How Green is Polystyrene Insulation?

Polystyrene insulation or EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) as it is often called in the industry is used frequently for insulating buildings and also for ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) and SIPS (Structural Insulation Panels). It is made up from closed-cell tough foam constituted from polystyrene beads and it provides superb insulation.

There is a lot of focus on products being environmentally –friendly in the insulation industry and EPS can definitely be described as a ‘green’ product. Polystyrene insulation offers energy efficiency, it can be recycled and its mould –resistant qualities means that it doesn’t decay.

Improving energy efficiency

Used frequently for insulating commercial and domestic properties, EPS improves a building’s energy efficiency and studies have shown that it can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to this, EPS is 100% recyclable and its mould- resistant properties help to improve indoor environmental quality. It is also flame retardant with no dangerous CFCs or HCFCs being a problem.

Another ‘green’ factor about EPS is that it can be manufactured locally and therefore cut down on transportation costs. Labour costs and waste can also be reduced when it is manufactured on site.

Green policy

When EPS is used in ICFS or SIPS it generally has to conform to a LEED rating (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). This is an international building certification system which measures things like energy efficiency, sustainability, water efficiency and the use of ‘green’ materials and resources.

This strict code of practice ensures that having a ‘green’ policy is at the forefront of the industry’s mind.

Vertapak are one of the leading designers and manufacturers of polystyrene beads and polystyrene balls insulation in the UK. For more information about our extensive EPS range then please get in touch.