Green is the new black. However we can’t let green put us in the red.
OK, now that I have described a rainbow, let me explain. Green building is the latest buzzword—everyone wants to design, build, eat, play, drive and even vacation green. As a society, we are inundated by everything green. However with all of this marketing push – what is “green” and how does it benefit the average Joe?
Well, from the design and building aspect, green is no longer a fad or a trend. It is now a tipping point of the haves and the have not’s. Those that don’t incorporate green ideas will be left behind as we emerge from the current economic crisis.
From a design perspective green can be looked at in two ways: energy efficient vs. recycled or sustainable. For instance, a building can be built almost entirely of recycled and sustainable material that is incredibly energy inefficient. Is this green? Likewise, a building can be constructed as an ultra-energy-efficient structure but utilize minimal recycled material. Which is best?

The answer to that question really depends on the client. While I agree that it should be a balance, it is easier for me to specify an energy-efficient home versus a “green” home with recycled material.

It’s easier for the client, too, since “going green” typically means an increase in upfront costs. The analogy I make to my clients is this: “There is carpet made from 100% recycled water bottles but it’s three times as expensive as ordinary carpet. Or there is a wall system that is made from recycled EPS and the same plastic water bottles (in the webs) which will raise your building cost 5-10%. Both give you the peace of mind that you helped the environment, but one puts cash back in your pocket every month in saving from the local utility company.”
Your clients will have to decide what is right for them; my experience is that it is easier when there is a return on that investment. People are typically as green as they can afford.

ICF systems are able to bridge the gap between the two categories. Typically a percentage of the EPS is recycled and the webs are either recycled plastic or recyclable steel. However, this has its detractors. I have run into challenges with diehard green activists because we are a “Styrofoam” industry. They don’t like foam under any circumstances. Mainly because it fills up the landfills and can take years do break down plus the carbon footprint that exists from the manufacture and delivery of the concrete and materials. That opposition is primarily from the hardcore proponents and nothing we say or do will sway their opinion.
However, many of those that are rational will understand that our goal is to design and build with minimal waste thus reducing what goes in the landfills. They also like the fact that we are “saving the forests” and minimizing the energy created by the utility companies. We are not going to please everyone all the time but more are becoming aware every day of the benefits to ICF.

The best scenario is when there is a marriage between the two categories. This is the case in the new Habitat for Humanity house that will be unveiled at the Greenbuild Expo in Phoenix this November. This home is a zero-energy, LEED Platinum home that incorporated HurcuWall ICF exterior walls. The home was sponsored by the Salt River Materials Group, which is a local cement supplier. This home will be part of the Contemporary Desert Living tour of green ideas for homes. This will create great exposure for the industry in general. The walls went up quickly and efficiently and there has already been a substantial amount of media coverage. The home will be constructed on a 12-week schedule and has been closely watched by several production home builders.

Several green building programs are now endorsing and offering bonus points for ICF systems. LEED has multiple options for points to be awarded on ICF projects. NAHB Green Building Program has a section that is dedicated to concrete wall construction, bypassing some of the testing otherwise required. One of the easiest approvals to attain for an ICF structure is Energy Star. Energy Star is also one of the few that offers tax credits when a certain HERS rating is achieved. Many state and local municipalities offer additional financial credits or accolades for green building.

During this year’s ICFA Convention, I will be presenting additional information and how to design and implement green strategies in structures within your clients’ budget. I will also offer a more in depth review of several of the green guidelines and how they apply to our industry. I look forward to meeting many new people in Orlando as we all strive for a better future for the ICF industry.