Continuous Insulation Systems
During his formative years working as a fabricator and installer in his family's metal cladding business, G. Matt Krause, Founder and CEO of Advanced Architectural Products (A2P), saw a gap in creating building envelopes that not only maintained the structural integrity of the building, but also kept the enclosure thermally efficient, while reducing overall heating and cooling costs. He recognized the opportunity to revolutionize the building enclosure market with new technology and approaches to building envelopes through sub-cladding support systems.
This early exposure and focus on engineering innovative solutions laid the foundation for groundbreaking work in thermal efficiency and durable building envelopes, exemplified by the invention of the GreenGirt CMH and GreenGirt Steel continuous insulation systems, and the SMARTci building enclosure system. With every new innovative solution to the building envelope market, A2P paves the way for the future of sustainable, durable, and thermally-efficient continuous insulation and building enclosure systems.
SMARTci® Products
Building enclosure system that eliminates thermal bypass – guaranteed!
SMARTci® is an air- and water-tight building enclosure system comprised of GreenGirt CMH™ sub-framing, integrated custom-profiled insulation panels, expert engineering support, and necessary accessories. The SMARTci system installs in a single-pass and is 92–99% thermally efficient, eliminates thermal bypass, and provides the highest R-value available – up to 50% higher than competitive systems.
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An air- and water-tight building enclosure system comprised of GreenGirt CMH sub-framing, integrated insulation panels, and necessary accessories. Installed over traditional closed framing with sheathing and a water-resistive barrier, the SMARTci system installs in a single-pass, is 92-99% thermally efficient, and eliminates thermal bypass.
In addition to adhering to the eight continuous insulation best practices, SMARTci® also provides an air- and water-tight building enclosure, along with a smooth drainage plane, for enhanced building performance and durability. Additional features that make SMARTci stand out include:
Air- and Water-Tight Building Enclosure System
Installed over traditional closed framing with sheathing and a water-resistive barrier, the SMARTci system is engineered to ensure that air and water stays where it belongs (sheathing and WRB provided by others).
Includes Custom-Profiled Rigid Insulation
SMARTci’s rigid insulation panels are custom-profiled to fit exactly to GreenGirt CMH Z-girts and the required depth, pre-routed in-house for a seamless, stack-and-go installation process.
Pressure Seals to Connect Rigid Insulation Panels
The pressure seal accessory seamlessly connects rigid insulation panels for a 360-degree air- and water-seal and a streamlined installation process, reducing both time and material costs.
ThermaLock Technology Holds Insulation in Place
Through ThermaLock technology on the GreenGirt CMH Z-girts, SMARTci systems can hold insulation in place, eliminating the need for extra fastening materials.
Secured with FEA Testing
Every SMARTci system undergoes finite element analysis (FEA) testing to ensure that each system is designed to meet optimal strength requirements for every project.
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An air- and water-tight building enclosure system comprised of GreenGirt CMH sub-framing, integrated insulation panels, and necessary accessories. The SMARTci system installs in a single-pass, is 92-99% thermally efficient, and eliminates thermal bypass; installed over open framing to save time and reduce labor and materials costs.
In addition to adhering to the eight continuous insulation best practices, the SMARTci™ building enclosure system also provides an air- and water-tight building enclosure, along with a smooth drainage plane, for enhanced building performance and durability. Installed over open framing, additional features that make the SMARTci building enclosure system stand out include:
Maximizes Interior Square Footage & Has The Highest R-Value Per Inch of Insulation
Enhance space utilization and thermal efficiency, providing superior insulation in a compact design to increase usable interior area.
Enhanced Air- and Water-Tight Building Enclosure System (to 20 psf)
Optimize building resilience with an enhanced air- and water-tight building enclosure system, designed to withstand up to 20 psf.
Includes Custom-Profiled Rigid Insulation
SMARTci’s rigid insulation panels are custom-profiled to fit exactly to GreenGirt CMH Z-girts and the required depth, pre-routed in-house for a seamless, stack-and-go installation process.
Pressure Seals to Connect Rigid Insulation Panels
The pressure seal accessory seamlessly connects rigid insulation panels for a 360-degree air- and water-seal and a streamlined installation process, reducing both time and material costs.
Secured with FEA Testing
Every SMARTci system undergoes finite element analysis (FEA) testing to ensure that each system is designed to meet optimal strength requirements for every project.
These products are fully compatible with GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance.
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Non-structural composite angle trim framing for walls, roofs, and window/door openings.
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Non-structural composite flat trim framing for walls, roofs, and window/door openings.
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Universal composite for butt joint attachment in integrated rigid insulation to provide an air- and water-tight seal.
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An aluminum insert that combines two GreenGirt CMH Z-girts into a structural hat to deal with more extreme spacing or cladding weight conditions.
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A vertical composite metal hybrid structural component used to support deeper horizontal GreenGirt CMH Z-girts with stress and deflection.
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GreenGirt CMH™ Continuous Insulation Systems
A family of continuous insulation systems that combines structural composite metal hybrid sub-framing and compatible accessories with expert engineering support. GreenGirt CMH systems can be used with mineral wool, spray foam, or your preferred insulation material to eliminate thermal bridging and increase energy efficiency.
GreenGirt CMH XO™ is a structural thermal framing system for all windows and openings. Proudly made in the USA by Advanced Architectural Products, GreenGirt CMH XO effectively tackles the critical challenge of thermal loss at building openings by eliminating through-wall metal, through-insulation fasteners, conductive metal angles, and inefficient wood-blocking.By aligning the thermal plane of the window with the thermal plane of the insulation, the overall efficiency of the building envelope is enhanced by the GreenGirt CMH XO system, achieving up to 97% thermal efficiency and more than doubling the effective R-value when compared to legacy systems. Supported by expert engineering, this system seamlessly integrates into the building's faCade, providing a sophisticated and efficient solution to optimize window and opening performance.Engineered with true flexibility in mind, GreenGirt CMH XO accommodates a wide range of window types and sizes. Its modular design allows customization to project-specific requirements. The system includes composite fiberglass headers, sills (with or without integrated rails) and jambs; aluminum and galvanized dead load clips; header angles; header, jamb, and sill aluminum flange inserts (available in standard and spacer variants); and self-sealing anchor plates, all customized to your project in collaboration with the A2P engineering team.
The GreenGirt CMH XO System adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt CMH XO System stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Doubling Thermal Efficiency at Windows
GreenGirt CMH XO aligns the thermal plane of the window with the thermal plane of the insulation for enhanced energy performance—meeting the window alignment requirements in ASHRAE 90.1-2022.
Designed for Versatile Opening and Insulation Options
GreenGirt CMH XO is flexible to meet the needs of any building opening, including punched openings, storefronts, curtain walls, and ribbon windows, to ensure seamless integrations and superior performance. Also designed to work with any type of insulation.
Eliminates Metal Angles and Wood Blocking
Revolutionize your build by replacing traditional metal angles and wood blocking with innovative composite metal hybrid materials for a more efficient and sustainable construction approach.
Resistant to Creep and Fatigue
Engineered with advanced composite metal hybrid materials, GreenGirt CMH XO prevents fastener creep, resists fatigue and ensures lasting structural integrity.
Committed to Sustainable Design
By increasing energy efficiency at building openings, GreenGirt CMH XO reduces energy waste, conserving resources and reducing embodied carbon emissions. To ensure full transparency, GreenGirt CMH XO is complete with a Declare label, an EPD, and uses Red-List free materials.
GreenGirt CMH Delta™ Adjustable is a continuous insulation system with an adjustable design that caters to the dynamic needs of modern construction. Proudly made in the USA by Advanced Architectural Products, this system incorporates a structural composite metal hybrid sub-framing, which is engineered for flexibility and strength, allowing for precise adjustments to accommodate various wall conditions.The adaptability of GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable is particularly beneficial in addressing out-of-plumb walls and ensuring a level and uniform insulation layer. Available in depths of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches, this system achieves up to 92-99% thermal efficiency, retains a high effective R-value, and is offered in two customizable Z and L bracket shapes that can be installed either horizontally or vertically.
The GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable system adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable system stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Industry Leading Adjustability: Up to 10.5"
Ideal for correcting exterior wall plane deviations and out-of-plumb walls, for a seamless design that is customizable to meet the design requirements of your project.
Dual Grip™ Technology for Insulation and Rail Retention
Enhance stability and efficiency with Dual Grip™ technology, ensuring robust insulation and rail retention for superior system performance that leverages high-quality thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
Efficient Story Pole Installation Method
Streamline installation with our efficient story pole method, ensuring quick, accurate, and hassle-free setup while significantly reducing labor time and cost.
Flexibility in Configuration Options
GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable accommodates both metal and CMH rails, depending on the durability and energy efficiency needs to maintain your building's structural integrity.
Passes NFPA 285 Requirements
GreenGirt CMH Delta Adjustable has been tested for fire resistance and meets the code requirements of NFPA 285.
GreenGirt CMH Clips™ provide a best practice, one-piece continuous insulation system, offering secure attachment and zero thermal bridging through its innovative clip technology — designed for optimal performance and energy efficiency, and installed vertically with a hat channel(s) and any mineral wool or spray foam insulation your project requires.Removing the need for through-wall metal and through-insulation fasteners, GreenGirt CMH Clips replace conductive metal Z-girts for an energy-efficient solution that eliminates thermal bridging and moisture-related problems. GreenGirt CMH Clips are available for customization in various depths of 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 6 inches.
GreenGirt CMH Clips adhere to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt CMH Clips™ System stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Composite Metal Hybrid Design
Patented composite metal hybrid design provides a complete thermal break, resulting in R-value efficiency of an industry-leading 98-99%.
Steel-Reinforced Flanges
Equipped with steel inserts that enhance durability and ensure a secure steel-to-steel attachment to the building's structure. These steel-reinforced flanges provide a secure anchoring point, eliminating the risk of fasteners loosening over time and maintaining the integrity of the continuous insulation system.
Space and Material Efficiency
GreenGirt CMH Clips provide a secure thermally broken cladding attachment system without needing full 8-foot Z-girts, which can reduce material costs.
Insulation Secured with ThermaLock
The GreenGirt CMH Clips system holds insulation in place with ThermaLock technology to not only eliminate thermal bridging and thermal bypass, but to maintain the building's structural integrity without the need for extra fastening materials.
Flexible and Versatile to Meet Project Needs
This innovative clip system is able to withstand any cladding material to meet the needs of your project's walls and maintain the full durability of the building's walls, customizable in different depths to meet project requirements.
GreenGirt Optima CMH™ is a Class I continuous insulation system engineered for light- to medium-weight cladding—including ACM, metal, fiber cement, and high-pressure laminate panels. Proudly made in the USA by Advanced Architectural Products, GreenGirt Optima CMH delivers superior thermal and structural performance at a competitive price – positioning it as a cost-effective upgrade over Class II/III systems. GreenGirt Optima CMH is an excellent alternative to the flagship GreenGirt Max CMH™, designed for lighter weight cladding applications and offered at a reduced price.Optimized with thinner 0.17″ steel-reinforced flanges, GreenGirt Optima CMH reduces steel use and embodied carbon while preserving crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength – resulting in the highest strength-to-weight ratio in its class.
The GreenGirt Optima CMH System adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt Optima CMH system stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Lightweight, Easy Installation
Interlocking flanges with integrated steel reinforcement simplify alignment, reduce labor, and speed up installation time.
Best-in-Class Thermal Efficiency
Composed of composite metal hybrid material, leverages ThermaLock technology, and eliminates thermal bypass – ensuring 92–99% static thermal efficiency.
Permanent Steel-to-Steel Connections
Fasteners outperform 16-gauge steel connections and eliminate the “unavoidable failure" risks with FRP-only systems.
Engineered Tensile Strength
Engineered for both crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength, the system evenly distributes loads and prevents product and fastener creep over time.
ThermaLock Insulation Retention
Dual three-point compression seals secure insulation without stickpins or fasteners.
GreenGirt CMH Roof™ is a Class I thermally broken cladding support system engineered for all roof cladding and insulation types. Proudly made in the USA by Advanced Architectural Products, it treats the roof as a “fifth wall,” delivering industry-leading thermal and structural performance. GreenGirt CMH Roof is available in GreenGirt Optima CMH™ and GreenGirt Max CMH™ Z-girts.Manufactured with either 0.20” or 0.17” steel-reinforced flanges, GreenGirt CMH Roof is the most effective continuous insulation system for roofs and is designed to meet the performance demands of any type of building. GreenGirt CMH Roof uses the crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength of GreenGirt CMH Z-girts for unmatched durability.
The GreenGirt CMH Roof system adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt CMH Roof system stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Easy Installation for all Spacing Demands
GreenGirt CMH Roof is equipped to handle any spacing requirements for simplified alignment, reduced labor, and faster installation – on top of reduced materials and costs.
Engineered Tensile Strength
Engineered for both crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength, the system evenly distributes loads and prevents material and fastener creep over time.
Universal Insulation Compatibility
Insulate your roof with any insulation your project requires; GreenGirt CMH Roof offers flexibility in building design to meet your project’s needs without sacrificing the building’s durability.
Superior Moisture Management
Offers excellent moisture control that eliminates moisture-related issues, such as mold or mildew, for a healthier, more durable roof.
Zero Through-Roof Metal, Fasteners, or Thermal Bridging
GreenGirt CMH Roof delivers industry-leading thermal efficiency – up to 92-99% – by using ThermaLock technology to eliminate the need for fastening materials that penetrate the insulation.
GreenGirt Max CMH™ is a Class I continuous insulation system engineered for all weights of cladding, from ACM and fiber cement to terra cotta and natural stone. Proudly made in the USA by Advanced Architectural Products, GreenGirt Max CMH delivers industry-leading thermal and structural performance. As the flagship product that complements GreenGirt Optima CMH™, GreenGirt Max CMH succeeds at providing high-quality thermal efficiency and structural integrity for all cladding weights. Manufactured with 0.20" steel-reinforced flanges, GreenGirt Max CMH is the strongest Z-girt on the market and is designed to offer the widest spacing possible for continuous insulation systems. GreenGirt Max CMH uses crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength to establish it as more durable than Class II and Class III continuous insulation systems. GreenGirt CMH was also previously specified and sold under the name “SMARTci 1 in 1."
The GreenGirt Max CMH System adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt Max CMH system stand out as the best choice for your building include:
Easy Installation for Wider Spacing
Widening the spacing between Z-girts provides the opportunity for simplified alignment, reduced labor, and faster installation – on top of reduced materials and costs.
Engineered Tensile Strength
Engineered for both crosswise and lengthwise tensile strength, the system evenly distributes loads and prevents material and fastener creep over time.
Industry-Leading Thermal Efficiency
ThermaLock technology ensures 92–99% static thermal efficiency, while also fully eliminating thermal bypass.
ThermaLock Insulation Retention
Dual three-point compression seals secure insulation without stickpins or fasteners.
Permanent Steel-to-Steel Connections
Fastener connection is secured with 0.20" steel-reinforced flanges, outperforming the “unavoidable failure" risks in FRP-only systems.
GreenGirt Steel™ Continuous Insulation Systems
GreenGirt Steel combines thoughtfully engineered steel Z-girt sub-framing with thermal pads and compatible accessories with expert engineering support. GreenGirt Steel systems can be used with mineral wool, spray foam, or your preferred insulation material to eliminate the need for stick pins/fasteners to hold insulation, and it is an entry-level alternative to achieve code-compliant energy efficiency.
An entry-level continuous insulation system that delivers 20–50% more strength than other perforated thermal metal Z-girts while providing code-compliant energy efficiency. Its steel Z-girt sub-framing with thermal brackets integrates with any insulation, and the overlapping design halves installation time. Integrated insulation retention locks eliminate stick pins and thousands of thermal bridges, achieving the highest effective R-value for a steel-based system. GreenGirt Steel’s minimal design and integrated thermal brackets further reduce energy transfer, helping buildings achieve their energy efficiency goals.
The GreenGirt Steel™ system adheres to the eight continuous insulation best practices. Additional features that make the GreenGirt Steel system stand out as the best choice for your building include:
20–50% stronger than other perforated thermal metal Z-girts
GreenGirt Steel’s advanced design provides 20–50% stronger than other perforated thermal metal Z-girts, ensuring superior durability and load-bearing capacity for building envelopes.
Installs up to 2X faster than other systems
GreenGirt Steel’s streamlined design allows it to be installed up to twice as fast as other systems, saving both time and labor on construction projects.
Highest R-value for a steel-based system
GreenGirt Steel offers the highest R-value among steel-based systems, ensuring superior thermal performance and enhanced energy efficiency for building envelopes.
Thermal expansion and contraction at connections
GreenGirt Steel’s ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction at connections reduces stress on the system, maintaining structural integrity.
Insulation retention lock holds insulation in place
GreenGirt Steel’s integrated insulation retention lock keeps insulation securely in place, simplifies installation, and eliminates stick pins/fasteners and thousands of thermal bridg
Solutions
Discover the ideal wall solutions for your projects. Our advanced continuous insulation and building enclosure systems ensure superior efficiency and lasting performance.
Traditional window framing solutions often fail in energy efficiency; explore how our innovative structural window solutions can provide you with design flexibility to maximize energy efficiency.
Revolutionize your rooftop with durable, energy-efficient systems designed to protect and perform, ensuring your building's longevity and operational excellence.
Featured Projects
The Holland Fire Department Waverly Station is a new fire station in Holland, MI, that replaces and consolidates two older facilities that no longer had the size or functionality to meet the growing demands of the Holland community. This cutting-edge facility includes five new spacious truck bays, multiple training areas, and a first-class emergency response and alert system. The project contains 8,400 square feet of the GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation system.
The Sutphin Senior Residence center is a 15-story affordable housing building at 97–04 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, NY, designed to meet Passive House standards. To address the thermal loss that occurs at windows and openings, the GreenGirt CMH XO high-efficiency structural thermal framing system for windows was used to align the thermal plane of the window with the thermal plane of the continuous insulation, mitigating thermal loss and maximizing thermal efficiency. By increasing energy efficiency at building openings, GreenGirt CMH XO reduces energy waste, conserving resources and reducing embodied carbon emissions. This project contains 7,900 linear feet of the GreenGirt CMH XO structural thermal framing system for windows.
The Tri-County Biological Science Center in North Charleston, SC, is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art DNA laboratory created through a tri-county collaboration among Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. The new laboratory was designed specifically for forensic analysis and, using modern lab design and equipment, aims to significantly reduce DNA processing times and cut the backlog currently handled by the state lab. This project contains 8,500 square feet of the SMARTci building enclosure system.
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Glendale, WI, is undergoing a revitalization project that will expand and transform the north campus into a stimulating, inspirational learning environment. The new K–12 school building will include 40 elementary and middle school classrooms across two wings. Other new spaces include offices, a cafeteria, and areas specialized for STEM, art, and chemistry. This project contains 20,000 square feet of the SMARTci building enclosure system.
Columbia Public Schools' new elementary school is located in southwest Columbia, MO. The facility will include innovative learning environments, such as breakout spaces, learning pods, media hubs, and innovation labs. This project contains 11,000 square feet of the SMARTci building enclosure system.
The State University of New York Old Westbury campus center in Old Westbury, NY, is undergoing a thorough renovation and expansion that will replace the existing faCade with an energy-efficient design. Existing facilities will be transformed into modern teaching labs, a greenhouse, and collaborative spaces, while new entry bridges and pedestrian portals will be added. This project contains 10,000 square feet of the GreenGirt CMH Clip system.
Clarkson Estates is a mixed-use housing project in Brooklyn, NY. The new 9-story building is engineered to meet Passive House standards, with heat pumps, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, and triple-pane windows. Amenities will include a basketball gym, community gardens, indoor fitness center, resident training kitchen, and communal spaces. This project contains 39,000 square feet of the GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation system.
The Comstock STEM Academy in Kalamazoo, MI, is the school district's first new building in over 50 years. The facility will include modern classrooms, a science lab, flexible learning areas, and outdoor learning spaces that can evolve along with educational needs. This school will include 8,500 square feet of GreenGirt Steel.
The renovation of 680 E. Swedesford Road will transform the office complex into one of the region's best-in-class work environments. Updates to this facility in Wayne, PA, will include a striking new faCade with floor to-ceiling windows, a modern first-floor lobby, upgraded amenities, enhanced landscaping, and more. This project contains 21,000 square feet of the SMARTci building enclosure system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is GreenGirt CMH?
What is SMARTci?
What is the difference between FRP and CMH?
Do GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems eliminate thermal bridging?
What cladding is compatible with GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems?
Does GreenGirt CMH sub-framing have fire testing?
Do GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems take longer to install than other continuous insulation and building enclosure systems?
Does A2P offer design/engineering assistance?
How do I purchase a GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, or SMARTci system?
What are the eight best practices when it comes to continuous insulation and building enclosure systems?
How do GreenGirt CMH systems differ from other continuous insulation systems?
How do SMARTci systems differ from other building enclosure systems?
What is the environmental impact of GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems?
What is included in SMARTci building enclosure systems?
Can a GreenGirt CMH system be used to insulate a roof?
Which insulation materials can be used with GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems?
Which substrates are compatible with GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems?
Does A2P offer installation support or training?
Where can I find technical documents and information for GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems?
Where are GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems manufactured?
What depths are available for GreenGirt CMH and GreenGirt Steel sub-framing?
Is GreenGirt CMH sub-framing available in colors other than green?
What are the standard GreenGirt CMH and GreenGirt Steel Z-girt lengths?
Can GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems be installed vertically or horizontally?
Are GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems compatible with brick cladding?
Does A2P offer AIA-accredited continued education or Lunch & Learn presentations?
My substrate surface is misaligned and has plane deviations. Which system should I use?
What types of buildings have used GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, or SMARTci systems?
Can cladding direct attach to GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, or GreenGirt Steel sub-framing?
What fastener types are recommended for use with GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, and SMARTci systems?
Do GreenGirt CMH, GreenGirt Steel, or SMARTci systems only apply to cold climates?
What is the adjustability range of the GreenGirt CMH Delta adjustable system?
Thermal Calculator
Maximize Your Efficiency: Explore Our Innovative GreenGirt and SMARTci Solutions Tailored to Your Energy Goals
GreenGirt CMH continuous insulation and SMARTci building enclosure systems combine the structural integrity of steel with the thermal insulative properties of fiber-reinforced polymers to save energy, CO2, and money. Curious exactly how much you'll save? Find out instantly when you enter your project details into this savings estimator: