As a method of construction, structurally insulated panels (SIPs) are fairly new to the market. First seen in the middle of the 20th Century, SIPs have evolved and are now an ideal solution to modern building methods. SIPs provide large environmental benefits and are more sustainable to use than traditional methods of building. We put together a number of reasons as to why you should consider SIPs in your next project as an environmentally friendly option.
Materials
Firstly, the benefits of SIPs originate in their material. Structurally insulated panels are traditionally made using timber, a renewable resource. At SIPS UK, all of our timber is sourced from sustainable suppliers, including FSC, PEFC, and SFI. The outer facing of our panels is fabricated using oriented strand board (OSB), which is made from young, fast-growing trees grown in plantations managed by FSC. Younger trees provide more oxygen to the environment than older trees, and so this style of raw material production is not damaging to the environment. The OSB used in SIP panels is renewable, recyclable, bio-degradable, and non-toxic.
Manufacture
The physical manufacture of SIPs is also less wasteful and more sustainable than other methods. To produce, timber uses only 20% of the energy used in concrete production, and the amount of timber used in SIPs averages at 40% of that used in traditional builds. SIPs are produced off-site, meaning there is a higher chance of precision and less chance of discarded by-products than there would be on-site. At SIPS UK, we aim to reduce waste as much as possible, and using our five-axis CNC machine we ensure panels are cut with precision and accuracy. Any waste that is produced can easily be recycled back into the manufacturing process.
Highly Insulating
Structurally insulated panels are highly insulated. Traditional insulated builds contain a non-insulated brick wall layered in insulating material. By comparison, SIPs use a well-insulated shell, meaning the building is airtight and insulated right to the core. This provides increased thermal efficiency, with some U-Values as low as 0.10W/m²K. Such insulation keeps the building warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for artificial heating and subsequently lessening the harmful CO2 emissions.
Healthy Home
Not only are SIPs offering an environmentally friendly solution to construction, they also help to create a healthy home. The insulation core of SIP panels is usually made from some form of plastic, with common options including polyurethane (PUR) or polystyrene (EPS). Insulation materials such as these do not contain any harmful chemicals like CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehyde. They also do not release any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), meaning they offer long-term health and safety.
Structurally insulated panels combine thoughtful engineering with modern methods of construction, providing a durable and lightweight construction solution that is environmentally friendly. At SIPS UK, we offer a range of services, including basic SIP panels alongside panels cut to your exact and specific measurements. For more information on the environmental benefits of SIPs, or to discuss your next SIP project, get in touch with a member of the team on 01933 353501, email us at [email protected], or send us an enquiry through our online contact form.