R-Control^® SIPs Life Cycle Analysis

Life Cycle Benefits

When choosing R-control SIPs you are getting a material with built-in features that provide environmental benefits for the life of the product.

Building materials and their impact on the environment must be considered over the life of the building structure.  This is considered the "life cycle" of the building.

Assessment Study

The Expanded Polystyrene Molders Association (EPSMA) commissioned industry leading Franklin Associates to conduct a life cycle assessment of SIPs with EPS insulation.  The study quantified the energy use and emissions associated with SIP production and compares this with the savings in energy and greenhouse gas that result from the use of SIPs compared to stick framed construction.  The life cycle stages evaluated include: all steps in construction of R-Control SIPs with EPS insulation from raw material extraction, through manufacturing, shipment to the project site and finally electricity and natural gas consumption for heating and cooling of the building over its 50 year life use.

Payback

Energy and greenhouse gas savings are determined by comparing the heating and cooling energy requirements for a typical stick framed house to the same house built with R-control SIPs.  The typical stick framed house is 2 x 6 wood frame construction with R-19 fiberglass insulation.

Energy and GWP Investment
SIPs vs. Stick Frame	Energy Investment Millions Btu's	GWP Investment tons CO2 Equiv.
SIP	177.1	9.63
Stick Frame	110.4	5.87
Investment	66.7	3.75

Average U.S. saving in energy use and global warming potential
SIPs vs. Stick Frame	Energy Investment Millions Btu's	GWP Investment tons CO2 Equiv.
SIPs Annual Savings	13.2	0.99
SIPs Savings over 50 Yrs.	660	49.6
Investment Payback Period	5.1 Years	3.8 Years