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Following are the primary LEED credit criteria affecting insulation materials:

Energy & Atmosphere — Optimize Energy Performance: Points within this category range from 2 to 10 depending on the percent reduction in energy use. To earn LEED rating points, a project must exceed the minimum level of energy efficiency for the base building and systems. The starting point for the project is ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–1999 (without amendments) or the local energy code, whichever is more stringent.

The next step is to design the building envelope and systems to maximize energy performance. LEED suggests using a computer simulation model to assess the energy performance and identify the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. In your submittal for the project, you are asked to quantify energy performance compared to the projected energy cost budget for the baseline building. You must demonstrate the comparison using the Energy Cost Budget Method described in Section 11 of the Standard.

LEED project rating points are based on the percent of energy cost reduction.

To earn LEED points you are required to complete the LEED Letter Template incorporating a quantitative summary table showing the energy saving strategies incorporated in the building design. You are also asked to demonstrate via a summary printout from energy simulation software that the design energy cost is less than the energy cost budget as defined in the ASHRAE/IESNA Standard.

Energy & Atmosphere — Elimination of HCFCs & Halon: The intent of this section is to reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol for phasing out the use of carbon-based refrigerants.

Projects can earn one point by installing base building level HVAC and refrigerant equipment, fire suppression and other systems that do not contain HCFCs or Halon.

This credit category is also being used to define the use of foam sheathing insulation, vinyl siding and other plastic-based products. The criterion does not prohibit the use of foam sheathing insulation, vinyl siding and other plastic-based products still using CFCs, HCFCs or Halon as there only needs to be documentation regarding how and when these carbon-based refrigerants will be phased out.