Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR® Program
for Residential Insulation Manufacturers
Partner Commitments
Following are the terms and conditions of ENERGY STAR partnership for residential insulation
manufacturers and their participation in the 'Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Program. As an
ENERGY STAR partner, insulation manufacturers must agree to adhere to the following terms and
conditions:
General Terms and Conditions
1. Sign this Partnership Agreement and agree to abide by the specific requirements of the 'Seal and
Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Program.
2. Manufacture at least one residential insulation product or product line that has been 3rd party certified
to meet EPA's Definitions and Testing Requirements for Residential Insulation V 1.0 and is publicly
offered for sale in the United States.
3. Comply with all applicable ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines (at www.enerqvstar.gov/loqouse').
including those pertaining to use of the 'Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Educational
Graphics. ENERGY STAR partners are responsible for adhering to these guidelines and ensuring
that its authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, dealers, and distributors, also
comply.
4. Provide EPA with contact information for the partner's designated responsible party and primary
program representative using the My ENERGY STAR Account tool (MESA) at
www.enerqvstar.gov/mesa within 10 business days of becoming a partner. Notify EPA of any
changes in the partner's designated responsible party or primary program contacts within 30 days.
Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Program Education and Training Activities
5. Educate consumers, contractors, and builders about the importance of proper installation of insulation
and the benefits of a high-performance home envelope (including proper ventilation) through
traditional marketing media, in-store information, printed materials, web sites, and other channels.
6. Provide training for product dealers, retail sale associates, and product installers about the
importance of proper installation of insulation and the benefits of a high-performance home envelope.
This training shall not focus exclusively on basic insulation product attributes, but must also address
the value of sealing air leaks and ensuring proper ventilation.
7. Submit to EPA for review electronic copies of any educational or training materials that use the 'Seal
and Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Educational Graphics or reference the Educational Program prior
to release. Manufacturers must allow at least 5 business days for EPA review and adequate time in
the production process to allow for response to any issues identified.
Guidelines for Proper Product Use and Safety Information
8. Manufacturers must make available through the partner's web site and/or product literature, the
following:
8.1. Detailed installation instructions for the product or the product line designed for a typical 'Do It
Yourself user, including diagrams, cross sections, and/or pictures explaining residential
installation processes, and definitions of unique terms.
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8.2. Product Fact Sheet(s) that meets all requirements in Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) 16
CFR Part 460 Section 13, "Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation - Fact Sheets."
8.3. Guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended by OSHA, including
respiratory, dermal, and eye protection.
8.4. For any product manufactured through an in-home chemical process, for example "Spray or
Pour Foam Insulation" (see EPA's Definitions and Testing Requirements for Residential
Insulation V 1.0), the following safety information must be provided:
8.4.1 .Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which includes the chemical makeup of reactants and
products and an explanation of the chemical reactions.
8.4.2.Safe re-entry (re-occupancy) times for home occupants (this may be a table or a time range
explaining how product curing is influenced by temperature, humidity, and thickness).
Promoting the Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Program on Products
9. Manufacturers may promote the 'Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Program with a graphic on
residential insulation products when the following specific conditions are met:
9.1. The manufacturer must submit products for testing to an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
qualified to perform relevant insulation product testing and obtain a written report from a
certification body recognized by EPA for insulation products. A list of EPA-recognized
certification bodies for insulation can be found at www.enerqvstar.gov/testinqandverification.
9.1.1 .Product line certification must be renewed by the manufacturer at a frequency of no less
than three years or at any time that changes in the product's physical or chemical attributes
warrant, as determined by an EPA-recognized certification body.
9.1.2.The manufacturer must report to EPA any attempts by a certification body to influence
testing or certification results or to engage in discriminatory practices.
9.2. The manufacturer must comply with all market claim requirements of the Federal Trade
Commission's (FTC) 16 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 260, "Labeling and Advertising
of Home Insulation" and the FTC 16 CFR Part 260, "Guides for the Use of Environmental
Marketing Claims." Note that EPA reserves the right to review all supporting documentation and
evaluate the reasonable basis for the manufacturer's marketing claims at any time.
10. Submit to EPA for review electronic copies of any product packaging graphic that uses the 'Seal and
Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Educational Product Graphic prior to release. Manufacturers must
allow at least 5 business days for EPA review and adequate time in the production process to allow
for response to any issues identified.
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Definitions and Testing Requirements
for Residential Insulation
Version 1.0
This document identifies the definitions1 and testing requirements for manufacturers of residential
insulation products participating in the 'Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR' Program. Manufacturers
of residential insulation must manufacture at least one product that meets these definitions and testing
requirements to partner with ENERGY STAR and be granted access to a 'Seal and Insulate with
ENERGY STAR' educational graphic.
General Definitions
A. Insulation: Any material mainly used to slow down heat flow. It may be mineral or organic, fibrous,
cellular, or reflective (aluminum foil). It may be in rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, or loose-fill form.2
B. Facing: A thin covering adhered to the surface of insulation prior to field installation. Facings may
include, but are not limited to kraft paper, metal foil, or polymer.
C. Residential Buildings: Single family homes (attached or unattached), multifamily buildings with 4
units or fewer, or multifamily buildings (condominiums, apartments) with 3 stories or less in height
above grade.
Insulation Product Definitions
A. Blanket Insulation: A relatively flat and flexible insulation in coherent sheet form furnished in units
of substantial area. Product materials may include, but are not limited to mineral fiber, typically of
rock, slag, or glass, and natural fibers such as cotton and wool. The product may or may not be
faced.
B. Spray or Pour Foam Insulation: A thermal insulating material that is sprayed or poured (as a gel
or foamy liquid) into place, and expands or sets into a cellular foam and cures at the point of
installation through a chemical reaction. Foamed materials include, but are not limited to
polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, phenolic, and cementitious insulation.
C. Loose Fill Insulation: Insulation in granular, nodular, fibrous, powdery, or similar form designed to
be installed by pouring, blowing, or hand placement. Materials may include, but are not limited to
fiberglass, cellulose, cotton, or wool.
D. Board Insulation: Semi-rigid insulation preformed into rectangular units having a degree of
suppleness particularly related to their geometrical dimensions. Typical materials include, but are
not limited to fiberglass, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS),
polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane. The product may or may not be faced.
Radiant Barrier Product Definitions
A. Radiant Barrier: A reflective material, such as a foil, that reduces radiant heat transfer across
open air spaces by use of one or more surfaces of high reflectance and low emittance. The
1 Definitions in this document have been adopted from ASTM C168-10, "Standard Terminology Relating to
Thermal Insulation" where possible and may have been modified to add clarity for program purposes.
2 Based on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Title 16 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 460
definition.
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reflective material shall have an emissivity of 0.1 or less, and may or may not be factory-applied
to a rigid or insulating material. This product is marketed for installation in open attic spaces.
Reflective Insulation Product Definitions
A. Reflective Insulation: Insulation that reduces radiant heat transfer across an enclosed air space
by use of one or more surfaces of high reflectance and low emittance. The reflective material
shall have an emissivity of 0.1 or less, and may or may not be factory-applied to a rigid or
substrate material. This product is marketed for installation within an enclosed wall or similar
cavity and has a measureable R-value associated with the product or system.
1. Single Sheet System: A reflective insulation product that is a single sheet of material which
may have a reflective surface on one or both sides.
2. Multiple Sheet System: A reflective insulation product assembled with multiple layers of
reflective material with an air gap between each sheet.
Insulation with Reflective Facing Product Definitions
A. Insulation with Reflective Facing: An assembly consisting of a core insulating material as defined
in the Insulation Products section of this document and also has a reflective facing such as a foil
attached to at least one side.
Structural Insulation Systems Definitions
A. Insulated Concrete Forms CICFs): Comprised of rigid plastic foam forms that hold concrete in
place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete
walls. The insulating foam is commonly expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene
(XPS).
B. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): A factory constructed system comprised of sheathing, typically
OSB, and filled with thermal insulating spray foam.
Insulation Performance Definitions
A. R-value: The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a body from one of its bounding
surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under
steady state conditions, per unit area. For the purposes of this program, Imperial units will only be
accepted [(h ¦ ft2 °F)/Btu].
B. Smoke-Development Index: The characteristic of a material to emit smoke when exposed to
flame or fire compared to red oak and inorganic cement.
C. Flame-Spread Index: The characteristic of a material to resist the spreading of flames when
exposed to flame or fire compared to red oak and inorganic cement.
Scope of Included Products
Manufacturers of products which meet the definition of Insulation Product, Reflective Insulation
Product, and/or only the foam insulation portion of an ICF product as specified herein may be
granted access to the Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Educational Graphic. Products listed in the
"Excluded Products" section are not included. Products shall also meet the following criteria:
A. Products shall be designed and marketed with the main purpose of insulating a whole wall,
ceiling, roof deck, or floor system.
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B. Products must be marketed and sold in the United States.
C. Products shall be marketed primarily for use in Residential Buildings as defined herein. Products
that are marketed for non-residential buildings may ONLY associate the Seal and Insulate with
ENERGY STAR Educational Graphic with marketing that targets the residential market.
Excluded Products:
A. Duct insulation or wrap
B. Pipe insulation or wrap
C. Products primarily marketed as air sealing materials and not as insulation
D. Small volume two-component low-pressure or one component (OCF) foam used primarily for air
sealing
E. Paints and coatings (interior, exterior, or Interior Radiation Control Coatings [IRCCs])
F. Exterior finishing systems (e.g., siding, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems [EIFS], Stucco,
manufactured home or crawlspace skirting)
G. Interior finishing systems (e.g., drywall, stucco, bead board, fabric surfaces)
H. Fenestration covers (e.g., curtains, shades, drapes, shutters, awnings, blinds, films, storm
window)
I. House wraps or weather barriers
J. Radiant barrier products
K. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
L. Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) assembly or system
Testing Requirements
1) Significant Digits and Rounding
A. All calculations shall be carried out with actual measured or observed values. Only the final result
of a calculation shall be rounded.
B. Unless otherwise specified herein or in the test procedure, compliance with eligibility limits shall
be evaluated using exact values without any benefit from rounding.
2) R-Value Test Requirements
A. Manufacturer shall have the R-value of their product/product family tested as prescribed by
Section 4 and meet the following criteria:
a. Minimum R-Value: Insulation products shall have an R-value greater than or equal to R-3.0.
in the thicknesses in which they are sold to consumers. This minimum will not apply to
insulation products of variable depth or thickness, such as blown, sprayed, or loose fill
products.
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b. R-Value Tolerance: No individual specimen of the insulation sold shall have an R-value more
than 10% below the R-value shown in a product label, fact sheet, ad, or other promotional
material for that insulation.
c. Rounding off R-values: R-values for the purpose of evaluating compliance with the minimum
R-value requirement must be rounded to the nearest tenths place.
B. Surface Burning Characteristics Criteria: Insulation product/product family shall be tested as
prescribed by Section 4 of this document and must demonstrate the surface burning
characteristics of flame-spread index and smoke-development index as required by the most
current International Codes3. The Certification Body may grant an exemption for testing and
meeting Surface Burning Characteristic criteria if the product is exempt from such testing in the
International Codes.
C. Representative samples of each product line shall be selected for testing per the following
requirements:
a. Insulation Product: The sample must have identical chemical and physical properties as the
line intended for sale.
1. For products sold at a predetermined thickness such as Blanket Insulation and Board
Insulation, recognition of thermal-resistance values for a range of thicknesses shall be
established at the thinnest, thickest and mid-thicknesses, to establish a representative
curve for interpolation purposes. Each sample may or may not have a facing, and each
facing may be different.
2. For products having variable installation thicknesses, such as Spray or Pour Foam
Insulation and Loose-fill Insulation, samples shall be tested at both a 1-inch (25.4 mm)
thickness and at the maximum thickness permitted by the test procedure, but at not less
than 3.5 inches (88.9 mm).
b. Foam Portion of an ICF Assembly: The foam insulation sample must exclude the concrete
portion of the ICF assembly. The sample must have identical chemical and physical
properties as the line intended for sale. Recognition of therm a I-resistance values for a range
of thicknesses shall be established at the thinnest, thickest and mid-thicknesses, to establish
a representative curve for interpolation purposes.
c. Reflective Insulation Product: The sample must have identical chemical and physical
properties as the line intended for sale. The manufacturer must provide details of the specific
system, air gap, enclosure, orientation and calculations used to test and determine the R-
value.
d. Insulation with Reflective Facing Product: The sample must have identical chemical and
physical properties as the line intended for sale. Recognition of thermal-resistance values for
a range of thicknesses shall be established at the thinnest, thickest and mid-thicknesses, to
establish a representative curve for interpolation purposes. Each specimen must have the
same reflective facing. If the reflective facing is marketed as contributing to the R-value of
the total assembly via an air gap, the specific system, enclosure, orientation and calculations
used to test and determine the R-value must be specified.
D. The most current versions of the tests specified shall be used to determine the product R-value4.
E. The following R-Value test requirements shall be applied to the 4 product types:
3 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC)
4 The test procedures and test conditions provided herein are the same as those required by the FTC 16
CFR Part 460.5, "Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation - R-value Teste" unless otherwise stated.
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Product Type 1 - Insulation Product: R-Value Test Requirements
• ASTM C 177, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal
Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
Or
• ASTM C 518, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by
Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
Or
• ASTM C 1363, Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and
Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus
Or
• ASTM C 1114, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by
Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
Testing Requirement Details:
1) The tests may be used for determining the R-Value of the foam insulation portion of an ICF
product.
2) The tests must be done on the insulation material alone (excluding any airspace).
3) Testing Temperature: The tests shall be done at a mean temperature of 75° F and with a
temperature differential of 50° F plus or minus 10° F.
4) Calculating R-value: R-values ("thermal resistance") based upon heat flux measurements
according to ASTM C 177 or ASTM C 518 must be reported only in accordance with the
requirements and restrictions of ASTM C 1045, "Standard Practice for Calculating Thermal
Transmission Properties from Steady-State Conditions."
5) Aging and Settling Samples:
a) For polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, and extruded polystyrene, the tests must be done on
samples that fully represent the effect of aging on the product's R-value. To age the
sample, follow the procedure in paragraph 4.6.4 of GSA Specification HH-I-530A, or
another reliable procedure such as the following:
(1) For rigid board insulation of the materials described above:
i. Conditioning at 140° F (60° C) dry heat, ±2° F (1° C), for 90 days.5
ii. Aging at 70° F ± 10° F (21.1° C ± 5.5° C) in free air for a two-year period.5
(2) For spray or pour applied materials of the materials described above:
i. Conditioning at 140° F (60° C) dry head ±2° F (1° C) for 90 days.6
ii. Aging at 73° F ± 2° F (23° C ± 1 ° C) and 50 ± 5 percent relative humidity for 180
days ± 5 days.6
5 International Code Council - Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) AC12 - "Acceptance Criteria for Foam
Plastic Insulation"
6 International Code Council - Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) AC377 - "Acceptance Criteria for Spray-
Applied Foam Plastic Insulation"
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b) For loose-fill cellulose, the tests must be done at the settled density determined under
paragraph 8 of ASTM C 739, "Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation."
c) For loose-fill mineral wool, self-supported, spray-applied cellulose, and stabilized
cellulose, the tests must be done on samples that fully represent the effect of settling on
the product's R-value.
d) For self-supported spray-applied cellulose, the tests must be done at the density
determined pursuant to ASTM C 1149, "Standard Specification for Self-Supported Spray
Applied Cellulosic Thermal Insulation."
Product Type 2 - Reflective Insulation (Single Sheet System): R-Value Test Requirements
• ASTM E 408, "Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using Inspection-
Meter Techniques"
Or
• ASTM C 1371, "Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near Room
Temperature Using Portable Emissometers"
Testing Requirement Details:
1) Testing Temperature: You must use the R-value shown for 50° F, with a temperature
differential of 30° F.
2) Calculating R-Value: To get the R-value for a specific emissivity level, air space, and direction
of heat flow; use the tables in the most recent edition of the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) Fundamentals Handbook, if the
product is intended for applications that meet the conditions specified in the tables.
Product Type 3 - Reflective Insulation R-Value (Multiple Sheet System): R-Value Test
Requirements
• ASTM C 1363, Standard Test Method for the Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by
Means of a Hot Box Apparatus
Testing Requirement Details:
1) The test may be used to determine the product R-Value of a Single Sheet System that does
not meet the applications specified in the R-value tables in the ASHRAE Fundamentals
Handbook.
2) Test panel: Must be constructed according to ASTM C 1224, "Standard Specification for
Reflective Insulation for Building Applications."
3) Test conditions: Utilize the test conditions specified in ASTM C 1224.
4) Calculating R-Value: To get the R-value from the results of the tests, use the formula
specified in ASTM C 1224.
5) Reporting R-Value: An R-value will be reported for each specific heat flow direction and
enclosed airspace of specified depth.
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Product Type 4 - Insulation with Foil Facing: R-Value Test Requirements
• Test the system, with its airspace, under ASTM C 1363, "Standard Test Method for the Thermal
Performance of Building Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus," utilizing the testing
requirements specified in "Product Type 1 - Insulation Product: R-Value Test Requirements"
Or
• Add up the tested R-value of the material and the R-value of the air space. To get the R-value for
the air space, you must follow the rules in "Product Type 2 - Reflective Insulation (Single Sheet
System): R-Value Test Requirements"
3) Surface Burning Characteristics Test Requirements
G. Insulation product/product family must also demonstrate the surface burning characteristics of
flame-spread index and smoke-development index as required by the most current International
Codes7. The Certification Body may grant an exemption for testing and meeting Surface Burning
Characteristic criteria if the product is exempt from such testing in the International Codes.
H. The sample must have identical chemical and physical properties as the line intended for sale.
The determination of a specimen used to represent a product family shall be made by the
Certification Body using acceptable established protocols.
I. The most current versions of these tests specified shall be used to determine the Surface Burning
Characteristics:
Flame-spread Index and Smoke-developed Index Tests
• ASTM E 84, "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials"
Or
• UL 723, "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials"
1 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC)
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