Federal Advocacy
EIMA is launching a federal advocacy program to introduce policy makers to Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and raise awareness of their critical role in advancing national goals for energy efficiency, affordability, and resilient construction. This effort also aims to spotlight the extensive U.S. footprint of EIFS manufacturing facilities and the thousands of constituents across the country involved in EIFS manufacturing, distribution, and installation.
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As a high-performance, code-compliant exterior cladding system used in landmark projects nationwide, EIFS represent a modern, cost-effective, and American-made solution. Through this initiative, EIMA seeks to ensure policy makers understand the economic, environmental, and workforce impact of EIFS and the importance of supporting policies that reflect the system’s value and broad national presence.
Why EIFS Matter for Federal Policy
As EIMA builds out its advocacy efforts, we are focusing on several high-impact policy messages and federal priorities where EIFS can help: |
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1. Energy Efficiency and Climate Goals
EIFS are among the most energy-efficient cladding systems available. Continuous insulation, a core component of EIFS, dramatically reduces thermal bridging and supports buildings in achieving net-zero or Passive House performance levels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
2. Cost-Effective Construction and Building Affordability
EIFS saves on construction, transportation, and operations:
3. Durability, Resilience, and Performance
EIFS with Drainage systems are designed to stand up to harsh conditions:
4. Supporting National Building Goals
In the face of a national housing shortage and a growing climate crisis, the federal government is prioritizing efficient, cost-effective construction. EIFS align with these goals and provide critical benefits to:
EIMA’s Advocacy Program
Through this program, EIMA will advocate for fair treatment of EIFS in federal standards, procurement, and performance targets—and make the case for EIFS as a key part of America’s building future.
EIFS Benefit Your Community
EIFS are not new. They’ve been used in U.S. construction since the 1960s and are now more advanced than ever. From aesthetics to performance, EIFS can now mimic other materials (brick, stone, wood, and more) while outperforming them on energy and cost metrics.
As policymakers work to address affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and carbon reduction, EIFS offer a vital solution that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
EIFS are among the most energy-efficient cladding systems available. Continuous insulation, a core component of EIFS, dramatically reduces thermal bridging and supports buildings in achieving net-zero or Passive House performance levels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
- Commercial buildings using EIFS can achieve up to 50% energy savings over traditional systems.
- Continuous insulation used in EIFS walls can reduce heat flow through walls by 20–70% compared to traditional cavity insulation (ASHRAE RP-1365).
- EIFS was the first cladding system to meet DOE’s 2013 mandate requiring commercial code updates to ASHRAE 90.1.
2. Cost-Effective Construction and Building Affordability
EIFS saves on construction, transportation, and operations:
- RS Means data shows EIFS can be significantly less expensive than brick and precast concrete or steel in high-rise residential applications.
- EIFS are faster to install, reduce jobsite labor costs, and are easier to transport than heavier alternatives.
- Because of their thermal performance, EIFS help tenants and building owners save on heating and cooling costs, delivering operational savings long after construction ends.
3. Durability, Resilience, and Performance
EIFS with Drainage systems are designed to stand up to harsh conditions:
- Proven moisture management performance
- Adaptable to all U.S. climates
- Long lifespan when installed correctly
- Trusted by iconic projects such as Resorts World Las Vegas, Studio Libeskind’s Atrium in Brooklyn, and Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
4. Supporting National Building Goals
In the face of a national housing shortage and a growing climate crisis, the federal government is prioritizing efficient, cost-effective construction. EIFS align with these goals and provide critical benefits to:
- Developers, through lower material and installation costs;
- Owners and tenants, via energy savings and reduced utility costs;
- Government entities, by stretching public dollars in construction and long-term operations;
- Low-income communities, by delivering affordable, durable housing with long-term energy savings.
EIMA’s Advocacy Program
Through this program, EIMA will advocate for fair treatment of EIFS in federal standards, procurement, and performance targets—and make the case for EIFS as a key part of America’s building future.
EIFS Benefit Your Community
EIFS are not new. They’ve been used in U.S. construction since the 1960s and are now more advanced than ever. From aesthetics to performance, EIFS can now mimic other materials (brick, stone, wood, and more) while outperforming them on energy and cost metrics.
As policymakers work to address affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and carbon reduction, EIFS offer a vital solution that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
