Amol asks: Is EPS (expanded polystyrene) classified as a Green Material and are products based on these like ICFs (insulating concrete forms) classified as Green Products? if yes or no, WHY??
Answer:
Advice provided by: Ace Glen Garcia, LEED Green Associate, HAL Consultants Share
Hi Amol, thank you for your query.
In short, yes - expanded polystyrene is a "green" product.
Is Expanded Polystyrene a Green Product?
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is typically used in buildings as insulation, or as insulating concrete forms (ICF). It is a closed-cell, tough foam made from polystyrene beads.
EPS is a green building product because it offers energy efficiency, recycled content, mold resistance and indoor environmental quality.
What Are the Green Characteristics of EPS?
First, EPS is a green building product because it is used as insulation, which improves a building's energy efficiency. EPS is shown to have a long-term, stable R-value. A 2009 national study found that EPS provides a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when used to insulate homes in
EPS is made from mostly recycled materials is 100 percent recyclable. One study found that when compared to fiberglass insulation, it required 24% less energy to produce EPS insulation with an equivalent R-value at a representative volume.
Additionally, EPS resists mold growth, which improved indoor environmental quality. It is also flame-retardant with no CFCs or HCFCs.
EPS can be manufactured locally, which reduces the energy use and cost of transportation. Also, some EPS applications can reduce on-site construction waste and labor costs.
EPS, Insulating Concrete Forms and LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system. The LEED rating systems measure performance in many areas of sustainability, such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and use of environmentally friendly materials and resouces.
Several EPS structural system applications, like insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulation panels (SIPS), are commonly recognized by LEED as providing key environmental advantages.
EPS and its derivative products may contribute to the following credits in the LEED for New Construction 2009 rating system:
1.Materials and Resources (MR) Credit 2: Construction Waste Management
2.MR Credit 4: Recycled Content
3.EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance
4.EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance
5.Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit 7: Thermal Comfort
I hope that answers your query.