Testing on SIP homes shows that they exceed their anticipated, engineered r-value expectations when assembled. Two homes built in the early 90's built in the same neighborhood, to the same orientations were tested by the Florida Solar Energy Project. Using the same plan, one was built using stick frame construction the other using SIP construction. The report also noted that the stick frame construction greatly exceeded typically construction quality in terms of caulking, sealing, and overall tightness. Other tests have shown similar results.
SIPs are highly efficient building materials from an embedded energy standpoint.
The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are both strong supporters of the material and the industry. Another standard of renewability is recyclability, both in the use of recycled materials used in the home and in the potential for recyclability or reusability of the materials when the useful life of the home has come to an end. Other standards exist regarding the polluting effects of manufacture and transportation. SIP homes exceed Energy Star structure insulation standards automatically. Although expanded foams are manufactured from petroleum products, their use in insulation is a durable use and in the case of EPS, a recyclable use.