SIPS stands for, Structural Insulated Panels and are a type of building material commonly used in eco-friendly or sustainable construction due to their energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Here’s some information about SIPs in eco-friendly building:

1.  Energy Efficiency: SIPs consist of a layer of foam insulation sandwiched between two panels of oriented strand board (OSB) or other materials. This design provides excellent thermal insulation, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
2.  Reduced Waste: SIPs are manufactured with precision, which means there’s less material waste during the construction process compared to traditional framing methods. This reduction in waste aligns with eco-friendly building principles.
3.  Airtightness: SIPs create a tight building envelope when properly installed. This airtightness helps prevent drafts, moisture infiltration, and heat loss, all of which contribute to a more comfortable and energy-efficient living space.
4.  Renewable Resources: The core insulation material in SIPs is typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam or similar materials. Many of these foams can be made from renewable resources and are recyclable, further reducing their environmental impact.
5.  Durability: SIPs are known for their structural integrity and durability. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, reducing the need for repairs and replacements over time.
6.  Sustainable Design: SIPs can be used in various architectural styles and designs, allowing for the creation of eco-friendly homes with modern aesthetics.
7.  Energy Efficiency Credits: In some regions, building with SIPs may make you eligible for energy efficiency tax credits or incentives, further encouraging their use in eco-friendly construction.
8.  Health Benefits: SIPs can contribute to better indoor air quality because of their airtightness and insulation, which can reduce the infiltration of allergens and pollutants.
9.  Reduced Carbon Footprint: Due to their insulation properties, SIPs can help reduce the carbon footprint of a building by lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling.

When using SIPs in an eco-friendly building project, it’s essential to consider other sustainable practices like using eco-friendly construction materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and designing for efficient water use. The combination of SIPs and other eco-friendly strategies can result in a highly sustainable and energy-efficient building.

This week we attended the UK Construction Week at the NEC in Birmingham and had an in depth chat with the fantastic team at SipsEco and they provided us with some exceptional detail about the build. To name a few:

• Typical house can be erected in 5-7 days, even including the roof
• 65% less timber than with traditional build methods
• 90% less site wastage because the kit is manufactured off site
• 7x stronger than timber frame
• 3x stronger than brick and block
• Potential to save you up to 60% per annum on your heating bills

The product is certified by the BBA (British Board of Agrément) and also falls in line with the LABC, NHBC and Premier Guarantees to provide the owner of the build with assurances over the build quality.

Will this be the future of development? Could this work for your project? To find out more contact us about your project: yourproject@df-uk.co.uk