ICF for Commercial and Industrial Construction – Why?

A little over a year ago, I had Randy Daniels, Fox Blocks’s Western U.S. commercial projects advisor, on our Build With ICF Podcast. I asked why we are seeing such an increase in commercial and industrial construction, and he said, “It’s structurally superior, thermally superior, acoustically superior, schedule superior, risk reduction superior, operational cost superior.” So other than that, really nothing….Haha.
In recent years, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) have moved beyond the realm of custom homes and into the heart of commercial and industrial construction. From warehouses to schools, retail centers to manufacturing facilities, more owners and contractors are choosing ICF over traditional methods like concrete masonry units (CMUs) or steel framing.

Not A Fad
This isn’t just a fad. It’s the result of a growing recognition that the building envelope plays a critical role in long-term operational costs, resilience, and occupant comfort. ICFs combine the structural strength of reinforced concrete with continuous insulation, creating a wall system that delivers performance across multiple fronts, all while streamlining the construction process.
Gary Fetters, owner of ICF Specialist and Castle Rock Homes in Phoenix, Arizona, with his brother, Rod, said energy efficiency and sustainability are key factors in his market. He spoke about some statistics from Hilton Hotels on a comparison of two identical Hampton Inns they built in the area. One was in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the other in Queens Creek, Arizona. Gary said, “They save $60,000 annually on their electric bill on the ICF one, and to top it off, they didn’t factor in that the one in Queen Creek was 20% more occupied, so 20% more usage, and they still saved the $60,000 a year.” So how is that happening?

Popularity of ICF hotels stretches beyond energy efficiency. “They pick up durability, safety, fireproof, and soundproof as a bonus,” says Gary. Both Randy and Gary talked about the array of builders they are seeing switch to ICF. Randy told me, “We have seen over 33 churches in the Arizona market, and Megaplex Theatres in Utah are blowing up.” He also talked about all the schools in the Midwest that are adding storm or tornado shelters.

All three photos in this article are of the Megaplex 20 Movie Theater built in South Jordan, Utah.
Photos courtesy of Connie Chisolm

Daniels believes the spread is currently very regional, but “where the grass sprouts, it continues to grow.” I wanted to get some East Coast perspective, too, so I reached out to Dave Groen, owner and president of Groen Construction in Rochester, New Hampshire. I asked him what he was seeing in his area as far as ICF usage in commercial and industrial. He had a great answer: “While I’m seeing the use of ICF in a broad range of commercial and industrial projects, one particular sector that ICF seems to have ongoing popularity in is municipal projects such as public safety, education, administrative, education, etc. Obviously, ICF is a great fit for the efficiency, security, and longevity that these buildings require.” Groen has completed numerous municipal ICF buildings over the past decade, three of which have won ICF Builder Awards. He is currently working on projects including an ICF gymnasium for a private school and an ICF office building attached to a manufacturing facility.

Energy Efficiency That Pays for Itself
In commercial and industrial spaces, heating and cooling account for a large portion of operational expenses. ICFs deliver high R-values. Typical ICF walls range from R-22 to R-30 without any concrete placed. This is continuous insulation — no gaps, no thermal bridges, and no need to layer additional materials.

The concrete core absorbs and slowly releases heat, helping maintain stable indoor temperatures. The foam and concrete combination naturally reduces air infiltration, lowering HVAC loads. Over the lifetime of the building, owners routinely report 30% to 50% lower heating and cooling bills compared to CMU or steel-framed structures. These long-term operational savings often outweighs any slight increase in upfront cost.

In commercial and industrial settings, noise control can be a major factor — whether it’s a hotel next to a freeway, an office building in a city center, or a school gymnasium. ICF walls offer Sound Transmission Class (STC) 50+. This level of sound attenuation means outside noise stays outside, and interior spaces remain quieter and more productive. This can be particularly important in healthcare, hospitality, and education sectors.

Time is money in construction. Every extra day on the job site costs in labor, equipment, and lost revenue for the client. Here’s where ICF shines. ICF walls combine structure, insulation, and an air/vapor barrier in one step. Unlike steel framing, which requires framers, insulators, sheathing installers, and more, ICF projects often need a single crew for wall installation. ICF installation can proceed in conditions that might stall masonry or steel work, reducing weather delays.

Contractors often find that the learning curve for ICF is short, and productivity ramps up quickly, especially for crews used to modular building techniques.

Structural Strength and Resilience
ICFs are not just insulated — they are solid reinforced concrete at their core. That makes them inherently strong, with the ability to handle extreme conditions. ICFs are tested to withstand winds of more than 200 mph. Reinforced concrete walls excel in earthquake zones. Most ICF walls carry a 3- to 4-hour fire rating without additional treatments.

ICFs are ideal for high-traffic environments such as warehouses and gyms. For industrial clients who need to protect valuable equipment, inventory, or sensitive operations, these resilience factors are increasingly important.

Reduced Maintenance and Long-Term Value
Building owners think in decades, not years. The durability of ICF walls translates to lower maintenance costs because of no rot, mold, or insect damage. ICFs require minimal repairs compared to masonry (no mortar joints to repoint). The concrete core maintains integrity for 75 to 100+ years.

Design Flexibility
Some owners worry that ICFs will limit their design options, but that’s a misconception. ICF walls can be finished with virtually any material, including brick or stone veneers, stucco or EIFS systems, metal cladding, and wood siding. Architects can retain full creative freedom while delivering superior performance.

Sustainability and the Bigger Picture
As energy codes tighten and sustainability takes center stage, ICFs are uniquely positioned to help projects meet or exceed performance benchmarks. Their low operational carbon footprint over decades of use offsets the embodied carbon of the concrete, especially when paired with low-carbon mixes.
EPS foam used in most ICF systems is recyclable, and many manufacturers incorporate recycled content. The improved energy performance also supports LEED, Passive House, and other green building certifications.

What is the FUTURE for ICF?
I asked both Dave and Gary what they thought the future of ICF looked like for them in their area, and both had slightly different answers. Gary feels that you will definitely see an increase in ICF schools. He mentioned that Rod and Randy from Fox Blocks met with the school board he’s been working with for a decade to educate them about the benefits of ICF. He also noted that churches are beginning to show renewed interest, and fire stations almost always use ICF construction.

Out East, Dave says he sees a ton of potential in large ICF living spaces. “In the years to come, I expect to see a significant increase in multifamily and senior living buildings designed and constructed with ICF,” he said. “Many of these buildings are currently being designed to meet the rigorous energy code and even Passive House requirements. ICF excels by providing a monolithic, bridge-free envelope that is essential air-tight and easy to seal.”

For builders, ICF offers an opportunity to deliver higher-value projects, differentiate from competitors, and build structures that perform exceptionally well over decades. For owners, the system means reduced operating costs, improved comfort, and peace of mind in the face of extreme weather or disaster.

Dave closed with this: “Owners and developers of commercial and industrial projects are not clouded by an emotional connection to their project. In most cases, they are taking a very calculated approach to selecting the best type of construction as it relates to energy efficiency, durability, and security. It’s been my experience that when the owner understands how it works, ICF sells itself.”

I agree with Dave and believe the future of commercial and industrial construction is not just about putting up walls quickly. It’s about delivering structures that are strong, efficient, comfortable, and sustainable. Insulated concrete forms check all of those boxes — and more.
Trevor Brown is the owner and operator of Innovative Building Products, a multiline ICF and ICF accessories distribution company. He has been in the ICF industry for over 20 years starting as an installer and distributor. He has managed the Western U.S. for an industry-leading ICF company and is now an independent consultant for ICF builders and homeowners across the country. He is also the co-host of the Build With ICF Podcast, which can be found from the website, www.buildwithicf.com.