Building Materials

FLY ASH CONCRETE:  Substituting fly ash for Portland cement (the primary ingredient in most concrete) lowers the environmental footprint of concrete and improves durability, and can help curb carbon emissions in the construction industry.  It has great strength and durability, and it's cheap.

  

Learn more about Fly Ash Concrete

INSULATED CONCRETE WALL FORMS:  An insulated concrete wall form (ICF) is a form made of a foam insulating material, like rigid thermal insulation, that stays in place as a permanent interior and exterior substrate for walls, floors, and roofs.  The forms are interlocking modular units that are dry-stacked (without mortar) and then filled with concrete.  ICF construction has become commonplace for both low rise commercial and high performance residential construction as more stringent energy efficiency and natural disaster resistant building codes are adopted.


                     
 
Insulated Concrete Wall Forms (ICF)


WOOL INSULATION:  Home insulation can be green, as in earth-friendly.  The manufacturing process, materials, and toxicity are highly important factors to consider when insulating your home.  Wool is plush yet fire-resistant, a breathable material to absorb moisture without feeling damp or affecting its ability to retain heat.  Because of wool's properties, you don't need to constantly adjust your heating and cooling systems, which saves energy and money.

         
Wool Insulation

WOOL INSULATION BATTS R20:   Historically, batts were made with toxic bonding agents necessary to create a low-cost insulating product with some ability to maintain shape.  Wool insulation batts are made with 100% wool and are not bonded with chemicals.  They are safe to the touch and do not require protective clothing, or safety equipment like respirators or gloves to install.  


         

Wool Insulations Batts


COTTON INSULATION:   The cotton plant is both natural and renewable, making it eco-friendly.  Cotton does not contain formaldehyde, does not cause respiratory problems, and it's also an insect repellent.

Cotton Insulation and other natural insulation

ECOTOUCH ENERGY STAR, GREENGUARD, CERTIFIED FORMALDEHYDE FREE INSULATION:  This insulation is made with a minimum of 96% by weight natural materials consisting of minerals and plant-based compounds and a verified formaldehyde-free formulation delivering peace of mind, helping you save money and energy, while helping to save the planet.  It is made from over 73% recycled content, diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into an energy-saving product.


     

EcoTouch Energy Star, Greenguard, Certified Formaldehyde Free Insulation

CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM INSULATION:  The foam (usually polyurethane) is sprayed, and is better than any other type of insulation at reducing air leakage, and providing a higher R-value per inch than less expensive insulation types like cellulose and fibreglass.  Closed cell polyurethane foams are more resistant to water degradation or penetration, reducing moisture build-up, and preventing bacterial growth, and curbing mold growth.
 
                

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

CELLULOSE BLOWN-IN INSULATION:  This insulation is made of recycled newsprint and other types of paper that otherwise would have decomposed in a landfill, releasing harmful greenhouse gases.  Cellulose is one of the safest types of insulation to install, and is a good choice for those looking to minimize toxins in their home. 


          

Cellulose Blown-In Insulation

EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE, EPS FOAM SHEETS:  Polystyrene is actually a type of plastic.  And, although plastic is not traditionally green, it's considered to be in this instance because the R-values are so high that it ends up saving a lot of energy.  It can come in both a foam board (which adds structual integrity to walls) or in a spray foam.
         

Expanded Polystyrene Insulation (EPS Foam Sheets)

ATTIC RADIANT BARRIER REFLECTIVE INSULATION:  Radiant barriers are installed in homes--usually attics--primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs.  The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to other surfaces in the attic, rather than absorbing it.


           

Attic Radiant Barrier Reflective Insulation