Corporate Citizen

Going Green with ICF


Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), an innovative green building method used in residential, commercial and mixed-use construction, is a technology touted as being more fire-resistant and energy-efficient than traditional stick-built, or wood, construction.


ICF is polystyrene foam "block" filled with steel reinforced concrete to provide maximum insulation and strength. In terms of construction, ICF encompasses the outside "envelope" of a building and also offers considerably improved protection in high-weather conditions, such as hurricanes, as well as significant earthquake resistance.


Central Concrete in the Bay Area of California has been working with ICF construction for 5-6 years. In that time they have completed a myriad of "Green" projects (a method of designing and constructing a building that minimizes burdens on our natural resources and environment). In regards to LEED qualification, their ICF structures contribute 13 out of a total of 26 categories for certification - or half of a building's requirements for sustainability.


As well as increasing energy efficiency and using green building materials, sustainable buildings reduce pollution, alleviate strain on utility infrastructures, conserve conventional fuel systems, and increase occupant comfort, productivity, and most importantly, health. In addition, only about one-sixth as much noise travels through an ICF wall, providing a quiet, peaceful indoor environment even within an urban setting.

Central Concrete is distributing the Arxx High Performance Wall System. No CFCs, HCFCs or formaldehyde is used in the production of ARXX products and that means cleaner and healthier air. This system is manufactured with recycled content that cuts the client's energy use by thirty to sixty percent.

For more information please contact Kent Yonker, our resident expert on Insulated Concrete Forms, at 916-806-9414.

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