There are several different types of permanent, insulating concrete forms. Some are made from recycled materials in a cementitious binder, cast in the form of blocks. The cores of these blocks are filled with rebar and concrete to create a reinforced below-grade or above-grade wall system. The most common types of insulating concrete forms are made from rigid foam in the form of either panels or blocks. Like the cementitious block systems, these foam forms also have their cores filled with rebar and concrete. The stay-in-place foam forms can be used for footings, foundations, and above-grade walls.

Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) reduce the amount of concrete used in a foundation when compared to a standard poured-in-place wall. Systems that result in a concrete panel core in the wall use more concrete than systems that result in a grid of concrete posts and beams separated by sections of foam. While the manufacture of the foam is clearly not without its own environmental impacts, it does provide good insulation at very low material weight.

The insulating concrete form systems are a great improvement in thermal efficiency over standard poured-in-place concrete walls. The ICF is a technology that has been listed in the technology inventory of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing.

Manufacturers of ICFs tout their systems for the energy efficiency and noise reduction they offer, as well as the strength of concrete walls during extreme weather events like hurricanes. The stacking, interlocking forms are reportedly easy to learn to use, although there are some tricks to their use that can frustrate and slow the beginning user. Many producers offer training and certification using their products, to help ensure a proper and smooth assembly process.

Bottom line:
Insulating concrete forms greatly improve the thermal performance of concrete foundation walls, making them more Climate Appropriate for many locations. By reducing the amount of concrete used in walls, ICFs may also be said to result in Reduced Materials Use, although most of them use petroleum-based foam. A few insulative concrete forming systems contain Recycled Material, although these products are not widely available, and can be heavy, so their transport to the jobsite can be a distinct environmental detriment, unless they come from a Local Source.

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