EPS Insulation.
EPS has a significantly higher CO₂ footprint than mineral wool and cellulose insulation. Use it only where technically necessary (load-bearing constructions), and consider alternatives. Read the numbers together with function, lifespan, detailing and the specific building element.
- Carbon Footprint (GWP)
- 3.29 kg CO₂-eq/kg
- Source: ECO Platform EPD average
- Density
- 15–30 kg/m³
- Expected Lifespan
- 50+ years
How to use this assessment
The assessment of eps insulation is a first decision basis. Carbon numbers, density and lifespan give a point of comparison, but the material must always be read together with structure, moisture, fire requirements, detailing, maintenance and the condition of the existing building. A good material choice is therefore both a data question and an architectural judgement. The useful next step is to clarify which questions should be examined further before the material is specified in a project.
Sources and boundaries
- EPD data
- Environmental data for EPS varies by product, density, thickness and EPD modules. A current EPD example for grey EPS declares 1 m², 100 mm and A1-A3 in kg CO₂-eq per m²; it should not be read as a universal kg/kg figure.
- Recycling
- Realdania material shows concrete examples of recycled EPS, but it does not document that all EPS is recycled in practice.
- Renovation and moisture
- For ground slabs, plinths and external insulation systems, material choice should be assessed together with moisture load, detailing and the age of the building.
What is eps insulation?
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, 'foam plastic') is one of the most widely used insulations for ground floors, plinths, and ETICS facades. It is light, inexpensive, and has good compressive strength. The carbon footprint is significant, and it is not biodegradable. Newer versions with graphite (grey EPS) have better insulating capacity.
Carbon Footprint Compared
Negative carbon footprint (green) indicates carbon storage. Data based on EPD averages from ECO Platform and estimates per EN 15804.
Typical Applications
- check_circle Ground floor insulation
- check_circle Plinth insulation
- check_circle ETICS facades
- check_circle Flat roofs (inverted)
In Renovation
EPS is typically used for ground floor renovation, plinth insulation, and ETICS facades on existing buildings. It is a compromise: inexpensive and effective, but with high CO₂ and disposal problems.
Questions about eps insulation
Is EPS harmful to the environment?
EPS is not biodegradable and becomes microplastic if not disposed of correctly. Flame retardants in EPS can contain problematic chemicals. Consider cellulose insulation or mineral wool as alternatives.
What is the difference between EPS and XPS?
EPS is expanded polystyrene (air bubbles). XPS is extruded polystyrene and is denser, stronger, and more moisture-resistant — but has even higher CO₂ footprint (4.16 vs. 3.29 kg/kg). XPS is used for moisture-exposed structures like plinths and flat roof edges.
Can EPS be recycled?
EPS can technically be recycled (melted and granulated), but recycling rates are low in practice. Most EPS ends up in incineration (energy recovery) rather than genuine material recycling.
Is grey EPS better?
Grey EPS contains graphite that improves insulating capacity by approximately 20% compared to white EPS at the same thickness. It gives the same insulation in a thinner board, but CO₂ footprint per kg is roughly the same.
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