HICKORY, N.C., July 22 /EMWNews/ -- Based on testing at independent

labs, seven HVAC tapes manufactured by Shurtape Technologies have been

qualified for and contribute to green building credits issued by the U.S.

Green Building Council (USGBC) based on requirements for the association's

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) program. Shurtape

is the first HVAC tape producer to demonstrate this capability.



    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 such as volatile organic compounds (VOC), cut energy

usage, and save water.



    Shurtape's manufacturing process, which is the reason the HVAC tapes

are credit-eligible, predominately uses water-based adhesives that do not

emit VOCs. When specifications require the use of 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. "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."



    Shurtape's portfolio of HVAC tapes that contribute to LEED credits

include:




    -- AF 100 Aluminum Foil Tape - UL181A-P/B-FX

    -- AF 973 Aluminum Foil Tape

    -- AF 982 FSK Tape

    -- DC 181 Flex Film Duct Tape - UL181B-FX

    -- PC 857 HVAC Professional Grade Duct Tape - UL181B-FX

    -- PC 609 Industrial Grade Cloth Duct Tape

    -- LS 300 Line Set Tape - UV Resistant



    When these HVAC tapes are combined with other reduced-VOC adhesives and

sealants used throughout a building, that building is eligible to receive

credit toward LEED certification. In commercial buildings the credit is one

point; in residential construction, the credit 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.



    The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of

leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote

buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable

and healthy places to live and work.



    Shurtape Technologies LLC, headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina,

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, HVAC, professional paint, auto, marine,

aerospace, arts and entertainment, and retail. http://www.shurtape.com