However, designing such materials and ensuring they are versatile and functional in the long run is an enormous task — accomplished by an Idaho-based company called Hempitecture.
Hempitecture is a company leveraging a unique and innovative method for hemp insulation. It has various hemp-based products, such as HempWool and HempCrete, used in 1,562 projects in multiple building types. Hemp is a carbon-sequestering, low-maintenance plant that requires pesticides or fertilizer, allowing Hempitecture to capture 1.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide to date. The industry pioneer partnered with the US Department of Energy to further develop the initiative for nationwide use.
Hempitecture’s success story raises questions about hemp’s environmental significance, potential as an eco-friendly material in various sectors and possible incorporation with renewable energy sources to create more cohesive and well-rounded green buildings.
Industrial hemp has various features that could benefit the environment. Among them are:
In many ways, hemp insulation is better than traditional materials like fiberglass and polyurethane foam. Here are some examples of hemp insulation’s advantages over conventional substances:
Hemp's eco-friendly and functional abilities are revolutionizing the construction industry. As the search for green alternatives intensifies, hemp leads the way in using bio-based materials to empower building sustainability. Some groundbreaking innovations include:
This is a building material made by fusing hemp and lime. The plant can absorb carbon dioxide when it grows , effectively offsetting the gas before construction begins. It has high thermal absorption ability and is cost-effective because it removes thermal bridging in the envelope, improving energy efficiency. Hempcrete is arguably one of the most common hemp materials used in sustainable home construction worldwide.
This material is a sustainable alternative to wooden flooring. Despite being attractive and popular among homeowners, wood is not sustainable because it grows slowly and requires deforestation. Hemp grows faster and is produced and harvested on farms. Hemp flooring materials create textures similar to wood while retaining hemp's eco-friendly abilities, such as low environmental impact, versatility and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Hemp panels work well for insulation. They are lightweight and easy to install on walls and ceilings. Like any other hemp-based product, they are toxin-free, making them safe for installers to handle even without gloves. Hemp panels are also soundproof and moisture-resistant, adding to their long-term usage and low repair needs.
Hemp's versatility means it can also be combined with other materials. One example is a composite of hemp and natural matrix , a mixture of ground clay and organic binder. This proved to be efficient in the load-carrying capacity of arches. In addition, hemp jute composite is also gaining traction. This product requires minimal water as a binder and provides high insulation performance.
Buildings' energy demand jumped by 1% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 35% of power use was for electricity. Renewable sources could alleviate this problem by empowering green construction initiatives. Combining this with materials like hemp could just be what the world needs to ensure sustainable buildings.
Many efforts and experiments are already underway to incorporate hemp products and renewable energy to create a comprehensive system.
For example, hempcrete was used to build a zero-carbon house with prefabricated panels filled with hemp in between. This building is also energy-efficient, using a biomass boiler and solar panels for heating and power. It was built off-site, which allowed construction to continue despite harsh weather conditions. The team then brought the panels to the farm and the foundation was erected in two days, saving ample time and resources.
Another similar project is the “Sunimplant” in Morocco, a house built with hemp composite as its primary material and powered by solar panels. It cost a team of independent architects and experts less than 50% of the price of conventional buildings.
These projects prove that integrating hemp and renewable energy sources is optimistic and promises a future of greener construction practices.
Hemp is a durable and versatile material that can work with renewable energy sources to create carbon-neutral, green and sustainable buildings. However, more research is needed to ensure the amalgamation becomes an industry standard.
