In the quest for sustainable construction, a new player is emerging from the fields of industrial hemp: hempcrete. This innovative, crop-based material is gaining traction as a potential game-changer in the residential building sector, offering a path to carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative construction. A recent state-of-the-art review, led by Anthony C. Jellen of Jellen Engineering Services in Mechanicsburg, PA, delves into the promise and practicalities of hempcrete, shedding light on its potential to revolutionize the way we build our homes.
The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its energy use and carbon footprint. Buildings in the U.S. account for a staggering 70% of electricity use, 40% of total primary energy consumption, and 30% of operational greenhouse gas emissions. As the industry seeks to integrate more sustainable building products, hempcrete is stepping into the spotlight.
So, what exactly is hempcrete? It’s a bio-composite material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant, known as hurd, and a lime-based binder. The result is a lightweight, insulating material that’s breathable, non-toxic, and highly sustainable. “Hempcrete is not just a building material; it’s a step towards a more sustainable future,” Jellen asserts.
The review, published in the journal Designs, explores the mixture design, properties, and application methods of hempcrete. It also examines the current state of hempcrete application as a non-load-bearing construction material and the ongoing efforts to enhance its compressive strength for load-bearing applications. Factors such as curing temperature and humidity, binder type, and hemp-to-binder ratio are crucial in this endeavor.
One of the most compelling aspects of hempcrete is its potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Hemp plants absorb CO2 as they grow, and the lime binder in hempcrete continues to absorb CO2 over time, making it a carbon-negative material. This is a stark contrast to traditional concrete, which is a significant source of CO2 emissions.
But how does hempcrete fare in terms of building codes and structural properties? The review addresses these questions, discussing how a typical home can be designed using hempcrete for wall systems based on current building code requirements. It also touches on the status of hempcrete application as a load-bearing construction material, an area that’s ripe for further research and development.
The commercial impacts of hempcrete could be substantial. As the energy sector increasingly focuses on sustainability, materials like hempcrete could become a key component in the construction of energy-efficient, low-carbon homes. This could lead to a significant reduction in the energy demands of the built environment, aligning with the goals of the energy sector and contributing to a more sustainable future.
The review also highlights the role of companies that produce hemp-related materials and manufacture construction components using hempcrete. These companies are a valuable source of practical knowledge and real-world application, complementing the scholarly research in this field.
As we look to the future, hempcrete could play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable construction practices. Its unique properties and potential for carbon-negative construction make it an exciting prospect for the residential building sector. However, further research and development are needed to fully realize its potential, particularly in terms of load-bearing applications.
In the words of Jellen, “The future of construction is green, and hempcrete is a significant step in that direction.” As the industry continues to innovate and adapt, materials like hempcrete could become a cornerstone of sustainable construction, paving the way for a more energy-efficient, low-carbon future. The review, published in the journal Designs, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of hempcrete and its potential to transform the residential building sector.