Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of building materials and construction processes. Each stage contributes to the embodied carbon footprint, from the extraction of raw materials to their manufacturing, transportation, and final construction. Essentially, it accounts for the CO2 emissions embedded in every component and phase of a building's creation, representing a significant yet often underestimated element of environmental sustainability.
Despite its critical role, embodied carbon emissions are frequently overlooked. However, they can constitute a major part of a building's overall carbon footprint, especially in the initial years after construction. Experts predict that in the next 5-15 years, the impact of embodied carbon could surpass that of operational emissions in newly built homes, underscoring the need for immediate and effective measures.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) offer a climate-friendly, sustainable, and practical solution to mitigate embodied carbon emissions while enhancing energy efficiency throughout a building’s lifespan. Compared to traditional insulation solutions, SIPs present a significantly lower installed embodied carbon footprint, making them a pivotal choice for environmentally conscious builders.
The benefits of SIPs extend beyond mere carbon reduction. SIPs excel in insulating properties, offering superior thermal performance and reducing air leakage rates, which can account for up to 40% of a building’s energy usage for heating and cooling. These claims are backed by concrete data in the first industry-wide SIP Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which aggregates data from SIPA’s manufacturing members. SIPs can also help you achieve valuable LEED ratings for residential, commercial, and multifamily construction.
At Premier SIPs, we are proactively addressing emissions within our products. We have conducted a third-party study to provide transparency on emissions from cradle to gate. This study revealed that our largest manufacturing facility is nearly 100% electrified, utilizing a very low-emissions energy supplier. Additionally, a significant portion of the raw materials used in Premier’s products are sourced locally, which reduces emissions associated with the transportation of raw materials to the manufacturing site. Furthermore, our workforce is predominantly local, further limiting emissions from employee commuting.
These findings indicate that Premier’s largest SIPS manufacturing location produces products with relatively low embodied emissions compared to manufacturers operating on a more polluting grid or with a more dispersed supply chain.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Premier SIPs Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which will provide comprehensive details. In the meantime, environmental experts and carbon consultants are using the approved systems component EPDs, which outline the environmental data for every component in our system. These documents address all recent carbon calculation inquiries. As an additional resource, we have Carbon Consultants who are available to perform full building carbon calculations with SIPs and offer project guidance, your local Rep can help connect you with approved experts.
>> Premier SIPS Component EPDs >>
SIPs stand out as champions of sustainability, significantly lowering embodied carbon emissions while delivering substantial energy savings during the operational phase. As SIPs continue to lead the way in sustainable construction, it is evident that embracing these innovative building solutions is crucial for a greener future. Adopting SIPs is not only a step towards reducing carbon footprints but also a commitment to building energy-efficient, environmentally responsible structures. Contact your local Premier SIPs Rep to learn more.