Pre–insulated ductwork can produce ductwork where the air–leakage rate can be reduced to a fraction of that typical of sheet metal ductwork. A low–air leakage rate can yield significant electrical consumption savings, because of reduced heating and cooling loads, and reduced fan energy usage.
Therefore, using an HVAC ductwork system with a low air-leakage rate can have a positive impact on the energy performance of a building. This will contribute towards credit points within the Improved Energy Performance - RE-1 - section of the Pearl Villa Rating System.
Additionally, 1 credit point is available if all thermal insulation materials used in the villa have an Ozone Depletion Potential of Zero (ODP=0) and a Global Warming Potential of less than 5 (GWP ≤ 5). This includes all blowing agents used in the manufacture of the insulation, but also, all those used to spray it in place, if required.