July/August 2021 News
ICF Builder Awards Open For Entries
Entries are now being accepted for the annual ICF Builder Awards. The entry form is available on the website, www.icfmag.com, under the Builder Awards tab. The deadline to return entry forms is October 15, 2021. Contractors, distributors, and ICF manufacturers are encouraged to submit projects for consideration. The 2022 event will mark the 17th year these awards will have been held. In addition, 2022 will mark the second year in which judging will be opened up once again to a new category of winners: The People’s Choice Awards.
Entries are accepted in the following residential and commercial categories: Heavy Commercial, Light Commercial, Multifamily, Small Residential, Large Residential, Unlimited Residential, and Specialty Applications. To be eligible, the project must be completed by the entry deadline (defined as having an occupancy permit, if applicable) but be less than five years old. All rules and judging criteria are identical to last year. You can download the entry form and find info on judging criteria, tips on filling out the notebook, and past winning projects on the website.
The awards ceremony is the most high-profile event in the ICF industry. In typical years, the winners are announced at a catered evening event at World of Concrete each January. The Builder Awards competition is an annual event designed to showcase the innovation, quality, and energy-efficiency of ICF construction, and promote them as a sustainable, durable, and attractive building material. The projects that are selected as winners, 1st runners up, and 2nd runners up are noteworthy projects that advance the entire industry due to their significance and visibility.
Claim the Energy Tax Deduction For ICF construction
Shouldn’t you be taking advantage of easy money at every corner? If you’re not claiming the $1.80 per-square-foot energy tax deduction for ICF construction you’re leaving money on the table.
Bruce Anderson, the president or PolycreteUSA based in Richmond, Virginia, reminds you to claim this deduction of you can. Most commercial ICF designs will qualify for the §179D Tax Deduction out of the box, and as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 made permanent this past December, the savings are here to stay. Federal energy tax provisions are just another way that building with ICF helps save time and money.
Build With Strength Launches Season 2 of Concrete Credentials Podcast
Concrete Credentials, a podcast by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), Build With Strength, and Pave Ahead, initially launched on July 23, 2020 and launched its second season on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Hosted by NRMCA Executive Vice President Gregg Lewis, AIA, LEED AP, the podcast has featured experts from the design, development, construction, and other sectors in an effort to educate listeners on the benefits of utilizing concrete.
Specifically, the podcast has featured guests highlighting the sustainability of concrete. Concrete is the most widely used building material on the planet and the industry, through NRMCA and Build With Strength, is committed to a more sustainable future. Build With Strength is supporting the Architecture 2030 Challenge for Products in 2011, which is committing to reduce carbon footprint by 50%, by 2030.
The second season will feature guests from industries outside of concrete as well, particularly those that have unique perspectives about its uses and value. These will include guests from the design, insurance, environment, academia, housing, and government sectors. You can download and listen to Concrete Credentials on the Apple Podcast App, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcast and other major podcast streaming apps. It is also available for streaming at www.buildwithstrength.com/concrete-credentials/.
National Hardware Show Gears Up For 75th Edition
The National Hardware Show (NHS) will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center October 21-23, 2021 for its 75th edition. Not only will the show take place in the Convention Center’s new West Hall, it will also offer updated health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience. Additionally, this year will be unlike any other as NHS begins its exciting evolution from an annual merchandise market to a year-round industry guidepost—delivering thought leadership, global insights, and unrivaled sourcing and networking opportunities to members of the hardware and home improvement communities and beyond.
The evolved NHS experience will include three new platforms in 2021, all designed to serve the industry: The year-round NHS Connects platform allows members to source the newest products and vendors, connect with new and current customers, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry education and content. Habitat is a new platform by NHS that delivers future outlooks, key global insights, and community-building opportunities. PunchList is NHS’s new editorial newsletter.
