Sustainable Structural Insulated Panels

Insulation made from recycled plastic and organic materials.
Climate Change Mitigation Advancing Net Zero Circular Economy Solutions Modern Methods of Construction

Problem Addressed

Bio-SIP™ addresses one of construction’s most pressing sustainability challenges – the environmental impact of traditional building materials.

With embodied carbon responsible for 20% of UK built environment emissions, it is imperative that construction materials are as sustainably sourced and reusable as possible. Some conventional insulation and structural systems rely heavily on carbon-intensive products such as concrete, steel, and petrochemical foams, which contribute to global CO₂ emissions and resource depletion. The industry also faces growing pressure to reduce waste and transition toward circular, low-impact materials without compromising performance or scalability.

Solution Overview

Bio-SIP™ is a sustainably sourced and high-performance SIP developed by Qube Buildings to make construction easier and more environmentally friendly. The panels themselves are composed of an insulation core made from 100% recycled PET plastic sourced from a reputable manufacturer, and a structural facing made from bio-based materials including hemp and waste products from sugarcane production. In total, the insulated panels are made from 99.5% recycled plastic and organic materials. While this does create a wall system that combines the biological and technical cycles, it is assembled without adhesives, allowing for easier disassembly. This means these components can be moved and reassembled or repurposed at end of life.

The Bio-SIP™ system is used to construct complete buildings or upgrade existing structures, forming the building envelop providing an all-in-one structural system. It can be applied across net-zero homes, modular buildings, extensions, leisure facilities, classrooms, garden buildings and affordable housing.

In terms of thermal performance, independent testing by the BBA recorded a thermal resistance of 1.377 m²K/W at 100mm, and a 300mm panel achieves a U-value of 0.11 W/m²K, meeting PassivHaus standards for ultra-efficient construction.

Fire testing in accordance with EN 1365-1 demonstrated 52 minutes of structural fire resistance, with a reaction-to-fire classification of Class E. These results form part of the evidence base for Bio-SIP’s ongoing BBA certification process.

Manufacturing of Bio-SIP™ is planned to be micro-factory model, enabling scalable and decentralised production. Rather than relying on a single centralised facility, small modular micro-factories can be established close to markets, reducing transport emissions and stimulating local economies. Each micro-factory can produce Bio-SIP™ panels, assemble building kits, and support nearby construction partners, creating a network of regional sustainable manufacturing hubs. Initial calculation show the return on investment (ROI) for a Bio-SIP™ micro-factory is projected within 2–3 years, based on current sales forecasts and profit margins achieved in early small-scale projects. Once scaled, each factory can generate an estimated net profit of £150,000–£250,000 per annum, depending on production volume and local market conditions.

Company name

Qube Buildings

UK availability

Yes

Date added

Oct, 2023

Links

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Case Study

Bio-SIPS were used for the construction of a garden building in Chiddingfold, Surrey. Due to the modular components used, the entire building arrived flat-packed on a single luton van. A team of three installers completed the whole project in only two days including the installation of ground screws as a foundation system. The finished garden building was used to store paints and chemicals, meaning the thermal stability provided by the panels was appreciated by the clients.

Facts and Figures

1.377 m²K/W

thermal resistance at 100mm

0.11 W/m²K

U-value at 300mm

2-3 years

ROI on micro-factory

This page presents data, evidence, and solutions that are provided by our partners and members and should therefore not be attributed to UKGBC. While we showcase these solutions for inspiration, to build consensus, and create momentum for climate action, UKGBC does not offer commercial endorsement of individual solutions. If you would like to quote something from this page, or more information, please contact our Communications team at media@ukgbc.org.

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