LEED for SIPs

EA – Energy and Atmosphere
EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance – Maximum 19 Points

The project can be awarded up to 19 points for total energy savings, determined by whole building energy modeling according to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Appendix G. Alternately, certain types of commercial buildings can qualify for energy efficiency points by complying with several listed prescriptive standards. By reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, SIPs contribute to overall energy savings. Space heating and cooling account for 44% of energy use in commercial buildings.

MR – Materials and Resources
MR 7: Certified Wood – 1 Point

If 50% of the wood products used in the building are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, 1 point will be awarded. SIPs are available with FSC certified OSB facings from some manufacturers.

IEQ – Indoor Environmental Quality
IEQ 3.2: Construction IndoorAir Quality Management Plan – 1 Point

As a low-VOC product, SIPs assist in reaching the required VOC levels for healthy indoor air quality.

IEQ 4.1: Low EmittingMaterials: Adhesives and Sealants – 1 Point

The structural adhesives used in SIP production meet the requirements for low emitting materials defined in EQ Credit 4.1. All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building must meet the requirements to earn the credit.

IEQ 4.4: Low Emitting Materials: Wood and Agrifiber Products – 1 Point

The OSB used in SIPs meets the requirement that composite wood products used on the interior of the building (defined as inside of the weatherproofing system) shall contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins.

IEQ 7.1: Thermal Comfort—Design – 1 Point

SIPs create a well-insulated and airtight building envelope that contributes to overall thermal comfort.

LEED for Homes
EA – Energy and Atmosphere
PERFORMANCE PATH

EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance – Maximum 34 Points

Using the Performance Pathway, the home 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 and 34 points for a net zero energy home. Homes must meet ENERGYSTAR requirements as a prerequisite for this credit.

PRESCRIPTIVE PATH

EA 2.2: Insulation – Maximum 2 points

SIPs make it easy to provide insulation that meets or exceeds the requirements of the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 5 percent. SIP homes must undergo a visual inspection using the ENERGY STAR SIP Visual Inspection Form to earn this credit.

EA 3: Air Infiltration – Maximum 3 points

Well-sealed SIP 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. If SIP floors are not used, pointscan be earned by using other material-efficient framing techniques, such as spacing floor joists greater than 16” o.c.

MR 2.2 Environmentally Preferable Products – Maximum 3 points

If SIPs with FSC-certified OSB are used, the project will be awarded 0.5 points per component (walls, roofs, floors). If the SIPs are manufactured within 500 miles, the project will be awarded an additional 0.5 points per component.

MR 3.2 Construction Waste Reduction – Maximum 3 points

Using prefabricated SIPs decreases the amount of onsite construction waste, helping builders qualify for waste reduction points. Waste reduction points are given on a scale ranging from 0 to 3 depending on the amount of waste generated per square foot of the home.