GSA Using LEED

More Than 1,200 Businesses and Organizations Commend GSA for Using LEED to Support Innovation and Save Taxpayer Dollars

Washington, DC - (July 25, 2012) - More than 1,200 leading businesses and organizations representing a wide array of industries across all 50 states today sent a letter asking the General Services Administration (GSA) to continue to use the LEED green building rating system to advance innovation in construction and save taxpayer dollars.
The signatories commended GSA for its leadership in improving the energy and environmental performance of federal buildings, citing the recently released sustainability and energy "scorecard" from the White House's budget office. That study showed that federal government investments in energy efficiency over the last four years are expected to save as much as $18 billion in lifecycle energy costs.
"Our nation's top private-sector leaders agree: The LEED high-performance building rating system saves businesses money and helps deliver higher profits through reduced operating costs. The same is true for LEED federal facilities, which are saving American taxpayers millions of dollars a year," said Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Signatories of the letter are architects, engineers, builders, contractors, designers, planners and product manufacturers. These include Skanska, Tishman Speyer, and Kohler Co., in addition to other high-profile business leaders. They lauded GSA's decision to mirror the private sector in the use of LEED certification to reduce operating costs, save money and eliminate waste. They also agreed that deviating from LEED would add cost to projects. The executives urged GSA to continue to use the LEED building rating system and to focus on the "usability, market acceptance and effectiveness of rating tools rather than distractions focused on a single issue."
"Support for the continued use of LEED by GSA is both broad and deep. Our more than 13,000 member companies are fully engaged in the development and use of LEED. Businesses and organizations are certifying 2 million square feet of real estate to LEED each day. Clearly there is incredible agreement on the value of LEED and green building in general," Platt said.
For a full list of signatories, or to view the letter, visit bit.ly/GSAletter.
About USGBC and LEED:
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of healthy, efficient green buildings. USGBC is predominantly known for the publication of the LEED Green Building Rating System. Private sector leaders established LEED in 2000 and it has quickly become the most widely used, voluntary, market‐driven building rating program in the country. LEED is largely responsible for the explosive growth of energy‐efficient, high-performance construction, which supports or creates nearly eight million jobs across all 50 states and contributes $554 billion to the U.S. economy annually. 48 companies in the Fortune 100 use LEED certification to reduce operating and energy costs and to increase their bottom lines. LEED-certified buildings are also saving U.S. taxpayers tens millions of dollars every day through these same efficiencies.
USGBC is working with all stakeholders, including companies across all sectors of the building industry, to ensure that LEED remains the most widely used and accepted high performance building rating system in the country. Nearly 1,300 product manufacturers are members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which oversees LEED. Manufacturers are the third largest segment of USGBC membership, behind architects and engineering firms, and builders and contractors.

New Solar Products Reduce Payback Time

 ecoSolargy Launches Top-Efficiency Solar Module Lines That Reduce Payback Time by Up to Five Years 

Nanotechnology engineered panels resist buildup and guarantee maximum performance 

IRVINE, Calif. – July 24, 2012 – ecoSolargy Inc., a full service solar solutions provider, announced today the release of its Lotus, Apollo and Zeus series, the company's new high-performance solar module lines. The new series have been designed to improve customer experience by maximizing efficiency and reducing investment payback time by up to five years. In addition to providing high-quality solar products, ecoSolargy develops strategic and installation solutions to fit the business needs of contractors, project developers and building owners.

"An increasing number of businesses have begun recognizing the environmental and cost-effective benefits of going solar," said Alan H. Lee, CEO at ecoSolargy. "ecoSolargy's objective is to facilitate the use of renewable energy through the provision of reliable and affordable solar solutions. The features in our new lines embody our commitment to sustainability, quality and cost-savings for our customers."

The new high-efficiency, black-on-black Lotus solar modules come in three different wattages to fit a variety of solar projects. The Lotus panels are engineered at the molecular level using state-of-the-art nanotechnology. Unlike regular solar modules, nanotechnology-built panels have a smooth surface that prevents water, dust and dirt accumulation, making them self-cleaning, anti-fading, anti-fogging and anti-bacterial. The modules' buildup resistance improves solar energy absorption by up to six percent and increases efficiency by 35 percent over a 20-year period. This feature also eliminates the need for periodical cleaning maintenance and ensures the panels are always performing at maximum efficiency, resulting in cost savings equivalent to a three to five year decrease in payback time.

The Lotus series also offer excellent performance under low light conditions and the black aluminum frames withstand the severest environmental conditions.

ecoSolargy's Apollo and Zeus mono-crystalline photovoltaic modules come in five different wattages that adapt to many budgets and project sizes. In addition to durability benefits –including corrosion and high wind loads resistance – both Apollo and Zeus panels rank high in performance. The Zeus 300W module has the second highest PTC[i] rating out of all 300w mono crystalline PV modules in the market; the Apollo 250W module, when combined with a M215 micro inverter, delivers one of the most efficient system performances in the market.

ecoSolargy is also revamping three of its existing module lines. The Alpha, Orion and Titan series have been improved for maximum efficiency and cost-savings. All the updated panels have more power, are more efficient and ensure quicker investment payback.

ecoSolargy's photovoltaic modules are highly efficient and reliable, and are designed to fit solar projects of all scales. Each panel undergoes meticulous quality inspection, which has earned them a 99.9 percent success rate. The company's racking and inverters are provided by industry leading partners that meet strict quality requirements.

All ecoSolargy solar panels now come with a ten-year workmanship warranty, as well as a 25-year performance guarantee, and can be financed through the company's financing program.

ecoSolargy has on-hand inventory and offers manufacturer-direct pricing on all its products, regardless of the order size. For ecoSolargy products specifications, please visit www.ecoSolargy.com.

About ecoSolargy
ecoSolargy is an American-owned full solar service solution headquartered in Irvine, CA. ecoSolargy's name combines the terms ecology, solar energy and technology and reflects the company's mission—to offer the latest in solar solutions to deliver affordable, clean and renewable energy to businesses and homes striving to achieve economic sustainability. The company has evolved from being a solar (PV) manufacturer to being a comprehensive solar solutions provider to meet the expanding needs of contractors, project developers and building owners.

For more information about ecoSolargy, please visit www.ecoSolargy.com. Follow on Facebook, facebook.com/ecoSolargy, and Twitter, twitter.com/ecoSolargy.                                                                                     

USGBC Statement About AHPBC

LEED Is Private, Voluntary, Transparent and Democratic

Washington, DC - (July 18, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today applauded the creation of the American High-Performance Buildings Coalition by the American Chemistry Council and others, noting that, after 20 years, it was significant that the representative groups were finally engaging in conversation about the critical importance of green, high performance buildings for America. In response to the announcement of the new coalition, Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law at USGBC released the following statement:

"We welcome the announcement of the formation of the American High Performance Building Council, but as Ronald Reagan once said, we will 'trust but verify.'

"Like the newly formed coalition, USGBC also supports the use of green building codes and standards, in addition to third party rating systems like LEED, and has proudly worked with leading code development organizations to co-release the leading mandatory green building codes.

"In the voluntary world of rating systems, LEED is transforming America's commercial real estate market, providing immediate financial benefits to building owners, operators and some of America's most admired companies through a private, voluntary, transparent and democratic process governed by the 15,000 member organizations of the USGBC.

"USGBC knows just how crucial industry participation is to high performance building success. The 1.5 million square feet per day of commercial space we certify would not be possible without the full active participation of leading architects, engineers, builders, contractors and product manufacturers.

"If this coalition is sincere in its interest to advance high-performance buildings over the status quo, we welcome them to the table and sincerely look forward to engaging together to make green buildings more valuable to Americans."

About USGBC and LEED
The U.S Green Building Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of healthy, efficient green buildings. USGBC is predominantly known for the publication of the LEED Green Building Rating System . Private sector leaders established LEED in 2000 and it has quickly become the most widely used, voluntary, market-driven building rating program in the country. LEED is largely responsible for the explosive growth of energy-efficient, high-performance construction, which supports or creates nearly eight million jobs across all 50 states and contributes $554 billion to the U.S. economy annually. 48 companies in the Fortune 100 use LEED certification to reduce operating and energy costs and to increase their bottom lines. LEED-certified buildings are also saving U.S. taxpayers tens millions of dollars every day through these same efficiencies.

USGBC is working with all stakeholders, including companies across all sectors of the building industry, to ensure that LEED remains the most widely used and accepted high performance building rating system in the country. Nearly 1,300 product manufacturers - including two dozen chemical companies and the American Chemistry Council itself - are members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which oversees LEED. Manufacturers are the third largest segment of USGBC membership, behind architects and engineering firms, and builders and contractors.

 

Greenbuild 2012 - Registration Opens

Registration Now Open for Greenbuild 2012
Award-winning green building conference and expo headed to San Francisco for biggest show in 11-year history

Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, co-hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," and Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, Inc. to headline

San Francisco, Calif. - (July 17, 2012) - Registration is now open for the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Taking place this year in San Francisco, Calif. at the Moscone Center, Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. Record attendance of 35,000 is anticipated from across the green building sector, spanning commercial and residential professionals, architects, building owners and operators, students, advocates and educators.

"We are thrilled to bring the energy of Greenbuild to San Francisco, home to some of the world's leading minds in both sustainability and technology," said Kimberly Lewis, Senior Vice President, Community Advancement, Conferences and Events, USGBC. "Greenbuild is the nexus of the sustainability movement where we celebrate collective successes, share our knowledge with one another, and challenge the status quo. This year, Greenbuild is raising the bar higher than ever."

USGBC today announced that Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, co-hosts of MSNBC's weekday morning show "Morning Joe," and Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, Inc., will headline the Greenbuild opening plenary celebration, the official Greenbuild kick-off event on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

"Sustainability is everywhere, and no longer is it an option for companies and individuals to ignore their footprints," said Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, Inc. "Collectively, we can make a profound social and environmental impact. I look forward to the ensuing discussion among the innovative crowd at Greenbuild."

The announcement of Stone, Brzezinski and Scarborough at Greenbuild is the first of many Greenbuild 2012 speaker announcements to come. Previous keynote speakers have included Thomas Friedman, Cokie Roberts, Ret. Gen. Colin Powell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Al Gore and President Bill Clinton.

Greenbuild 2012 will feature three days of networking, educational sessions, green building tours, master speakers and plenary events. The expo hall will be the biggest in Greenbuild's 11-year history, with three floors and more than 1,000 exhibitors and 2,000 booths featuring the latest technological innovations and cutting edge products. This year's show will celebrate bringing technology and sustainability together in the global green movement. For more information on Greenbuild 2012, visit greenbuildexpo.org, follow @Greenbuild on Twitter and tweet hashtag #Greenbuild to join the conversation.

About U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and follow us on Twitter @USGBC, and Facebook at facebook.com/USGBC.

About Greenbuild
The U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference & Expo convenes the industry's largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement. Three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events provide unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products, and exchange ideas with other professionals. Greenbuild is the three-time recipient of IMEX Green Meetings Award and the 2012 show will be held on Nov. 14-16, in San Francisco, Calif. Last year's conference in Toronto, Ontario, drew more than 23,000 attendees and featured a sold out exhibit hall floor with more than 1,700 exhibit booths. For more information, visit greenbuildexpo.org and follow us on Twitter @Greenbuild, and Facebook at facebook.com/Greenbuild.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Obtains "Green" Grant

(Kansas City, Kan., July 10, 2012) - EPA is providing a $59,876 urban waters grant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to evaluate the effectiveness of  the Saddle Hills neighborhood's green infrastructure in metropolitan Omaha, Neb.

UNL and partners, including the City of Omaha and the Nebraska Forest Service, will assess green infrastructure practices by creating a water quality assessment database and developing a stormwater mobile application for smartphones and mobile devices. The application will allow users, such as local residents, youth, master gardeners and city staff, to learn about ways to reduce stormwater runoff. 

"Green infrastructure and stormwater management strategies play a critical role in water quality improvement by reducing runoff that carries multiple contaminants into streams and rivers," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. "The project will empower community residents and land owners to look at stormwater as an asset rather than a waste product, and will increase public awareness and grassroots participation through workshops about urban water quality."

The funding is part of EPA's Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from urban waters and surrounding land.

Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, economic, recreational, employment and social opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban waterways, EPA will help communities become active participants in restoring urban waters while improving and protecting their neighborhoods. 

EPA's Urban Waters program supports the goals and principles of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, a partnership of 12 federal agencies working to reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and collaborating with community-led revitalization efforts.

# # #

Learn more about EPA's Urban Waters program: www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/index.html

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion7

Rainwater Harvesting Conference September 2012

Urban Rainwater Capture Focus of Annual Conference of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association

Mark your calendars for Sept. 10-12, 2012, in Raleigh, NC

 

With many parts of the U.S. facing drought, other water supply challenges, rising treatment costs, and effects of increased storm water runoff, ARCSA focuses attention on rainwater capture in the urban landscape for its annual conference September 10-12, 2012, in Raleigh, N.C.

 

This national association will deliver an extensive look at the latest technology, the regulatory environment, and new opportunities for the growing industry of rainwater system design, installation and products. In addition, several presenters from outside of the U.S. will provide a perspective on public acceptance and governance of rainwater harvesting from other parts of the world, particularly in Switzerland and Ireland.

 

The conference is open not only to ARCSA members, but also to a wide variety of affiliate industry groups, including architects, builders, plumbers, engineers, landscapers, gardeners, do-it-yourselfers, state and local water conservation leaders, and policy officials, in addition to rainwater system designers, installers and product representatives.

 

Session topics for the upcoming ARCSA conference will include:

• Rainwater harvesting and low impact development

• The energy, food, and water nexus

• Commercial rainwater systems (including military applications)

• Rainwater treatment standards for potable uses

• Storm water management and mitigation

• Updates on rainwater harvesting codes and standards from around the country

 

Both prior to and following the September conference, ARCSA will offer a number of professional training opportunities in the Raleigh-area: Certified Associate, Accredited Professional, and Rainwater Harvesting Master.

 

The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) is the premier national organization created to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices throughout the United States and the world. Its leadership and members work to create a favorable regulatory atmosphere, a growing resource pool of trained professionals, and an educated public on the many benefits of rainwater harvesting for potable and non-potable uses.  More information about ARCSA and the upcoming annual conference can be found at: http://www.arcsa.org

Sustainability Dashboard Tools

Sustainability Dashboard Tools Suggests Creating a “Colorful” Culture of Sustainability

 

Bloomington, IN – June 25, 2012 - Sustainability Dashboard Tools, LLC--creators of a cloud-based system to help businesses and facilities reduce their operating costs by better managing and monitoring their use of natural resources and materials--is encouraging facility managers, cleaning professionals, and building users to institute a color-coding* sustainability system to help reduce energy consumption.

 

The system would identify which power sources at the end of the day, over weekends or when rooms are unoccupied can be turned off, left on, or reported to facility management for further action.

 

According to Stephen Ashkin, CEO of Sustainability Dashboard Tools LLC, color-coding systems have already proved their value and are used for a variety of building operation needs.

 

“There are color-coded microfiber clothes, mop heads, and floor pads, as well as ‘specialist cleaning’ systems that use color-coding. This is a similar concept, but it specifically addresses sustainability.”

 

So how does it work? According to Ashkin, a red dot on a light switch or electrical device such as a projector, copier, printer or coffee pot should be turned off.

 

Similarly, a green dot could indicate that the outlet or device should always be left on even over nights and weekends.  While a yellow dot could be applied to more sophisticated equipment such as computers to indicate that facility management should be contacted so they can determine the appropriate action.

 

“According to the National Energy Education Development Project [NEED], 60 percent of the electricity consumed in schools is used to operate lights, while 20 percent goes to ‘plug loads’ that power computers, copiers, printers, etc.,” says Ashkin. “Whenever and wherever we can turn these [power sources] off, we can reduce energy consumption, environmental impacts and operating costs.”

 

However, Ashkin notes, there is also a bigger idea behind sustainable color-coding systems. “The goal is to help create a ‘culture of sustainability’ for everyone who uses a facility. Every time someone sees a [colored] dot on a power source, they will be reminded that their individual actions are important and make a difference, even if it is as simple as turning off a light in an unoccupied room.”

 

* Color coding is a system of displaying information or instructions by using different colors.

 

About the Sustainability Dashboard Tool, LLC

The Sustainability Dashboard is an advance reporting system designed for everyone who is involved in sustainability programs. It is specifically designed to be easy to use, reduce environmental impacts, save money, and create a culture of sustainability. For more information visit: www.green2sustainable.com.

 

Company Contact:

Elizabeth Steward, marketing manager

Direct line: 812-606-7783

3644 Tamarron Drive

Bloomington, IN 47408

E-mail: info@ashkingroup.com

 

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

AlturaSolutions Communications

Telephone: 773-525-3021

E-mail: rkravitz@rcn.com

 

12,000 LEED Certified Projects - Awesome

LEED-Certified Green Building Projects Hit 12,000 Mark
Major milestone achieved for the global green building market

Washington, DC - (Mar. 27, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that the 12,000th commercial project has earned LEED certification. Since its launch in 2000, the LEED green building program has been transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, operated and maintained.

"Twelve years after the first 12 projects earned LEED certification, the green building community has reached a significant milestone," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "The momentum for green buildings is rippling around the globe, enhancing the built environment for generations to come."

The 12,000th project is the LEED Gold Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Paid for by the Recovery Act and rebuilt after the original facility was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the facility will house new wildlife exhibits, an environmental education center, and National Parks employees.

The wildlife refuge joins a community of more than 137,000 LEED registered and certified projects, homes, communities and neighborhoods around the world.

"This milestone is made even more relevant as it is happening as the final comments are being collected on LEED 2012, the next iteration of continuous improvement of the LEED program," continued Fedrizzi. "With these next changes, LEED will continue in its role as a catalyst for transformation of the built environment to ever higher standards of sustainable practice. Even in these challenging times, it's clear that green building is a movement whose time is now."

The LEED 2012 third public comment period will close today (Mar. 27) at 5:00 p.m. EST. To learn more about LEED 2012, visit usgbc.org/LEED2012.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org, on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn.

About LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. More than 45,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising 8.4 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries. In addition, over 19,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with over 76,500 more homes registered.

By using less energy, less water and fewer resources, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at usgbc.org

Community College Retrofits Lighting with LED Tube Lights

Seesmart Embarks on $2.3 Million Lighting Retrofit of Pasadena City College
Over 34,000 LED tube lights to be installed across campus of third-largest community college in U.S.

Simi Valley, CA, USA — 7 March, 2012 – LED lighting manufacturer Seesmart, Inc. has secured a $2.3 million contract with Pasadena City College for a lighting retrofit to further its reputation as a leader in sustainability.  The retrofit will replace more than 34,000 fluorescent tube lights in campus buildings with high-efficiency, long-lasting Seesmart LED tube lights.

Pasadena City College’s anticipated LED retrofit benefits include significant energy savings of $720,000 and 3.7 million kilowatt-hours per year, and its carbon footprint will reduce by 5 million pounds per year.  Additionally, the college expects an $850,000 rebate from Pasadena Water Power for this energy-saving project.

“Pasadena City College is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in sustainability,” remarked Richard van Pelt, CFO and assistant president of Pasadena City College.  “The move to replace all fluorescent lamps on campus with LEDs represents what we are about—global leadership in everything we do.  Not only will this save more than 55 percent of electrical consumption for lighting, but it saves in manufacturing resources and disposal costs and impacts.  We start saving money on the first day the LEDs are installed, so the payback is instantaneous.”

In the course of Pasadena City College’s lighting retrofit, classrooms, offices, stairwells, parking structures, gymnasium, and mechanical rooms of 26 buildings will be converted from fluorescent to LED lighting.  The contract for this massive project was issued using the California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS). 

"Integrating Seesmart LED lighting products into Pasadena City College’s infrastructure will not only save energy, it will bring cost avoidance opportunities,” said Ray Sjolseth, President of Seesmart, Inc.  “The long lifespan of our LED products obviates the need for frequent replacement of individual lamps.  This minimizes maintenance costs and facility waste and means that on-staff labor will be available for other servicing needs.”

About Seesmart
Seesmart, Inc. is a division of Seesmart Holdings, Inc.  Seesmart, Inc. is a complete LED lighting solutions company with decades of experience in research and development, manufacturing and distribution.  Seesmart offers a broad product line to meet most commercial or residential needs and delivers a rapid ROI, high-quality products backed by up to a five-year warranty, immediate energy savings and true retrofit solutions.  For more information, please visit www.seesmartled.com.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements, expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs regarding the future.  All statements contained herein are based upon information available to the management of Seesmart as of the date hereof, and actual results may vary based upon future events, both within and without the control of the management, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.
 
Management does not take any responsibility to update the contents of this News Release in case new aspects arise or new conditions change the facts available.

Greenblock Insulated Concrete Forms

Greenblock Insulated Concrete Forms: More Than Energy Efficient and Resistant to Forces of Nature

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Habitat for Humanity is well-known for developing affordable housing, but its design and construction volunteers are also finding job sites fun as they learn how to build more sustainably with insulated concrete forms (ICF).

“One of the things I like with the product is our people enjoy their time on the job site,” said Habitat for Humanity of Seminole County’s Executive Director Penny Seater. “I just think there are so many plusses for our families and our volunteers,” she said.

The reduced weight of the forms during assembly means, there are less fingers smashed compared with other construction materials, and a lot fewer sore muscles, as well as less overall volunteer safety concerns for Habitat Seminole.

Greenblock Worldwide, LLC, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., was the manufacturer chosen for the Insulated Concrete Forms for two recently completed single-family, green and affordable homes for Habitat of Seminole County.

These homes are located in the Central Florida neighborhood of Altamonte Springs. John Riddle, Greenblock’s LEED Accredited Professional and Southeast Territory Manager, was present from pre-construction to final punch list, offering the project’s volunteers both technical and moral support.

The two homes were built side by side each with 1,556 sq. ft. of Greenblock ICF wall, one to the Florida Green Building Coalition’s (FGBC) green building rating system and one to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system. The LEED Home is anticipated to achieve Gold certification. Greenblock 2-4-2/4 inch core product was installed. The designer was Baker Barrios Architects, Inc., and the structural engineer was JHR Consultants, Inc.

Riddle, who serves as chairman of the USGBC’s Central Florida Chapter, and his chapter’s volunteers donated many hours of sustainable design and construction consulting time to the project team.  The structures are Habitat Seminole’s first LEED and FGBC registered projects. Nearby Evergreen University provided many of the volunteer ICF installers on one of the homes while local Habitat Seminole volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build the other one.

Once the households were occupied during the summer of 2011, the new home owners reported more than a 75 percent drop in utility bills compared to their last residences, going from over $400 per month to less than $100 electricity bills.

“That’s a tremendous savings,” said Seater, adding: “In low income housing, lower utility bills can be the difference between food on the table or not.” Deeper savings can be achieved with lower insurance costs due to reduced property damage during natural disasters in an ICF home.

In Florida, termites and hurricanes are also concerns but with Greenblock walls those worries are gone as well, she noted. A Greenblock ICF wall has a solid concrete core providing a hurricane, tornado, and seismic resistant home.

Numerous savings were recognized with Greenblock ICF, including time of construction because it can be installed faster than concrete blocks or wood frame construction methods. The ease of fitting blocks together and factory produced pre-engineering means less construction site waste. Furthermore, furring strips are built-in from the inside and outside; the self-contained vapor barrier eliminates the need for a house wrap.

You can even downsize the HVAC system for additional savings up front and for the long-term as less cooling cycles are required by the unit and that lowers utilities cost while providing less ongoing worn parts to replace and an overall longer life span for the heating and cooling units.

Greenblock President Jimmy Myrick explained the speed and ease of building with Greenblock ICFs helps affordable housing project developers achieve very efficient design and construction schedules while reducing the need for job training.

“These recent projects provided Habitat’s volunteers with a fulfilling experience as they learned how to work with a new wall system with just a few hours of training,” Myrick said. He added, “This helps Habitat keep its volunteers working on schedule and until the home is completed, plus they often come back for the next project.”

It is a relative quick construction method, the team can put up the home in a very short time. When using volunteer time, this is a very important factor, since most have other jobs and are available for short periods of time; therefore getting the home finished quickly also helps retain volunteers.

In fact, Seater said the next home they build is scheduled for ground breaking in January 2012 and will utilize the Greenblock ICFs which weigh approximately 3 pounds. The future homes will be following the same design executed on the Altamonte Springs homes, including installation of Greenblock ICF walls, as Habitat Seminole strives to replicate the same sustainable building performance with volunteers from nearby religious institutions and many satisfied helpers returning.

As the green initiative continues to gain ground with homeowners it is projected that when these homes sell they will be in greater demand for their safety, savings and sustainability. Your home is your castle and the new homeowners plan on being there for a long time. Building with Greenblock means the home will outlast any other method of construction out there.