How Premier SIPS Prove Their Environmental Impact

In late 2024, the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) and it’s members released the first industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), backed by third-party data and decades of proven performance. This EPD confirms what Premier SIPS has known for years: SIPs are one of the most sustainable and high-performing building envelope solutions on the market.

What’s an EPD—and Why Should You Care?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is like a fact-checked nutrition label for building materials. It shows the environmental impact of a product—carbon footprint, energy usage, water consumption, and more—across its full lifecycle. It’s a key tool for architects and builders working toward certifications like LEED, WELL, Passive House, and Living Building Challenge.

The industry-wide SIP EPD gives professionals the confidence to specify SIPs with clarity and verified sustainability data.

More Than Insulation—A Smarter Building Envelope

Unlike traditional insulation, SIPs replace structural framing, sheathing, and insulation in one panelized system. This all-in-one approach simplifies construction and reduces the need for high-carbon materials like dimensional lumber and steel.

With SIPs you get:

• Structural framing + continuous insulation in one
• Tighter envelopes with fewer air leaks
• Fewer trades and faster construction
  
  
  
  

Lower Embodied Carbon, Proven Energy Savings

According to the EPD, SIPs have significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than conventional wall systems. Why? SIPs eliminate the need for redundant framing and provide long-term energy efficiency, reducing both upfront embodied carbon and ongoing operational emissions.

The OSB used in SIPs also acts as long-term carbon storage, locking in carbon absorbed during tree growth. This, paired with reduced construction waste and faster builds, amplifies SIPs’ sustainability story.

⇒ MORE: Dive into the many ways SIPs have a huge impact on reducing your carbon footprint

Backed by Performance—Not Just Environmental Claims

While sustainability is important, Premier SIPS are also:

• Airtight and energy-efficient (up to 60% energy savings)
• Structurally strong, with industry-leading seismic and wind load ratings
• Fire-tested and approved for use in wildfire and disaster-prone areas
• Manufactured off-site for faster dry-in and fewer delays
  
  

The Environmental Product Declaration Documents

 SIP Industry EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) 

• SIP Industry EPD
• 🎥. WATCH: The Structural Insulated Panel Industry EPD Explained 

Individual Premier SIPS Component EPDs 

• EPS Insulation Core: Expanded Polystyrene Insulation EPD - Industry Average
• GPS Insulation Core/SIPS MAX: Neopor Plus Graphite Polystyrene Insulation EPD
• OSB Structural Facings: Oriented Strand Board EPD - Industry Average
• North American Softwood Lumber EPD - Industry Average
  

⇒ Beyond the EPD: Keep exploring the impressive sustainability features of Premier SIPS  

Ready to Build Smarter?

With verified data and real-world performance, SIPs are a clear choice for professionals committed to high-performance, low-carbon construction. Download the full EPD or connect with your local Premier SIPS rep to see how our panels can elevate your next project.