Reduced ecological impacts
Heat island effect mitigation: construct a green roof and/or cover the
roof with high albedo materials. (10 points)

Extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate insulations can be used in roof assemblies and with reflective roofing membranes or surfaces to reduce heat islands (areas that have consistently higher temperatures because of buildings, concrete and asphalt), thus minimizing the impact on microclimate and wildlife habitat.

Reduced energy consumption
Reduce energy consumption for building operations by achieving a target that surpasses EPA Target Finder, taking into consideration intended use, occupancy, plug loads and other energy demands (10 – 100 points)

Extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate insulations can help to achieve high energy efficiencies by providing stable, long-term insulation value as well as blocking thermal shorts that may occur in roof, wall and below-grade assemblies.

Energy demand minimization
Thermal resistance of the building envelope for walls meets or exceeds the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (10 points)
Thermal resistance of the building envelope for the roof meets or exceeds the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 (10 points)

The use of extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate insulations can help the building meet or exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2004.

Energy demand minimization
Integrity of the building envelope/best vapor retarder practices (8 points)

For wall systems, extruded polystyrene and polyisocyanurate insulations can be installed to meet the requirements of a weather resistive barrier, thereby performing two functions—insulation and moisture/air infiltration reduction.

 “Right sized” energy-efficient systems
Insulated ductwork (3 points)

Where fire codes permit, extruded polystyrene is an effective insulator for supply air ductwork, return ductwork located above insulated ceilings and immediately below the roof or in unconditioned spaces, outdoor ductwork, exhaust and relief air ductwork between the motor-operated damper and penetration of the building exterior, and along with vapor retardant on the outside of the insulation where condensation is possible.

E.2  
E.2.2 

Minimized consumption and depletion of material resources
Proportion of building materials that have recycled post-consumer content (10 points)

Dow polyisocyanurate insulation contains 11 – 18 percent post-consumer recycled content.

Re-use of existing structures
Integration of existing facades in the new building (10 points)

Precast panels and other products constructed with rigid foam insulation (such as structural insulated panels) can be easily reconfigured and re-used.

Reduction, re-use and recycling of waste
Proportion (by weight) of construction, demolition and renovation waste diverted from landfill (6 points)

Extruded polystyrene insulation is 100 percent recyclable. Scrap material can be taken to a polystyrene recycling center and recycled into other useful products, thereby diverting it from landfill.

Effective ventilation system
Construction/renovation Indoor Air Quality Management Plan (10 points)

Problems encountered during the construction or renovation process can contribute to poor indoor air quality—but concrete walls incorporating rigid foam insulation from Dow may help to alleviate those problems. Walls built using extruded polystyrene limit the transmission of moisture through the building envelope and reduce the potential for mold and mildew, and the use of pre-cast panels eliminates concern over dust and airborne contaminants created through the drying or curing of compounds during construction.

Thermal Comfort
Building design conforms to the ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy (20 points)

Managing moisture—especially that caused by dew point condensation—is an effective way to enhance thermal comfort for building occupants. When moisture-laden air meets a surface cooler than the dew point temperature, it condenses into liquid water. This is common in cavity walls and under the roof, where ambient temperature is warmer than a wall surface.
Insulated concrete systems provide edge-to-edge insulation with no cavity, thus eliminating convective looping and thermal bridging, while reducing air infiltration and increasing the overall effective R-value of the building envelope. Insulated sheathing, such as rigid foam insulation from Dow, moderates the temperature of the wall cavity, reducing the potential for dew point condensation. Rigid foam insulation from Dow can also help meet the requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004 for humidity control.