Green Building | June 21, 2009 | by Zaher Karp

You may not think of concrete at the top of the list of green building materials, but the long-term reductions in energy use are making it a popular choice for construction. Conduit Development is one of many builders now relying on insulated concrete form (ICF) technology for their green home projects. The company is renovating an older home on the bluffs of California into a new efficient, more durable residence.

By October the company expects to complete their green renovation of the sixties era San Pedro home. The eco-friendly home will hold up against fire, earthquakes, mold and saltwater erosion— which is especially necessary in coastal areas and even more locally, recent Santa Barbara fires.

ICF buildings require 30 to 50 percent less energy to heat and cool (and thus greatly reduces the amount of fossil fuels consumed), as the expanded polystyrene blocks are efficient insulators. As emphasis towards reducing utility costs continue, ICF could fill an important void when dealing with improving low-income dwellings, a concern that shared in a report recently released by Living Cities.

Conduit Development also reused the majority of their demolition materials and will be installing solar panels, as well as a drought-tolerant garden.

According to the EPA Energy Star Homes Program, home value increases by roughly $20 per every $1 reduction in annual utility costs. One trade off in the environmental equation: while ICF buildings use less wood, the production of its major raw material (cement) is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and mercury.

In a period where retrofitting and efficiency are on the tips of many a tongue, new approaches towards home efficiency are being called for. To satisfy new needs for energy efficiency and to possibly assist in the retrofitting of low-income homes.

Breathtaking San Pedro “Green” Home Unites Stunning Architecture,

Earth-First Sustainability

San Pedro, California, April 23, 2009—Conduit Development, a leading Southern California sustainable builder and developer, has embarked on yet another benchmark endeavor in sustainable green building. Perched high atop the oceanfront bluffs in San Pedro, Calif., an outdated, 2,200-square-foot home built in 1962 is being transformed into a spacious, 3,300-square-foot green home that promises to set a new standard for eco-friendly construction while leaving a treasured legacy for generations to come.

The visionary owners of this San Pedro home first turned to Conduit Development less than a year ago with their construction plans already more than 75% complete. While the original plans called for a traditional wood-frame structure, the owners soon realized that they had a remarkable opportunity to create not just a house, but a fully sustainable dream home that would withstand the test of time and realize thousands of dollars in long-terms savings.
After meeting with Conduit—well-known experts in the growing field of eco-friendly building practices–the owners altered their architectural plans to accommodate Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) construction. Made of energy-saving expanded polystyrene (EPS), these igloo-like blocks are stacked like Legos, then filled with concrete to create stable, durable and sustainable walls and foundations. By incorporating ICF technology at the very core of their new home, the San Pedro project will require 30-50% less energy to heat and cool, will feature superior sound insulation and will be wind, fire, insect and rodent resistant. Collectively, these benefits will help create a safe, quiet and comfortable living environment for many, many years—four times longer than traditional wood frame construction, according to industry experts.

Working with the team at Conduit to chart a new ICF course was only one of the first eco-forward steps taken by the homeowners. Relying heavily on Conduit’s knowledge and expertise in sustainable green building, the demolition and re-building process has continued to showcase a myriad of Earth-friendly practices designed to minimize wasteful energy use, maximize efficiency, enhance property value and conserve vital natural resources. Here are a few examples:

Eco-Friendly Building Practices for the San Pedro “Green” Home:

• 70% of all demolition material recycled for re-use
• 75% on-site waste reduction during construction
• Strategic orientation of home to take advantage of abundant natural light
• Foundation and walls constructed using innovative ICF technology for maximum insulation and efficiency
• Minimum waste from foundation and wall construction—leftover ICF materials are recycled and used as insulation
• Energy-efficient kitchen and bath fixtures throughout home to promote water conservation
• Solar energy panels that serve as an alternative energy source
• Drought-tolerant gardens to minimize water use and soil run-off
• Energy Star-qualified roof products to reduce peak cooking demand by 10% to 15%
• Use of overhanging solar shades
• Installation of energy-efficient windows with dual-glaze
• Use of low-emitting materials whenever possible to reduce toxicity, including zero-VOC paints and sealants, and strawboard for sub-flooring
• nstallation of green HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) systems to filter incoming air and venting stale air outside while using minimal energy
• And more!

Thanks to these eco-friendly, energy-saving steps undertaken by Conduit Development in partnership with homeowners who have an eye on the future, this stunning San Pedro home promises to be as Earth-friendly as it is architecturally appealing, setting a new building standard throughout Southern California.

Currently under construction, this landmark project is estimated to be complete by October of this year. To tour the construction site, attend a workshop and learn more about the sustainable building practices implemented by Conduit, including ICF construction, call 562.430.3727 or go to www.conduitdevelopment.com.