SIP, Structural Insulated Panels energy savings

Heating and cooling is typically the largest home expense after the mortgage payments. Structures built with SIPs use an average of 40% less energy than conventionally framed structures. Structural Insulated Panels have a 31% better insulation value than stick built with no drafts or cold spots. The R-Value of a typical SIP wall is R-25. The lifecycle costs of building with SIPs are unmatched.

"The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) found a 12% to 17% energy savings from using SIP construction. The FSEC also monitored side-by-side SIP and conventional wood-framed structures for several winter months. The airtightness of the SIP house (measured at 0.21 air changes per hour [ach]) and was better than the conventional wood-framed house (measured at 0.27 ach)." - U.S. Department of Energy's website on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Structural insulated panels are completely compliant with international building codes and provide a structure inherently stronger and more suited to withstand natural disasters.

"An increasing number of houses are being built with SIPs. They are attractive because of their relatively high-uniform R-values, square, flat and plumb walls, and ease and speed of construction. Problems with natural pests can be minimized with adequate prevention measures. Buildings made of SIPs appear to be safer than some other types, even in fire."
- U.S. Department of Energy's website on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

the inconsistency of R-values
"Although R-values are a convenient and common yardstick to measure thermal performance, the usefulness of them is limited. In a 2000 study by Brock University in Ontario, two almost identical homes - one built with stick frame and the other with SIPs - were compared for energy efficiency. Thermal analysis revealed the 2-by-6 stick-frame house (rated at R-20) actually performed at an R-4 equivalent while the 4 1/2-inch-wide SIPs home performed at a true R-17 level in 13-degree temperatures. The reason for the wide discrepancy is because, unlike frame systems, SIPs offer continuous insulation values across large areas of airtight walls, unbroken by studs that would otherwise conduct heat and let cool air into the building. In terms of real-world energy conservation, the SIPs home consumed only a quarter as much energy over one year as its stick-built counterpart, even though R-value ratings were comparable."
- Mother Earth News - October / November 2005