Team Members:
Ivana Krsteska – Ph.D. student in Sustainable Construction Management
Osamu Tsuda – Master’s student in Sustainable Construction Management
Advisor: Dr. Paul Crovella
School: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Challenge: Building Affordability
The objective of this challenge is to reduce costs of high-performance, energy-efficient building technologies to improve affordability, equity, and accessibility.
Project Title: HCM Greenmantle
Solution: The HCM Greenmantle project by Team SUNY ESF introduces an affordable, eco-friendly insulation system for low- to moderate-income housing. By combining moss and hempcrete, the HCM panels provide natural temperature regulation, reduce HVAC reliance, and lower carbon emissions. Moss serves as a carbon-sequestering surface layer, while hempcrete offers durable insulation and moisture control. Using locally sourced materials and rice husk ash as a sustainable binder, the panels support circular economy practices and reduce production costs. Designed for easy installation and retrofitting, the HCM system provides a scalable, non-toxic alternative to traditional insulation, advancing energy efficiency and climate resilience in diverse building environments.