By SkySite Property staff

Many municipal, state and national building codes now require environmentally-friendly building materials that qualify for green credits. Products that are eligible for LEED reduce energy usage, save water and lessen the release of harmful air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds.

Now a North Carolina-based tape manufacturer has seven products approved by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program that will contribute to green building credits when a builder is trying to reach LEED certification.

Shurtape Technologies, which makes 700 million square yards of tape annually, has had seven types of HVAC tape, and is the first company to have a HVAC tape approved by LEED. For the company, the manufacturing process is the key to LEED certification. It predominately uses water-based adhesives that do not emit VOCs. When orders from builders require the use of solvent-based adhesives, the company's manufacturing process recaptures and destroys air-borne toxins through regenerative thermal oxidization, 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. "From the installation of our first solvent-recovery system in 1967 to the completion of our two newest plants, we have consistently invested in a greener tomorrow. Our contribution 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."

Combining HVAC tapes with other reduced-VOC adhesives and sealants is an important step for a building to earn LEED certification. In commercial buildings the credit is one point; in residential construction, the credit is a half point. Final credits are awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council upon project evaluation.