Structural Insulated Panels are far more environmentally conscious when compared to conventionally built stick-frame and other advanced envelope structures. A 2010 Life Cycle Benefits study of SIPs and d buildings constructed with SIPs demonstrates that the exceptional insulation performance of the building envelope coupled with low air leakage plus the low environmental impact of SIP production offers the construction industry a building method to achieve superior energy-efficient performance and make a significant and restorative contribution to global warming.
SIP sheathing is made from fast-growth trees to make Oriented Strand Board (OSB). The Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam used in the core of the SIP is recyclable, non-toxic and very little petroleum is used in production. Compared to fiberglass batt insulation EPS insulation offers more than 30% additional R value for every inch. Comparing EPS to other rigid foams, a comparison study commissioned by the EPS Molders Association found that expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation maintains its R-Value over time, even under tough freeze-thaw conditions. The study, Thermal Resistance and Moisture Content Testing of Foam Plastic Insulation, also concluded that competing insulation materials can lose R-Value over time.
Compared to conventional framing materials, SIPs are light and use less fuel to transport to the site. SIPs pre-cut at the factory are essentially finished when they arrive at site, there is no wasted material for a SIP envelope whereas a stick build will produce from 10% to 20% material waste that has to be hauled to a land fill or disposed of by burning. SIP waste is left at Greensmart's factory where it is recycled or reused.
A building constructed with Greensmart SIPs continues to have a lighter environmental footprint throughout its lifetime. Your energy consumption is reduced which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. As much as 25% of greenhouse gases in North America are produced by buildings. That's the same percentage as vehicles use. Again comparing SIPs to sticks - a 2010 study on the life cycle of SIPs shows that SIPs provide an average energy savings 18.6 times the energy invested and that SIPs provide a reduction in global warming potential 18.2 times the C02 equivalent of the emissions produced over 50 years.
SIPs rank very high in "Green" design-built projects and can significantly add to LEED and "Built Green" project certification.
