Environmental Benefits

Environmentally Friendly

Molded polystyrene has never contained CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbon) or formaldehyde which are harmful to the earth’s ozone. Polystyrene is inert and stable and does not produce methane gas or contaminating leachates.
 

ACH Foam Technologies expanded polystyrene EPS environmental benefitsResource Efficient

Molded Polystyrene manufacturing uses little energy, in which steam is a component of the manufacturing process. The water from this process is collected and re-used many times. Additionally, only 0.1% of total oil consumption is used to manufacture EPS.
 

Made with Recycled Material

Scrap polystyrene generated during manufacturing or from jobsite waste can be ground and incorporated into new foam products. Polystyrene is recyclable and can be turned into new products or thermally processed into a resin to make other products such as garden furniture, coat hangers and crown molding.
 

Saves Energy and Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings in the US alone account for 36% of energy use and 30% of green house gas emissions. Using polystyrene in commercial and residential construction helps to reduce energy consumption and green house gas emissions. Polystyrene has higher, more stable long term R-Values than other insulation alternatives. R-Value measures the thermal resistance. The higher the R-Value the better a product insulates a building.

A home built with a molded polystyrene system such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) or Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) creates an airtight building envelope which reduces air leakage and heat loss, thus reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in our atmosphere more than with a home built with 2x dimensional lumber. The majority of SIPs are fabricated offsite and delivered ready to assemble, meaning onsite cutting and fabrication is virtually eliminated. This reduces onsite waste and space requirements.
 

Used Nationwide in LEED Certified Projects

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Owners of LEED buildings receive tax incentives for reducing the environmental impact on their surroundings.
Energy & Atmosphere
Credit 1 – Molded Polystyrene provides a stable R-Value without thermal drift, ensuring long term performance
Credit 2 – Molded Polystyrene helps ensure compliance with local energy codes and ASHRAE 90.1-1999

Materials & Resources
Credit 1 – Molded Polystyrene is dimensionally stable and can be reused during building renovations.
Credit 4 – Made with up to 15% recycled content
Credit 5 – ACH Foam has many plant locations across the US. The plant is likely to be within 500 miles from the jobsite

Consult LEED for more information about credits and tax incentives.

Reduces Supply Chain Waste

Molded polystyrene cushions and protects products better than alternative packaging (corrugated cardboard, wood, etc.) from repeat impacts during shipment.  This reduces waste caused by goods that are broken or damaged in the supply chain saving energy, material and transportation resources.
 

Reduces Fuel Consumption

ACH has nationwide locations throughout the United States. The light weight of our product combined with shorter shipping distances reduces fuel consumption.
 

About ACH Foam Technologies

ACH Foam has been manufacturing environmentally friendly polystyrene for over 30 years before green meant anything.