Assessing the Sustainability Potential of Using Hempcrete

Hempcrete is a construction material construed of hemp and lime, its profile has begun to favour sustainable construction methods. The material is grown without chemicals and requires little water. Hempcrete removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process carbon sequestration. Hempcrete improves the energy efficiency of walls, flooring, and roofs. The use of the material however has had skilled labourers and contractors unsure of its use, it’s clear that a future in hempcrete requires further education for those that are installing hempcrete.

The aim of this research was to review the sustainability benefits of hempcrete and how it can educate the construction industry in lowering carbon output through material selection. The objectives of this research were to investigate the properties of hempcrete when used as a building material contrasting with the barriers in practice when selecting materials. The second objective was to analyse hempcrete product data to reiterate its benefits against traditional materials.

The research was guided by a pragmatic worldview, with a quantitative phase assessed technical data supplied by manufactures of hempcrete worldwide; the materials thermal conductivity, compressive strength and carbon footprint was compared against concrete. As a result of the data a set of questions were developed for the qualitative phase. The survey was deployed to the architecture and construction industry (ACI) with the highest denominator being Architectural Technologists and establishing why these stakeholders do not currently use hempcrete. The pragmatic approach facilitated the integration of quantitative and qualitative data, with the technical data providing the justification for the survey questions. The conclusion of the survey is that the ACI lacks knowledge within the area of hempcrete and its comparison to traditional materials. To combat this gap, recommendations of cpd, further research into case studies where hempcrete has been used and attendance of workshops addressing different sustainable materials.