Greenblock ICF Wall Systems…Meeting the Growing Green Demand

Residential and commercial construction industries benefit from ICF wall technology

Jul 5, 2007

STUART, Fla. (July 5, 2007) – Greenblock® Worldwide Corporation (www.greenblock.com), a leader and pioneer in the insulated concrete form (ICF) industry, has been promoting the use of their ICFs as an energy saving alternative to concrete block construction, for the last forty years. Greenblock was “green” before green was cool.

Insulated concrete forms are a ‘stay in place’ insulated wall forming system made of three primary components; expanded polystyrene foam, rigid plastic ties and steel-reinforced poured concrete. The use of ICF’s began more than a half century ago in Europe and is continuing to gain popularity throughout the construction industry – especially now because of its Green attributes.

As an active partner and sponsor of the Florida Green Building Coalition, Greenblock is pleased to participate in the GreenTrends 07 conference July 12-14, 2007 in conjunction with the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando, Florida. Already participating as an SEBC sponsor and exhibitor, Greenblock will be further recognized during the event by GreenTrends 07 with a Green Medallion at their booth signifying their commitment to the green building effort in Florida.

Greenblock’s commitment to energy saving, sustainable building practices encompasses both residential and commercial structures. As members of the USGBC and NAHB, Greenblock is dedicated to providing green building solutions to builders and developers who desire to do their part to conserve our resources and minimize the environmental impact of their projects. According to a recent Mc-Graw Hill Construction research report, “today’s corporate leaders are already very conscious of using green practices when considering new facilities, and they expect green building to have an increasing impact on the future.”

The bulk of a commercial 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 building. 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 that promotes increased employee productivity due to the reduction of sick days.

Greenblock Provides Support for the Growing Green Demand

Projects seeking a green certification from the Florida Green Building Coalition, the United States Green Building Council and the Green Building Initiative benefit from involving Greenblock ICFs with their project. Greenblock insulated concrete forms are:

• Energy Efficient
  The expandable polystyrene foam in a Greenblock wall provides a consistent R-24 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, 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
  Structures using Greenblock 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
  Greenblock structures are much stronger than traditional building methods and materials. They provide exceptional protection from severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes and tornados. Greenblock 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. ICF structures also improve 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 up to 20 LEED points). Greenblock ICFs are non-toxic; using no CFCs, HCFCs or formaldehydes, the absence of “off-gassing” eliminates the possibility of air pollution or ozone depletion.

About Greenblock, Inc.
Greenblock’s (www.greenblock.com) roots originated in Europe over 30 years ago and moved to the United States and Canada in the late 1980’s. With several integral modifications from the time of its inception, today’s Greenblock continues to be the superior choice for high efficiency wall systems, noted for outstanding design and ease of use. Over the years, a significant number of structures have been built with Greenblock. Projects that range from stem walls, basements, single and multi-story residences, apartments, condominiums, towers and even swimming pools. Government agencies and utility companies are now recognizing the superior features of insulated form-built structures and are beginning to recommend its use for environmental and energy conservation benefits.

File: SEBC Media Kit 1 070607.doc