The Role of Sandwich Panels in Green Building Design
The Role of Sandwich Panels in Green Building Design
As the world shifts toward sustainable construction, architects and engineers are increasingly turning to sandwich panels as a versatile, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly building solution. These panels—composed of two metal facings and an insulated core—play a crucial role in green building projects, from LEED-certified offices to net-zero energy homes.
At Shenyang Zishenlong Light Steel Color Plate Co., Ltd., we manufacture high-performance sandwich panels that align with global sustainability standards. This blog explores how sandwich panels contribute to green building design and why they outperform traditional materials.
1. Energy Efficiency & Thermal Performance
① Superior Insulation Properties
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PIR/PU Core: Thermal conductivity as low as 0.022 W/m·K (vs. 0.5–1.0 W/m·K for concrete).
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Rock Wool Core: Fireproof (Class A) + Soundproof, ideal for schools and hospitals.
② Reduced HVAC Loads
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Buildings with sandwich panels save 30–50% on heating/cooling costs.
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Case Study: A warehouse in Sweden reduced its annual energy consumption by 40% using 150mm PIR panels.
2. Sustainable Material Choices
① Recycled & Recyclable Materials
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Steel Facings: Contain 30–60% recycled content and are 100% recyclable.
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Insulation Cores: Some PIR/PU foams use bio-based raw materials.
② Lower Embodied Carbon
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Producing steel emits 30% less CO₂ than concrete.
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Prefabrication reduces construction waste by 90%.
3. Contribution to Green Building Certifications
✅ LEED Credits – Sandwich panels contribute to:
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Energy & Atmosphere (EA) – High insulation = lower energy use.
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Materials & Resources (MR) – Recycled content and low waste.
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Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) – No VOC emissions.
✅ BREEAM & Passive House Compliance – Meets strict thermal and airtightness standards.
4. Durability & Low Maintenance
🛡 Long Lifespan (30+ Years) – Resists corrosion, mold, and pests.
🔧 Minimal Upkeep – No need for frequent repainting or repairs (unlike wood or concrete).
5. Applications in Green Buildings
🏢 Commercial & Industrial
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Net-Zero Offices – High insulation + solar-ready roofs.
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Cold Storage Facilities – Maintains stable temps with minimal energy.
🏡 Residential & Modular
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Passive Houses – Achieves ultra-low energy consumption.
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Eco-Friendly Prefab Homes – Fast assembly, low waste.
🏥 Healthcare & Education
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Hygienic Surfaces – Easy to clean, preventing bacterial growth.
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Acoustic Comfort – Rock wool cores reduce noise pollution.
6. How to Maximize Sustainability with Sandwich Panels?
1️⃣ Choose the Right Core
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PIR/PU – Best thermal performance.
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Rock Wool – Best fire resistance + soundproofing.
2️⃣ Optimize Thickness
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50–100mm for moderate climates.
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150–200mm for extreme conditions.
3️⃣ Select Eco-Friendly Facings
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Galvanized Steel – Durable and recyclable.
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PVDF-Coated Panels – Long-lasting color, reducing repaint needs.
7. Why Choose Zishenlong’s Green Sandwich Panels?
✔ Certified Sustainable – CE, ISO, FM Global, and LEED-compliant.
✔ Custom Solutions – Tailored R-values, fire ratings, and finishes.
✔ Global Supply – Projects delivered to Europe, North America, and Asia.
Recent Project:
A LEED Platinum factory in the Netherlands achieved 50% energy savings with our panels.