New green building panels from... polystyrene?

A company in Nevada has developed a polystyrene-based building material it says is energy efficient and ecologically sound.

The Energy Efficient Building System (EEBS) from Kama claims to be a 100% recyclable building product that is highly energy efficient, structural and has no thermal bridge or sound bridge – or even screws.

Essentially light-gauge metal framing filled with a special expanded polystyrene, the company claims the EEBS needs no additional soundproofing and insulation, and can be used to construct any design, including multi-levels and curved walls.

While polystyrene is traditionally made from petroleum products and contains CFCs, Kama President Alaina Miller told the Cleantech Group that wasn't the case with their foam material.

Miller said pentane is replaced with air in the final stages of their manufacturing process, which meant EEBS panels were environmentally friendly, didn't off-gas or produce harmful toxins when burned.

Miller was unclear whether petroleum was used in the manufacture of their expanded polystyrene.

Buildings constructed with Kama EEBS are 60% more energy efficient than those built with traditional wood or metal stud framing, the company said, which could reduce a building’s heating and air conditioning requirements by one third.

According to Kama, its panels are resistant to fire, mold, mildew, moisture and insects, are 2½ times stronger than wood, and fast and easy to install.

“We believe this is the most industry-changing, cutting-edge, versatile and most energy efficient building product in the world today,” said Ken Miller, CEO of Kama.

For building teams seeking U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification, building with Kama panels can contribute up to 23 LEED points, the company said.

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