As Australia’s construction industry faces rising demands for more energy-efficient homes, the introduction of the 7-star minimum requirement in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) signals a pivotal shift. This calls for innovative, high-performance solutions to meet the stringent energy standards while also addressing the growing cost of living.
Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets are poised to play a central role in helping new homes reach and exceed these benchmarks.
Central to achieving 7-star NatHERS ratings is the reduction of heat transfer through building foundations. Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets, made from Styroboard XPS – the only XPS manufactured in Australia – are specifically designed to meet this challenge. When installed around the perimeter of a concrete slab, and depending on the panel thickness, it can contribute an additional 1.0R through to 2.15R to the slab’s thermal resistance, ensuring superior insulation where it is needed most – at the edge of the slab.
By enhancing the slab's ability to resist heat flow, StyroTherm XPS sheets effectively reduce the energy required for heating and cooling, ultimately contributing to lower carbon emissions and energy bills. At a time when environmental stewardship is more important than ever before, this simple solution offers both immediate and long-term benefits.
What sets StyroTherm XPS apart is its commitment to sustainability. Made with up to 90% recycled content, the product incorporates polystyrene protective packaging from imported appliances and whitegoods, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. This not only reduces waste but also reinforces Foamex’s dedication to circular economy practices.
Justin Kelsey, General Manager of Foamex Victoria and South Australia, explains, "Foamex is committed to offering solutions that drive energy efficiency in building design while contributing to sustainability goals. With StyroTherm XPS sheets, we’re providing builders and architects with an insulation solution that not only meets today’s regulatory standards but also delivers long-term sustainability benefits through the use of recycled materials."
The National Construction Code (NCC) outlines the critical role of slab edge insulation in homes that feature in-slab or in-screed heating or cooling systems. According to the NCC, insulation with an R-value greater than or equal to R1.0 must be installed around the vertical edge of the slab perimeter. Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets not only meet but exceed this requirement, making them an essential component in energy-efficient home construction.
For homes in Climate Zones 6 and 7 – regions that cover much of Victoria – insulation with an R-value of at least 0.64R is mandatory around the perimeter of waffle pod slabs. Once again, StyroTherm XPS sheets provide an efficient and compliant solution, ensuring projects can meet these regional demands while maintaining optimal thermal performance.
While StyroTherm XPS sheets are most commonly installed around the slab’s perimeter, they also offer significant benefits when used as under-slab insulation. By providing a continuous thermal barrier between the ground and the slab, they prevent moisture-related heat loss, maintaining the integrity of the building's insulation over time.
Foamex’s StyroTherm XPS sheets complement the company’s EPS waffle pods, StyroPods, which are already widely recognised for their superior thermal insulation properties. StyroPods also include up to 50% recycled content from factory offcuts and scrap picked up at building sites. The combination of these two products provides unmatched performance in slab insulation, significantly reducing heat transfer through the foundation. EPS waffle pods can add R-values of 0.57 to 0.65, depending on pod height, and when paired with StyroTherm XPS sheets, the overall R-value enhancement can exceed R1.0. This synergy not only contributes to meeting NatHERS targets but also aligns with the broader movement towards sustainable, low-energy construction practices.
Beyond compliance, Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets offer durable and long-lasting thermal performance. Their closed-cell structure ensures that they maintain their insulation properties throughout the building’s lifespan, providing ongoing energy savings for homeowners. All offcuts are also fully recyclable, reinforcing Foamex’s commitment to sustainable construction solutions.
In today’s construction landscape, achieving 7-star NatHERS ratings is no longer an aspiration but a requirement. Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets offer a practical, compliant, and sustainable solution for builders looking to enhance the thermal efficiency of their projects. Whether used around the slab’s perimeter or underneath, these high-performance sheets help reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and deliver long-term value to both builders and homeowners.
"StyroTherm XPS sheets are just one part of our broader commitment to creating sustainable, energy-efficient building materials that meet the demands of a changing market and a changing planet," Kelsey adds.
With the integration of Foamex StyroTherm XPS sheets, builders are well-positioned to meet and exceed the 7-star NatHERS requirements while also delivering homes that are built for a more sustainable future.
