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6017019 
Journal Article 
Structural Insulated Panels: An Efficient Way to Build 
Wilson, A 
1998 
0 
Environmental Building News
ISSN: 1062-3957 
7 
5 
1 
The energy and resource benefits of using structural insulated panels (SIPs) in buildings are discussed. Other environmental considerations relating to SIP use in construction also are examined, including indoor air quality, durability, and foam insulation life-cycle issues. The materials used in SIPs are described. Panels provide superior energy performance, as measured by whole-wall R value because of fewer thermal breaks and airtight construction. In terms of resource efficiency, SIP houses use less total wood, mostly as framing lumber. One concern with SIPs is ozone depletion from the blowing agents used in the foam and the chemical precursors. R&D efforts to overcome these problems are reviewed. Another concern is offgassing of formaldehyde over time, but experts disagree over whether indoor air pollution from SIPs is a serious problem. Other concerns about durability, creep, and insect infestation in panels are addressed. 
Environment Abstracts; AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR; INSULATION; STYRENE; ENERGY CONSERVATION, DOMESTIC; BUILDINGS; ENA 07:General