Part 2 of the Proof in Performance Series – Showing That SIPs Save Energy and Time
Talk is cheap, unless it’s backed by data. Just like structural strength, energy efficiency must be proven. In this second installment of our Proof in Performance blog series, we dive into scientific studies and lifecycle analyses showing how SIPs outperform traditional building envelopes in energy savings, carbon impact, and long-term sustainability.
Let’s examine the third-party research that explains why SIPs deliver measurable thermal performance and efficiency.
>> Read Proof in Performance, Part 1: Why SIPs are Stronger by Design.
1. ORNL: High Performance Homes That Use 50% Less Energy Than DOE Benchmark
As part of the Department of Energy’s Building America research program, this ORNL study analyzed SIP-built homes designed to cut energy usage in half compared to the DOE benchmark.
What it studied: Performance of SIP homes vs. conventional stick-built homes in mixed-humid climates.
Key takeaway: SIP homes used 50% less energy than the benchmark model, confirming their ability to support Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) goals.
Backed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the U.S. DOE.
⇒ Read the ORNL 50% Energy Savings Study
2. ORNL/Building America: 40% Energy Savings in Mixed-Humid Climate
Another Department of Energy-backed study through ORNL and Building America explored how SIPs contribute to deep energy savings in Tennessee’s climate.
What it studied: Energy usage, HVAC loads, and airtightness of SIP homes compared to traditional framing.
Key takeaway: SIP homes used 40% less energy and required 40% smaller HVAC systems—plus delivered airtightness as low as 0.8 ACH50.
Supported by Building America program through the DOE.
⇒ Read the 40% Energy Savings Study
3. BASF: Eco-Efficiency Analysis of Residential Wall Systems
This award-winning study compared several residential wall systems across their entire lifecycle—from material sourcing to long-term performance and environmental impact.
What it studied: SIPs vs. stick-built 2×4 and 2×6 walls with fiberglass batt insulation.
Key takeaway: EPS and polyurethane SIPs outperformed all others in energy efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and environmental impact.
Commissioned by BASF using full lifecycle analysis.
⇒ Read the BASF Eco-Efficiency Study
4. Buildings Journal: Life Cycle Cost Analysis in Hot and Arid Climates
Researchers from the University of Melbourne and the University of Belgium evaluated SIPs in extreme heat climates to assess their total cost of ownership.
What it studied: Construction costs, operational energy, and ROI of SIPs vs. wood framing in Phoenix, AZ.
Key takeaway: SIPs provided lower lifetime costs, higher energy efficiency, and better climate resilience.
Peer-reviewed and published in the Buildings journal.
⇒ Read the Full SIPs Life Cycle Analysis Study
SIPs aren’t just a smart structural choice; they’re a proven path to high-performance energy savings. Whether you're designing for a hot, arid climate or aiming for net-zero goals in a mixed-humid zone, third-party research confirms what builders already know: SIPs help reduce operational energy, slash HVAC needs, and deliver measurable performance where it counts.
Want more? Head to the Premier SIPS Resource Portal to explore full studies, test data, technical documents, code reports, and more. Contact your local Premier SIPS Rep to discuss getting started with energy-efficient SIPs for your next construction project.\