Innovative new green building products and materials from the mountain region: Product spotlight
Updated: Sep 16, 2022
Mountain region companies pioneer developments in green building materials
At the 2021 USGBC Live event, four mountain-region organizations discussed their innovative new green building products and materials. Discover three of these new materials in this slideshow.
Recycled post-consumer waste drywall
Proving that blending drywall with plastics is not only possible but also that this combination can be repurposed into something useful, Colorado-based 5280 Recycling Solutions is currently constructing a facility in Brighton, CO to manufacture this new material in the form of full-size pavers. Featuring a 10,300-psi compression strength and 99% water resistance, the material will also be used to produce retention walls and decorative planters, and a sheet product aimed at rivaling backer board is also on the horizon.
Visit https://5280recycle.com for more information.
Rapidly renewable batt insulation
A new, natural-fiber batt insulation that improves energy efficiency without adding toxic or high embodied carbon materials to buildings, HempWool® is the brainchild of Hempitecture, a Southern Idaho company. Made from regionally sourced hemp and easy to work with, it can serve as a one-to-one replacement for more conventional (but less sustainable and healthy) batt-insulation products like fiberglass or mineral wool.
Visit www.hempitecture.com/hempwool for more information.
Related: Pandemic-friendly products for health and wellness
High-recycled-content architectural resins and glass
After 10 years of research and development as well as the use of optical sorting technology, Salt Lake City innovator 3form now creates Flek—aesthetically appealing, modern panels made with 75% recycled materials. The company then goes one step further, capturing waste from the Flek production process and upcycling it into new, closed-loop panels.
Visit http://www.3-form.com/ for more information.
High-recycled-content panels
Also from 3form, Flek panels are perfect for partitions, offering a unique translucent terrazzo design to this workspace. This image depicts partitions in a warm gray “Avenue” and the ILTUO hardware system.
Visit www.3-form.com for more information.
This article is originally featured in Colorado Builder
Amy Guettler is a freelance writing, editing, marketing and communications professional. An expert in content development and management, Amy can be reached at amy.guettler@gmail.com.