Greenblock will be exhibiting at the International Builders Show (January 20-23) and the World of Concrete (February 3-6). Both shows will be at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

We’ll be in booth N1785 at the WOC and we’ll be in two booths for IBS, N2632 and S8167. We hope you’ll stop by to learn more about our Green Building Envelope Solutions!

Click here for free exhibit hall passes:

IBS: Click Here

WOC: Click Here

Greenbuild 2008 was a success!

Greenbuild 2008 in Boston was truly a display of revolutionary green. More than 28,000 attendees came to Boston to participate in this momentous event.

This was the first time Greenblock had exhibited at Greenbuild and we plan on making this one of our regular trade show stops.

There were attendees representing all 50 states, 85 countries and 6 continents. This reflects a 25% increase in the number of attendees from Greenbuild 2007. Even though times are tough and organizations in all industries are cutting back, Greenbuild 2008 was a testament to this industry's commitment to transforming the built environment.

Greenbuild 2009, Phoenix AZ

Greenbuild is heading to the American Southwest, a region with unique environmental and social challenges and opportunities, and the imperative is clear: Green building can and must come home to all people, boosting the quality of life on main streets across the country and around the world. Join us at Greenbuild 2009 in Phoenix, November 11-13, 2009 and engage in the conversation we must have to bring green to everyone, and bring everyone to green.

More information about Greenbuild 2009 and Phoenix will be available after the new year. Check back for more information soon.

Greenblock is in the process of developing Greenblock Online University, which will be a portal for online continuing education for architects, engineers contractors, builders and developers. In partnership with RedVector, a leading continuing education provider, we will offer an AIA accredited course in "Building with Greenblock" as well as an AIA approved course in "Sustainable Design".

"Greenblock has always put an emphasis on educating the professional architectural community with our popular "Lunch and Learn" programs", said Steve Reiter, vice president of marketing for Greenblock. "We’re looking forward to providing a convenient online alternative for busy building professionals who may not have the time or the opportunity to sit in on a session conducted by one of our Greenblock representatives", continues Reiter.

Greenblock Online University will be going live in January 2009, check our web site for more details.

Did you know that Greenblock recycles its EPS job site scrap whenever possible? All ICF job sites will invariably produce a quantity of pieces of cut block that cannot be used in the construction of the walls. These scrap pieces typically go into a trash container and end up in a landfill. Greenblock makes every effort to segregate this scrap and deliver it to EPS recycling facilities which are located in numerous states and local municipalities.

One such EPS recycler is Blue Earth Solutions (www.blueearthsolutions.com) of Clermont Florida. Blue Earth not only collects job site ICF waste but also puts it through a unique process which reduces its volume by as much as 98%. EPS scrap is mixed with a proprietary solution, extruded, pelletized and used to make everyday items such as phone and computer casings.

The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) is a national EPS recycling source with 200+ member firms accepting ICF job site scrap. Like most other plastics recycling programs, AFPR locations only accept scrap that is clean and free of debris so its important to keep your EPS segregated from other job site waste. A list of AFPR recycling facilities can be found at www.epspackaging.org/info.html. It’s best to call first to see exactly how their recycling program operates.

The bulk of a home or building's environmental footprint is caused by the energy consumed in the heating and cooling of the structure over its lifetime. The high performance thermal envelope provided by Greenblock ICF construction can offer significant contribution towards reducing the energy consumption needed to control the interior climate of the structure. Additionally, the lack of air infiltration and the resistance to moisture through the exterior walls eliminates the growth of mold and pests penetration thus creating a healthy indoor environment for occupants.

Greenblock insulated concrete forms are:

- Energy Efficient

The expandable polystyrene foam in a Greenblock wall provides a consistent R-17-24 (depending on product used) Thermal Resistance over the life of the product. Coupled with the thermal mass characteristics of concrete, as well as the lack of air infiltration in an ICF wall (known as The "ICF Effect"), the Greenblock system provides a wall comparable to that of an R-50 wood-framed or CMU wall. ICF structures are up to 70% cheaper to heat and 50% cheaper to cool than traditional wood frame or concrete block construction.

- Sound Resistant

ICF structures achieve documented levels of STC (Sound Transmission Classifications) 50 (inaudible) or higher. Wood frame and CMU structures are typically rated an average STC 25, meaning people inside of the structure can hear and understand voices outside the structure. Outside noise such as traffic, airplanes, construction and even lawnmowers and leaf blowers are greatly reduced, making the structure a quiet, peaceful sanctuary.

- Strong and Safe

ICF structures are much stronger than traditional building methods and materials. They provide exceptional protection from severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes and tornados. ICF foundation walls resist cracking and buckling up to five times better than concrete block walls. Greenblock walls are built with steel-reinforced concrete and fire-resisting expanded polystyrene foam, and they carry a 2 to 4 hour fire rating depending on which product is used. ICF structures also improve indoor air quality by eliminating the holes and crevices that can trap moisture and foster mold and mildew growth.

- Environmentally Friendly

The decision to construct with Greenblock ICFs is an environmentally responsible choice. Buildings constructed with ICFs significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment through sustainable site-planning, energy-efficiency, lower HVAC requirements and improved indoor air quality.(Builders can earn significant Green Building credits). Greenblock ICFs are non-toxic, using no CFCs, HCFCs or formaldehydes, and the absence of "off-gassing" eliminates the possibility of air pollution or ozone depletion.

Greenblock Insulated Concrete Form…providing high performance building envelopes solutions for today’s building professionals.

Click Here for a Workshop Flyer

Located on the beach in Melbourne Florida, this unique, contemporary, 4000 square foot home was built with the Greenblock 6" Fixed Web System. For extra strength and energy efficiency, the floors were made with a solid poured concrete insulated Lite-Deck flooring system.

Built by Homecrete Homes (www.homecretehomes.com) of Stuart Florida, the three story, 35 foot tall home has a 1400 square foot entertainment area on the roof with a spiral staircase access.

"This home not only looks great but it’s going to be able to stand up to the next hurricane that decides to come through this area", says Ross Tylor, Greenblock Territory Manager for Southeast Florida. "And the owners are going to enjoy the quiet, comfort and energy efficiency of living in an ICF home".

To see more photos of this custom home under construction go to www.greenblock.com and click on "Projects"

Probably the most important component of the Greenblock design, web ties spaced every six inches creates a stronger block that can withstand higher pressures during concrete placement. The closer spacing eliminates bulging between ties and greatly reduces wavy walls or the chance of a blowout.

An added benefit is that experienced Greenblock installers can place concrete in 8 ft to10 ft lifts thus reducing construction times, labor costs and possible cold joints.

Check back next month for additional Greenblock product design benefits.

The original Federal Energy Policy Act (H.R.6), which was signed into law in 2005 had been extended once, but was due to expire at the end of 2008. The ICFA joined forces with lobbying groups to seek an additional extension. In the end, the two measures of interest to us were addended to the bailout bill, and signed into law on Oct 3, 2008. The energy efficient new home tax credit has been extended through 2009 and the energy-efficient buildings deduction through 2013. The procedures and benchmarks outlined in the original 2005 law remain the same. (See the ICFA website for the updated Tech Brief for more information.)

In 2007, an estimated 23,702 homes were certified. Are ICF builders taking advantage of this? The $2,000 credit can offset the costs of the energy rater needed to assess the house (cost $400 - $600) and provide for some of the extra efforts. An ICF should have no problem hitting the 50% energy savings bench mark. In fact, the net zero target also got a bit closer. In a cooling climate, where the utility costs are primary electric, driven by air conditioning, an energy efficient design using ICFs can greatly reduce the cooling costs, or electric needs. This means fewer solar panels needed to meet the remaining power needs. The new code provision continues to offer a 30% tax credit for qualified photovoltaic property, while removing the previous $2,000 cap. This credit goes to the homeowner.

An energy rater can help provide valuable information to build a better house. For a list of raters, log on to www.natresnet.org.

Greenblock ICFs can be an integral component toward achieving LEED certification for your next commercial project. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning LEED certification.

LEED-certified buildings:

• Lower operating costs and increased asset value.
• Reduce waste sent to landfills.
• Conserve energy and water.
• Healthier and safer for occupants.
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
• Demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Eligibility

Commercial buildings as defined by standard building codes are eligible for certification under the LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Retail, LEED for Schools and LEED for Core & Shell rating systems. Building types include – but are not limited to – offices, retail and service establishments, institutional buildings (e.g., libraries, schools, museums and religious institutions), hotels and residential buildings of four or more habitable stories.

If you are unsure whether your building project is a candidate for LEED certification, review the LEED Rating System Checklist that applies to your project to tally a potential point total. Your project is a viable candidate for certification if it meets all prerequisites and can achieve the minimum number of points necessary to earn the Certified level.

Visit the USGBC web site, www.usgbc.org to find the Rating System Checklist applicable to your project.

Over the long run, the benefits of increased energy efficiency, disaster and fire resistance, and lower maintenance will reduce the cost of home ownership.

Higher R-values, low air infiltration, and high thermal mass associated with ICF walls translate to smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. Total savings can add up to over 50% less than that of a conventionally built stick frame home. Greenblock-built homes may also qualify you for an energy efficient mortgage.

Greenblock homes with above grade exterior walls typically cost a little more to build than a conventional wood frame home. But lower energy bills and insurance premiums can more than offset the slightly higher mortgage payment. The real payback is in the comfort and peace of mind that comes from living in an ICF home.