What Are SIPs? The Basics of Structural Insulated Panels
Learn the basics of structural insulated panels (SIPs) and discover how Premier Building Systems' award-winning panels can..
Premier SIPS has quickly become the #1 go-to prefabricated framing system for energy efficient structures.
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dioxide emissions into our environment), the building industry has an opportunity and responsibility to switch up outdated methods and build for the future.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.
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?
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 SIPs structures are between 40-60% more energy efficient than outdated framing methods.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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).
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.
3 Palms Oceanside, Malibu
American Indian Hall, Bozeman
East 18h Passive Residence, British Columbia
Pax Futura Passive Apartments, Seattle
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn the basics of structural insulated panels (SIPs) and discover how Premier Building Systems' award-winning panels can..
The Premier SIPS brand is the top Structural Brand in Green Builder Media's Sustainable Brand Awards 2023, and at the center..
Net Zero construction is simplified with offsite construction like SIPS and Canada's Step Code is targeting this energy..
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.