Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/27/2023

Home

ESA TO: Todd Larson, City of Ramsey, MN FROM: EIMA DATE: June 5, 2023 SUBJECT: EIFS National Case Studies OVERVIEW EIFS INDUSTRY MEMBERS ASSOCIATION Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems — or EIFS — are a protective and decorative exterior wall cladding on the outside of buildings. The material prevents the seepage of air and water into the building. EIFS add minimal weight and incorporate multiple components (water -resistive barriers, drainage plane, continuous thermal insulation boards, glass - fiber reinforcement, base, and finishing coats) that work in tandem to regulate temperature and energy usage. EIFS are not a new product or material, as the system has been in use across the US for over 50 years. There are many buildings across the country constructed using EIFS, including large-scale housing developments, resorts & hotel chains, public buildings, and more. As localities, states, and the federal government consider climate policies, and the best mechanisms to reduce carbon in our energy system, curtailing and making consumption more efficient is a critical component. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy done on the affordable housing unit, Knickerbocker Commons in Bushwick, shows that when part of a comprehensive strategy, EIFS use between 60-80% less energy than typical buildings of the same size built with traditional materials and practices.1 Even when it comes to the transportation of materials, EIFS require one truck to move 25,000 square feet of materials, while brick requires 16 and stucco six. The result is a material far more resilient in cost and climate than any counterpart. EIFS provide builders with a cost effective, efficient, easy to install material perfect for a wide range of buildings, case studies, and locations. Its availability is crucial as building 1 https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/showcase-projects/riseboro-community-partnership- knickerbocker-commons 1