The Environmental Benefits of SIPS

Premier SIPS has quickly become the #1 go-to prefabricated framing system for energy efficient structures.

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BUILD FOR THE FUTURE

High Performance, Low Environmental Impact

Energy consumption by residential and commercial buildings represents most of the energy consumption in the United States. With buildings consuming a whopping 39% of energy in the U.S. (and 38% of carbon dioxide emissions into our environment), the building industry has an opportunity and responsibility to switch up outdated methods and build for the future. Not to mention make an impact with environmental responsibility!

As builders and designers are looking to build structures with greater energy efficiency, Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs) offer a turnkey sustainable solution. SIPs are one of the most airtight and well-insulated building systems available, making them an inherently green product.

CARE FOR THE LONG HAUL

Positive Environmental Impacts of SIPs Building Systems:

  • Exceptional R-values for superior thermal comfort and reduced operational costs
  • Virtually airtight buildings allow for better control over indoor environmental conditions
  • Healthy indoor environments (IAQ – Indoor Air Quality)
  • Reduction in heating & cooling bills (regularly 60% less) help drop the demand on utilities and non-renewable energy
  • Buildings that use less energy (fossil fuel consumption) significantly help reduce carbon emissions and minimize additional pollution
  • Smaller HVAC systems (tighter/energy efficiency structures reduce the need for heating and cooling output)
  • Offsite factory production delivers a product with much less jobsite waste (regularly 60% less) than other construction framing methods
  • Engineered and manufactured with extreme strength and superior resiliency for the challenges that Mother Nature presents
  • A product made from renewable OSB resources and EPS insulation that is 100% recyclable
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

Regulating Sustainable Structures

Energy codes are changing, and SIPs are the turn key solution to meet energy codes. The advantaged of SIPs over traditional stick-framing methods are clear, and the state of California has recognized it in a state-wide law. Their Title 24 legislation, implements new “Building Energy Efficiency Standards” that requires new construction projects (residential and commercial) must install a list of mandatory energy efficiency measures in an effort to meet energy efficiency requirements. The most notable requirement is earmarked for 2030 when all new construction will be required to be net-zero energy structures (meaning they generate their own energy, taking none from the grid). Since California is an innovator in energy efficiency, it is very likely that other states will soon follow their lead.

Since government agencies recognize the significant environmental difference in high-performance framing methods like SIPs, shouldn’t you?

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Sustainable Building With SIPs

SIPs Save Energy

Year after year, SIPs buildings consume less energy than comparable stick frame structures. Building with SIPs creates a superior building envelope with high thermal resistance and minimal air infiltration. SIPs structures are between 40-60% more energy efficient than outdated framing methods.

SIPs Save Material Resources

The major components of SIPs, EPS Insulation and oriented strand board (OSB), take less energy and raw materials to produce than other structural building systems. Fabricated in a controlled factory environment, materials are optimized with precision equipment allowing for greater material efficiency.

SIPs Reduce Jobsite Waste

Superior SIPs building envelopes are factory fabricated, eliminating the waste of jobsite framing. By using advanced optimization software and automated fabrication technology to ensure the most efficient use of material, Premier SIPS regularly reduce construction waste by 30%.

SIPs Produce Healthier Indoor Environments

A SIP residential or commercial building allows for better control over indoor air quality, and occupant health, because the airtight building envelope limits incoming air (and any unwanted pollutants) infiltration. Controlled ventilation filters out contaminants and allergens, and dehumidifies the air, reducing the possibility for mold growth.

Premier SIPs Do Not Contain VOCs or Harmful Chemicals

Tested to prove that they are low VOC emitting (a critical attribute to achieve Clean Air Certification), SIPs do not contain any VOCs or other harmful chemicals that can affect occupant health. The components used to make SIPs (foam, oriented strand board, and adhesive) meet some of the most stringent standards for indoor air quality.

SIPs are Stronger, More Durable & Last Longer

Premier SIPS pass third-party testing on loads, strength, and much more, including seismic performance and missile tests demonstrating hurricane force winds. SIPs are used for high wind designs of more than 180 mph and are approved for Florida’s strict High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ).

SUSTAINABLE STANDARDS

Net Zero, LEED & Green Building Programs

Airtightness and energy efficiency help SIPs meet the various sustainable building standards. SIPs structures easily meet Energy Star, DOE Zero Energy Ready, PassiveHouse standards and more. In fact, SIPs buildings are so airtight that Energy Star has waived the requirement for blower door tests in their certification process. From a Green Building Code perspective, SIPs help a residential structure meet and exceed the NAHB National Green Building Standard ICC-700 2020.
Using Premier SIPS is the path for Commercial and Residential Projects to easily achieve LEED Certifications. Net-zero-ready projects often use SIP building envelopes as their structural backbones.

Click below to explore some of our innovative, high-performing Premier SIPS building examples.

CALIFORNIA

3 Palms Oceanside, Malibu

MONTANA

American Indian Hall, Bozeman

CANADA

East 18h Passive Residence, British Columbia

WASHINGTON

Pax Futura Passive Apartments, Seattle

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tax Credits for SIPs

Tax credits come from multiple sources, some federal and others regional based on energy efficient incentives. With a push in reducing carbon emissions and creating more renewable resources the incentives and tax rebates are growing rapidly. As a high performance building system that reduces energy consumption drastically, SIP systems easily qualify for. See the quick Q&A and links below for more information on your regions

Where can I find more regional information on credits and incentives?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

How do I qualify and apply for a residential tax credit?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

How do I qualify & apply for a commercial tax deduction?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

Can I receive a partial tax deduction?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

What is an energy efficient mortgage (EEM)?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

How do energy efficient mortgages work?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

How do I qualify and apply for an energy efficient mortgage?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

How much does a HERS rating cost?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

Where can I find more about energy efficient mortgages?

1). View the Database of State Incentives for Renewable s & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Visit the DSIRE website and click on your state for more local inventive information.

2). Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and amended several times. Visit TIAP website for more information and links that are available for you.

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We take environmental responsibility seriously; it’s a top-down approach about much more than just our products. See why Premier Building Systems is a true “Green” company.

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As the oldest manufacturer in the SIPs industry, Premier’s SIP system is the proven prefabricated building envelope framing system for your next commercial or residential structure. Faster, stronger, and greener than outdated lumber framing methods, SIPs are the future of framing. Join the other thousands of structures built with SIPs, and contact the expert in your local region to get started.

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