Building for Climate Change: SIP panels explained

NZ commits to becoming carbon zero by 2050

In 2016, New Zealand committed to The Paris Agreement, a global agreement that commits all countries to take action on climate change. 

In accordance with this agreement, New Zealand is committed to being carbon-neutral by 2050.

The construction industry plays an important part in achieving this goal, and consequently, the NZ Government has tasked MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment) with finding ways to align the industry with this goal. 

MBIE states that 'The Building and Construction Sector needs to play its part in meeting this goal as the Sector currently accounts for around 20% of New Zealand’s carbon emissions through the energy and materials used in buildings.'

So what does this mean when it comes to building a home?

Changes are already being made to the NZ Building Code, which involves reducing energy use (energy used to heat and cool) in houses and buildings by increasing insulation and airtightness requirements.

Timber framing is the industry norm and the ability to reach high levels of energy efficiency by adding extra batt insulation is difficult. 

Now is the time to consider Structural Insulated Panels, also known as sips or sip panels.

About Formance SIPs

Formance SIP panels are made in Christchurch, NZ by Formance. 

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs, or SIP panels) are high-performing thermally efficient composite panels that consist of a sandwich of two layers of structural board with an insulating layer of foam in between. They are used as insulated walls, roofs, and floors in residential and commercial buildings.

SIP panel homes are energy-efficient - Once the Formance sip panels are installed, they deliver superior performance through high insulation and airtightness, reducing energy usage and costs over the building’s lifetime. SIPs are known to be around 50% more energy efficient than traditional timber frame and batt insulation. A SIP building envelope has minimal thermal bridging and provides an ideal solution to net-zero building standards.

Formance sources raw materials from sustainable sources - Formance SIPs contribute positively to the environment by reducing operational carbon emissions through energy efficiency. They are made from sustainable and recyclable materials and the manufacturing process also uses low energy. 

SIP panels allow for less site waste and faster construction times - Faster construction times are also another benefit of the Formance SIP panel system. Predesigned and pre-cut panels allow for quick onsite assembly and projects are made watertight in a matter of days. Formance SIP panel builders are familiar with our panels and are experienced with installation, ensuring low site waste, high-quality SIP home builds.

Discover more about building a comfortable,
energy-efficient home:

Like to learn the benefits of a Formance Home?
Download our Complete Guide to SIPs here!

Keen to get designing your project in Formance?
Download the Formance Design Guide here.

Our friendly team will be happy to help if you have any further questions about SIP panels and energy-efficient homes! Just contact us here