Many nations around the world are increasingly looking for ways to adapt in using more sustainable building materials and hempcrete could be just what they need.
Hempcrete is an innovative material that is a combined mixture of hemp with sand and limestone. This material was first discovered back in the 6th century in France and it could see a re-birth in use and popularity as even more people today are looking to find sustainable materials.
Hemp is a bio-composite that is made of mixed hemp plants with a line-based binder. It is a great material at absorbing CO2 and releases oxygen while it is growing and it can also absorb CO2 thanks to the limestone and slow petrifying that takes place. This means that in the long run hempcrete could play a big role in reducing unwanted CO2.
One of the biggest complaints with this material however is that it isn't as sturdy or dense as traditional concrete. But you can use hempcrete for a number of projects, whether that is flooring or wall construction, to roof insulation, there is a lot that it can be used for. Not only that but the hempcrete is also fireproof and waterproof, so it sounds like a dream building product doesn't it?
It does more! The hempcrete material is able to breath naturally so this means that it is able to regulate moisture into the material and it will never become moldy or dry rot. This material is able to keep temperatures much more consistent. And once hempcrete walls are destroyed or taken down, they can also be used as fertilizer because they are 100 percent recyclable.
What's not to love about this material?
Unfortunately, the United States is still not too friendly about allowing such a plant to be produced. For our safety, of course. Many states have made the move to endorse the legalization of cultivating industrial hemp, but resistance from the DEA has prompted them not to follow through on the whole with cultivating this market.
see:
http://www.hempuniversity.com/hemp-university/growing-hemp/countries-growing-hemp/
https://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/what-is-hemps-current-status-in-the-united-states