Mar 23 2006
To support its efforts to build structures that are stronger, more energy efficient and contribute to sustainable development, Green Sandwich Technologies, North Hollywood, Calif., selected foam made from BASF's Styropor expandable polystyrene (EPS) resins for its most popular line of structural concrete insulating panels.
The Green Sandwich Building System™ enables architects and developers to create aesthetically appealing, sustainable structures faster and more economically. The system consists of structural concrete insulating panels (SCIPs) made with a core of BASF’s Styropor EPS foam with a pre-engineered reinforcing cage surrounding and penetrating it. Green Sandwich Panels are highly versatile and can be used for roofs, walls, floors, pools, countertops and fences.
“Structures made with the Green Sandwich Building System are designed to withstand major earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, and can be built in approximately half the time compared to conventional construction at a competitive cost,” said Mark David Heath, Chief Technology Officer at Green Sandwich Technologies. “Because our panels are reinforced by a layer of concrete on both sides, they resist pests, mold and vermin, and have the highest fire rating in the industry. In addition to these performance benefits, the Green Sandwich Building System has an unlimited number of design configurations and finishes for residential and commercial applications.”
Heath added that with the use of BASF’s Styropor EPS in the SCIPs’ core, the Green Sandwich Panels deliver effective insulation performance that can save energy costs for home and building owners. “This enables builders to install smaller HVAC units to heat and cool structures,” he said.
“Styropor EPS provides the best cost-to-R-Value ratio of thermal insulation foams, and is increasingly being used in applications like SCIPs, other structural insulated panels (SIPs) and systems that promote improved energy efficiency,” said Jack Armstrong, Business Manager for BASF’s Styropor EPS business in North America. “We are delighted to be aligned with Green Sandwich Technologies, who share our global commitment to bringing tangible solutions in sustainable development that help reduce burdens placed on the environment and save costs at the same time.” BASF signed a joint marketing agreement with Green Sandwich Technologies last month.
Armstrong added that Styropor EPS received the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® designation from Air Quality Sciences, Inc., as a low-emitting material that helps manufacturers create healthier and safer indoor environments. Also, McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) previously announced that Styropor EPS resins have strong attributes of environmental sustainability in that they can be used and recycled in thermal insulation applications after conducting a rigorous evaluation of the ‘environmental health and intelligence’ of the material.
BASF will showcase tangible solutions in energy conservation with its Near Zero Energy Home-Paterson, N.J., project in mid-2006, in which the company will feature “green” building practices and technologies. Once the construction and demonstration phases are completed, the Near Zero Energy Home will be donated to St. Michael’s Housing Corporation, Paterson,
N.J. This organization will then turn over the home to Richard Sosa, a quadriplegic boy, and his family to occupy. The BASF Near Zero Energy Home-Paterson, N.J., is designed to accommodate their special needs. Green Sandwich SCIPs will be used for privacy walls and retaining walls on the property. More information on this project can be found at www.betterhomebetterplanet.com.