtape Technologies.
