Aurora, IL, July 10, 2025— Kicking off a groundbreaking step toward sustainable housing, Nicor Gas and Habitat for Humanity have officially begun construction on Habitat Green Freedom—an ambitious initiative utilizing BuildBlock Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) to build disaster-resilient, net-zero homes that redefine affordable living.

The first house project is located at the intersection of Jericho Road and Edgelawn Drive in Aurora, Illinois and the total development will consist of 17 homes altogether. The house designs incorporate various energy-efficient and sustainable technologies including solar panels, energy storage, smart appliances, and exterior walls built with BuildBlock insulated concrete forms.

This construction perfectly demonstrates the versatile benefits that ICF construction offers homeowners and builders, regardless of the project type. For owners and end users, insulated concrete blocks create strong, disaster resilient walls with a tight building envelope that can deliver up to 40% energy reduction and offer far greater protection against high wind, airborne debris, flooding, and wildfires. Builders benefit from easier installation and material handling for a faster, more streamlined construction process that combines multiple steps into one.

Also in attendance at the construction groundbreaking was Aurora City Mayor, John Laesch, who is in full support of Habitat Green Freedom and when speaking about the project he said, “This is the future, and it’s exciting that all these partners have come together to make this home possible.”

BuildBlock is thrilled to see construction start on the Habitat Green Freedom project and is proud to be a contributor to this cause.

“Efficiency is becoming a top priority when it comes to building residential homes as owners and builders alike are actively looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and costs. ICFs are an ideal material to use for exterior walls as the insulation of the forms and the solid concrete mass work together to create a high performing wall while eliminating extra steps. Habitat Green Freedom demonstrates how to build a “net zero’ home at an affordable price,” stated Micah Garrett, COO of BuildBlock.

More information about Habitat Green Freedom can be found here: https://ngsmartneighborhoods.com/communities/habitat-green-freedom/