Shurtape Technologies HVACR Tape Helps Earn Points for LEED Certification from U.S. Green Building Council
HICKORY, NC — Seven HVACR tapes manufactured by Shurtape Technologies can now help earn points under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building certification system managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Shurtape is the first HVACR tape producer to introduce tapes that help earn green building points.
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 (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cut energy usage and save water.
Shurtape's manufacturing process, which is the reason the HVACR tapes help earn green points, predominately uses water-based adhesives that do not produce VOCs. In the rare instances where Shurtape uses solvent-based adhesives, the company's manufacturing process recaptures and destroys air-borne toxins through regenerative thermal oxidization (RTO), greatly reducing emissions.
“Since we began manufacturing tape in 1955, we have had a commitment to reducing the impact of our processes and products on the environment,” said Stephen Shuford, Shurtape's executive vice president. “Our qualification for LEED credits is important for us and our customers, who will benefit from the credits, as well as from affiliation with suppliers who demonstrate environmental stewardship.”
Shurtape's portfolio of HVACR tapes that qualify for LEED credits include:
- AF 100 Aluminum Foil Tape — UL181A-P
- AF 973 Aluminum Foil Tape
- AF 982 FSK Tape
- DC 181 Flex Film Duct Tape — UL181-FX
- PC 857 HVAC Professional Grade Duct Tape — UL181B-FX
- PC 609 Industrial Grade Cloth Duct Tape
- LC 300 Line Set Tape — UV Resistant
When these HVACR tapes are combined with other reduced-VOC adhesives and sealants used throughout a building, that building is eligible to receive points toward LEED certification. In commercial buildings, the green value is one point; in residential construction, the green value is one-half point. Final credits are awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council upon project evaluation.
LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Points are awarded for specific practices in each area and are verified by an independent third party. Depending on the number of points earned, a building is awarded a certified, silver, gold or platinum ranking.
Shurtape Technologies LLC, headquartered in Hickory, NC, produces 700 million square yards of tape annually — enough to wrap a two-inch strip around the world more than 280 times. With facilities in the United States, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Peru, United Arab Emirates and China, Shurtape is a designer, developer and manufacturer of pressure-sensitive tape and tape products. The company services numerous markets including industrial, packaging, HVACR, professional paint, auto, marine, aerospace, arts and entertainment, and retail.
Visit www.shurtape.com for additional information.