|
| EPS foam insulation is a cost effective and extremely versatile building material that can be used in a variety of applications to achieve increased energy savings.
There are several green building programs in North America. A majority of the green building programs recognized in the U.S. and Canada have similar criteria for evaluating environmental attributes with two major considerations: material selection and long-term building performance.
EPS can contribute to achieving green building ratings in the following categories.
Energy & Atmosphere
. EPS insulation facilitates compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-1999.
. EPS can be manufactured in a variety of densities and thicknesses to meet environmental design criteria to deliver a range of R-value specifications.
. EPS has always been CFC and HCFC free.
. EPS is the only rigid foam insulation that provides long-term thermal resistance that does not need to be adjusted for age.
. EPS building systems reduce air leakage for increased thermal efficiency. |
|
| Materials & Resources
. Recycled content EPS that meets ASTM C578 minimum performance properties can be specified for rigid foam insulation.
. Recycled content polystyrene can be specified when procuring plastic lumber, interior trim, lightweight concrete, asphalt aggregate and other building products.
. With hundreds of plant locations in North America, EPS is manufactured locally, minimizing its distribution radius. Because it is lightweight EPS reduces transportation costs and energy. |
|
| Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
. EPS is not known to adversely affect indoor air quality.
. EPS mold resistance tests favorably in accordance with ASTM C1338.
. EPS building systems can prevent noise transmission, resulting in quieter buildings.
. EPS insulation helps maintain a consistent air temperature. |
|
| Sustainable Sites
. EPS insulation reduces impacts on the microclimate.
. EPS geofoam maintains ecological integrity and reduces erosions through soil stabilization.
. EPS frost protected shallow foundations (FPSF's) minimize excavation below the frost line and are ideal for sites with high groundwater table. |
|
| Copyright © EPS Molders Association 2008 |
