Building Material

I already mentioned a few uses in the previous section about hemp being used in the construction industry. Hemp can also be used as a building material. It is a great insulator (for heat and sound) but also breathable; is fire-retardant; resistant to mould and pests; carbon neutral (or negative) and has none of the toxic elements associated with many building materials.

Hempcrete is a type of cement created using the hurds (the inner core of the hemp stalk) mixed with a binder such as lime. It is easier and safer to work with and when set, is as strong as cement. Depending on the percentage of hurds to binder it can create various grades of hempcrete for different applications (light weight for insulation; a stronger mix for wall and floor hempcrete; and even an equal mix for use as hemp plaster). Hempcrete can be made into blocks and used in the same manner as breeze blocks and there are even companies that build prefabricated panels for easier installation. Chipboard or particle boards can also be made out of the hurds.

Again this is mostly using the hurds but the fibre can also be used in biocomposites and for certain types of insulation. The hollow fibres create the perfect air trap. Similarly to the clothing made from hemp this breathable, wicking characteristic of hemp also applies to buildings made from hemp. As opposed to completely sealed buildings where moisture and toxins can be trapped leading to mould and other issues, hemp made buildings breath and have an amazing ability to regulate temperature and humidity. Adnams brewery has a large hempcrete warehouse that creates the perfect environment (humidity and temperature) to keep their beer optimal without the need for additional heating or cooling systems.

A quote from a great documentary called ‘The Hemp Solution’ (2010) by Sol Ramana-Clarke about hempcrete houses.

“In just 14 weeks one hectare can produce enough hemp to build a house. While growing this hectare of hemp would have absorbed 18 tons of CO2, which becomes locked into the walls of the hempcrete house. Including all factors hempcrete houses are considered carbon negative while the building of a conventional house produces around 450 tons of CO2.”

An abundance of other finishings can also be made out of the fibre such as carpet, underlay, curtains, furniture covers, bedding etc.

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