Bio-charcoal hardens Habitat affiliate’s first zero carbon concrete home

Sources: Build with Strength coalition, Alexandria, Va.; SolidCarbon Inc., McMinnville, Ore.; CMCM staff

The Tacoma/Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium has recognized Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Build with Strength coalition for a Gig Harbor, Wash. home built with insulating concrete form (ICF) walls and mixes bearing a bio-charcoal admixture. When dosed at 100 lbs., SolidCarbon’s BioLock admixture has the potential to sequester 45 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per cubic yard of ready mixed—positioning the Tacoma Habitat home to be carbon neutral without sacrificing concrete performance or strength.

“We are honored this project is being recognized by the Consortium for our efforts to bring sustainable housing techniques to the community. This first of its kind home represents the capability for concrete and ICFs to provide not only resilient, safe and affordable housing, but also be carbon neutral,” says NRMCA Chief Communications Officer Gregg Lewis, acknowledging project partners and suppliers Heidelberg Materials (ready mixed concrete), Quad-Lock (ICFs), Insulating Concrete Forms Association and American Concrete Pumping Association. 

 “As in industry, it is important we continue to find sustainable and affordable ways to provide housing,” notes SolidCarbon CEO John Mead. “Our goal is to make sure everyone is educated on the different capabilities of our products.”

The Gig Harbor ICF project is part of a five-year Build with Strength and Habitat for Humanity International initiative to construct at least one concrete home of sustainable design in each state. The coalition and Habitat International affiliates have 76 homes in various stages of construction in 33 states in just under 30 months.