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

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