Structural Insulated Panel Association

What Structural Insulated Panel Association does

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit trade association (501(c)(6)) founded in 1990 and headquartered at P.O. Box 39848, Fort Lauderdale, FL, operating with 1-10 staff. It is the only trade body exclusively dedicated to structural insulated panels — high-performance building panels consisting of an insulating foam core (typically expanded polystyrene or polyurethane) sandwiched between two structural OSB facings, manufactured in factory-controlled conditions up to 8 feet by 24 feet. SIPA represents manufacturers, suppliers (OSB, resin, foam, adhesives, sealants), dealer/distributors, builders, and design professionals across residential, commercial, agricultural, and public works construction, with documented projects in 46+ US states and nine international markets.

SIPA generates revenue primarily through tiered membership dues — Manufacturer ($3,100-$26,500/year), Supplier ($1,850-$12,200/year), Dealer/Distributor ($250/year), Builder ($160-$210/year), and Design Professional/Associate ($160/year) — supplemented by publication sales (Builder's Guide to SIPs at $45, SIP Industry Production Survey at $575), annual event revenue from the SelectSIPs Expo and Building Excellence Awards, and indirect website-driven lead generation for member companies. The association's proprietary assets include the Master SIP Builder credentialing program (BEST), AIA-accredited continuing education, the free SIP True Cost Bidding Tool (developed with former DOE Chief Architect Sam Rashkin), Intertek fire-rated assembly listings, ICC-ES code compliance recognition, and a content library of hundreds of documented SIP projects spanning residential, commercial, agricultural, and institutional categories.

SIPA's go-to-market combines content marketing (40,000+ monthly website visitors, 60,000+ newsletter recipients) with event-driven engagement (annual SelectSIPs Expo, 25th edition in 2027) and sales-led membership recruitment through the member directory and a 'Tell Us About Your Project' lead-capture form. Strategic partnerships with APA — The Engineered Wood Association, Building Science Corporation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Mountain Institute, the DOE Better Buildings Residential Network, and EEBA reinforce SIPA's positioning as the SIP industry's standards, education, and lead-generation hub. The association's stated performance benchmarks include 55% framing labor reduction, 50%+ utility savings, <3 ACH50 airtightness, and SIPs' compatibility with LEED, Passive House, ENERGY STAR, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certifications.

Name

Structural Insulated Panel Association

Legal name

Structural Insulated Panel Association

Website

https://sips.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Structural Insulated Panel Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association founded in 1990 that represents manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, builders, and design professionals in the structural insulated panel (SIP) industry, generating revenue through tiered membership dues, publications, annual events, and lead generation serving the North American construction market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Industry Trade Association

NAICS

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)

akta.pro primary industry

Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) & Foam-Core Composite Panel Manufacturing (IMANAIAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)

Keywords

• Structural insulated panels
• Construction trade association
• Building panel manufacturing
• High-performance building systems
• Energy-efficient construction

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Lauderdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: SIPA generates revenue from tiered membership dues. Manufacturer membership ranges from $3,100 (international) to $26,500 (Level 3, >1.5M sf/yr), with additional per-plant fees. Supplier membership ranges $1,850-$12,200. Dealer/Distributor membership is $250. Builder membership is $160 first year, $210 second year. Design Professional and Associate memberships are $160.
2. Publication Sales: Revenue from selling technical publications, guides, and reports including the Builder's Guide to SIPs (print and digital at $45), Product Guide ($3), and the SIP Industry Production Survey ($575). Many publications are also offered as free PDFs.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue from the annual SelectSIPs Expo and Annual Meeting. The 25th Annual Building Excellence Awards ceremony is held at the Annual Meeting, with award entries submitted by member companies.
4. Website Lead Generation: SIPA's website with 40,000+ monthly visitors and consumer lead forms ('Tell Us About Your Project') generates leads that are directed to member companies, creating indirect revenue for the SIP ecosystem the association serves.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association founded in 1990 that represents manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders in the structural insulated panel (SIP) industry. It delivers membership services, technical publications (including the Builder's Guide to SIPs), AIA-accredited education, the BEST builder training/credentialing program, the SIP True Cost Bid Tool, industry research, the Building Excellence Awards, and the annual SelectSIPs Expo to advance adoption of high-performance SIP construction.

Product overview

The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit trade association (501c6) established in 1990 that does not offer a single software product but rather a portfolio of educational publications, training programs, credentialing services, and online tools focused on structural insulated panels (SIPs) for residential and commercial construction. The core offerings include the Builder's Guide to SIPs (print and digital editions), the SIP True Cost Bid Tool for cost comparison calculations, the Building Education with SIPs Training (BEST) program for builder certification, and various technical publications including the SIP Specification, Design Considerations, and Best Practices series. SIPA also provides AIA-accredited online training for design professionals and operates a Master SIP Builder credentialing program. The association serves as a forum for promotion, communication, education, quality assurance, and technical and marketing research for the SIP industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Builder's Guide to SIPs (Print) 330-page building science manual for SIP construction written by Joseph Lstiburek of Building Science Corporation, covering foundation design, HVAC strategies, drainage planes, air sealing, window flashing, and more. Sold to builders and design professionals at $45 plus shipping.
• Builder's Guide to SIPs (Digital) PDF version of the 330-page Builder's Guide to SIPs building science manual emailed within 2 business days of purchase for $45. Targeted at builders and design professionals seeking a digital reference.
• Product Guide to Structural Insulated Panels 24-page brochure developed by APA – The Engineered Wood Association in conjunction with SIPA quantifying how SIPs save time and energy, including design/construction considerations, load tables, and connection details. Available as free PDF or $3 print copy.
• Designing with SIPs: Design Considerations 20-page checklist providing manufacturer members' combined knowledge to ensure best experience for designers, builders, and owners of SIP buildings. Available as free PDF or $3 printed brochure.
• Building with SIPs: Need to Know Construction-phase document highlighting important considerations for SIP structures, created by SIPA manufacturing members to reduce the learning curve and leverage SIPs' qualities. Available as free PDF.
• General Do's and Don'ts for Handling and Installing SIPs Practical tips and suggestions for handling, storage, assembly, weather details, and interior comfort when working with SIPs. Available as free PDF for builders and installers.
• SIP Industry Production Survey -- 2019 Ten-page narrative research report on SIP industry production levels for 2019 covering industry totals, residential vs. nonresidential usage, panel configuration, building types, panel components, and geographic distribution. Priced at $575.
• SIP True Cost Bid Tool (STCBT) Free online tool co-developed with Sam Rashkin (retired Chief Architect, U.S. DOE) that helps prospective owners and builders calculate true cost and real savings of SIP projects compared to traditional stick-frame construction.
• Building Education with SIPs Training (BEST) Program Online training course covering what builders need to know about SIP installation. The first step toward becoming a Registered SIP Builder or Master SIP Builder with SIPA.
• SIPA Registered Builder Program / Master SIP Builder Credential Credentialing program for builders. Master SIP Builder status requires completion of the BEST program plus submission of blower door tests and rigorous project checklists.
• SIP Specification 06 12 00 Industry specification document that SIPA members agree to meet as part of the Member Code of Conduct, used by architects and specifiers writing SIP project specifications.
• AIA Accredited Online Training Courses AIA-accredited continuing education courses for architects and engineers covering SIP design considerations, building science, and technical applications.
• SIP Design Best Practices Series Ten-topic series covering key aspects of SIP construction including high-performance building envelope, HVAC systems, and structural capabilities, aimed at builders and designers.

Quantifiable outcome

• SIPs reduce framing labor by 55% compared to conventional wood framing (R.S. Means study)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• Sam Rashkin (Retired Chief Architect, U.S. DOE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Sam Rashkin, retired Chief Architect of the U.S. Department of Energy and author of 'Housing 2.0: A Disruption Survival Guide', co-developed the SIP True Cost Bidding Tool (STCBT) with SIPA in 2023. The free online tool helps compare SIP projects against stick-frame construction, demonstrating true cost and real savings.
• American Chemistry Council - Green Building SolutionsminorOthersListed as an industry partner on the SIPA About page. Represents the polystyrene/foam chemical industry and promotes green building solutions compatible with SIP construction using foam cores.
• APA – The Engineered Wood AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with SIPA to develop the 24-page Product Guide to Structural Insulated Panels brochure, quantifying how SIPs save time and energy with design/construction considerations, load tables, and connection details. APA is the primary OSB (oriented strand board) supplier to SIP manufacturers.
• Building Science CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding Science Corporation, led by renowned building scientist Joseph Lstiburek, co-authored the Builder's Guide to SIPs with SIPA. The guide is a flagship 330-page building science manual distributed as part of the SIPA new member package and sold through the SIPA Store.
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Better Buildings Residential NetworkmoderateOthersSIPA is listed as a partner in the DOE Better Buildings Residential Network, which aims to accelerate adoption of energy-efficient building technologies including SIPs.
• DOE Zero Energy Ready Home ProgrammoderateOthersSIPA partners with the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program. SIPs are listed as an enabling technology to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge for net-zero, carbon-neutral buildings, and many SIPA member-built homes have achieved Zero Energy Ready Home certification.
• Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA)moderateGTM or Marketing PartnerEEBA and SIPA co-host the 'Real Builders & Real Answers Roundtable: Why Smart Builders Use SIPs with EEBA and SIPA' (August 11 event). EEBA promotes high-performance building and aligns with SIPA's mission to advance energy-efficient SIP construction.
• Oak Ridge National LaboratorymoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerOak Ridge National Laboratory conducted whole-wall R-value testing that confirmed a 4-inch SIP wall rated R-14 outperforms a 2×6 wall with R-19 fiberglass insulation. This research is referenced by SIPA as foundational evidence for SIP thermal performance claims.
• Rocky Mountain InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRocky Mountain Institute (RMI) selected SIPs for its Innovation Center (Basalt, CO) — at 15,610 sq. ft., the largest Passive Certified structure in the world at the time, achieving net-zero, LEED Platinum certification. RMI is a prominent climate NGO whose building validates SIP performance at scale.
• EPS Industry AllianceminorOthersEPS Industry Alliance represents expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufacturers — the foam core material used in many SIPs. SIPA maintains a relationship with EPSIA which supports sustainability data and Environmental Product Declarations for SIPs.
• International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)moderateOthersICC-ES provides code compliance evaluation reports for SIP products. Many SIPA manufacturers hold ICC-ES listings for their SIP assemblies, supporting acceptance by building inspectors and code officials across jurisdictions.
• Building Systems Councils of NAHBmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerSIPA partners with the National Association of Home Builders' Building Systems Councils to promote panelized construction methods including SIPs within the broader builder community.
• IntertekmoderateOthersMany SIPA manufacturers participate in Intertek's one-hour fire listing program for specific SIP wall and roof assemblies meeting ASTM E 119 fire resistance standards. This supports code compliance for commercial and multifamily SIP buildings.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA): EEBA is a non-profit that promotes high-performance building practices and education. SIPA actively co-hosts events with EEBA, and both target builders and design professionals interested in energy-efficient construction.
• EPS Industry Alliance: EPS Industry Alliance represents expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufacturers, the foam core used in many SIPs. SIPA maintains a partnership with EPSIA, and the two organizations serve overlapping but distinct supply-chain constituencies.
• APA - The Engineered Wood Association: APA is the leading trade association for the engineered wood industry and a core SIPA partner that co-developed the Product Guide to SIPs. It overlaps with SIPA in promoting structural wood-based building products including OSB-faced SIPs.
• Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association (ICFMA): ICFMA represents manufacturers of insulating concrete forms, a competing high-performance wall system. It is a directly comparable trade association in the same continuous-insulation building envelope category that competes with SIPs.

Emerging players

• Modular Building Institute: MBI is the international trade association for the modular construction industry. It serves as a comparable trade association model for an alternative high-performance building approach that competes with SIPs for share of offsite/prefabricated construction.
• Passive House Institute US (PHIUS): PHIUS is a certification and education organization for Passive House standards in the U.S. Multiple SIPA-built projects have achieved PHIUS+ certification. It serves as an adjacent standard-setting organization that supports SIP adoption but does not promote a single product category.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): USGBC administers the LEED certification program that multiple SIPA member-built projects have achieved. It is a broader industry organization with overlapping interest in sustainable construction but a much wider mandate than SIP-specific promotion.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): NAHB is the largest U.S. trade association representing the home building industry, including the Building Systems Councils that SIPA partners with. It is a broader incumbent that overlaps with SIPA's mission but covers all construction methods, not exclusively SIPs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SIPAtweets

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Structural Insulated Panel Association