In this age of vanishing resources, we must choose our building materials more wisely, balancing the expenditure of natural resources with the benefits of a material over its useful life. Applying cost/benefit analysis to environmental building means looking at materials in terms of "life cycle": the environmental impacts of production, distribution, use and ultimate disposal.

FYI: Since 33 trees or more can be used to produce one wood-framed home, using concrete is also environmentally sound. The components of concrete are natural products.

Concrete holds up well under such a "cradle to the grave" analysis. That's why more mature societies such as Europe and Japan long ago turned to concrete and masonry for home building. And they've never looked back. For aside from resolving the dilemma of dwindling resources, concrete builds safer and more durable homes that require less maintenance, less energy to heat and cool, and are not prone to the disasters of fire and wind.

QUESTION: Are your energy bills driving you out of your home? Energy prices are continually rising every year. With an Earth Friendly Concrete Home your initial cost to build is approximately 4% more than a conventional wood framed home however with the conventional wood framed house 30-39% of the energy loss is through air infiltration. When you build with an insulated concrete home there is zero air infiltration thus saving you a minimum of 30% on heating and cooling.

The ENERGY ADVANTAGE NEW HOMES PROGRAM by MidAmerican Energy has acknowledged that 5930 Cardinal Court, Pleasant Hill, IA qualifies as a New Energy-Efficient Home based on the specifications of MidAmerican Energy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection agency approves MidAmerican’s energy efficiency specifications as meeting or exceeding EPA ENERGY STAR guidelines for homes.

Energy-efficient homes not only save energy but they may also reduce monthly utility bills.

With Ratings up to R40 you can have heating and cooling savings up to 70%. Reduced Insurance Rates. Utility companies and government agencies have rebates for energy efficient housing. Some lending institutions will provide additional financing with ICF's.

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