Piping Insulation

Hey Megan, got a response from GBCI on this. Hope this helps. My question to them was based on domestic water pipe insulation and ADA undersink covers. GBCI response: Thank you for your inquiry regarding LEED v4 IEQc Low Emitting Materials. Yes, pipe insulation such as the products described in your email can be exempt from the credit requirements in the same manner that HVAC duct insulation is excluded (due to a lack of modeling scenarios as noted in Table 5 Building Products and Systems). All other thermal and acoustic insulation installed within the weatherproofing system is included in the scope of the credit.

Hi Landry, Any idea on the adhesive used on site to install that piping or HVAC duct insulation ? should it comply or be exempt as well? Thanks W.

William - I am not currently aware of any exemptions for any wet-applied adhesives or sealants.  A quick search of the very commonly used products shows me that these products have at least made the effort to put in product data sheets that they are "LEED v4" compliant, however, the associated emissions testing results forms we are commonly seeing on other products do not appear present.  Therefore, its not clear to me that they will be accepted by reviewers with just product data sheets indicating compliance.  We've received numerous comments from reviewers requesting the back-up on these products (adhesives/sealants) so I couldn't predict success without having back-up docs.  We may want to crowd source this further and hopefully someone following the thread can add to these comments with a recent experience on the same subject.  Note:  Many teams have stopped pursuing this category of EQc2 simply knowing the difficulty in achieving it.  Let's hope the industry makes a move and catches up with the appropriate level of TVOC testing that GBCI is requesting.

Hello Landry, I'm not certain what wording was used when you posed the question but I'm wondering about insulation used in firestopping, would it be exempt? It is batt insulation shoved into the voids around piping, etc...

As well, I have a thermal barrier product for which the manufacturer confirms there are no organic compounds in the product. Would it be considered inherently non-emitting and not require a general emissions evaluation?

Sophie, my question was only on the scope for pipe wraps and ADA pipe covers (think, public restroom under sink).  I did not inquire further into the products you mention above.  I would assume that all fireproofing and penetration products that are wet applied would need to comply.

Thanks, Landry. I agree with wet applied products but I'm seeking clarification re insulation batting used in voids for firestopping. The latest reference guide states an exception in table 5 of the low-emitting credit: "insulation on interior or exterior of HVAC ductwork and insulation on any piping may be excluded (because of lack of modeling scenario)."

Does anyone have experience with whether USGBC requires emissions information for aluminum foil tape used on ducts? Is this viewed as an adhesive or wet applied product by reviewers? 

Hi Guys  For LEED v3 is there any requirements regarding the minimum HVAC pipe thermal insulation thickness? 

Hi Brad, Did you recieve any clarification regarding the aluminium foil tapes used on ducts? We're assuming they are exempt from the low-emitting materials credits as they are part of the HVAC ductwork.  Thank you.