Why Isn’t Hempcrete Being Adopted Quicker?
Hempcrete, a building material made from the hemp plant, lime binder, and water, holds immense potential for creating zero-carbon buildings with superior insulation and fireproof properties. Despite these benefits, its adoption in the mass market remains slow. Several barriers contribute to this reluctance, including stigma, perception issues, a shortage of skilled installers, supply chain challenges, and the upfront costs associated with its use.
Stigma and Perception
One of the primary barriers to the widespread adoption of hempcrete is the stigma associated with hemp. Due to its connection to cannabis, many people misunderstand the nature and legality of industrial hemp. Although hemp used in construction has no psychoactive properties, lingering misconceptions can deter both consumers and builders from considering it as a viable option.
Additionally, the perception of hempcrete as an “alternative” or “niche” material can hinder its acceptance. Many potential users, including architects and developers, may view it as unconventional compared to traditional building materials like concrete and wood. This perception issue is compounded by a lack of widespread knowledge and education about the benefits and applications of hempcrete.
Overcoming the barriers…
Henry Ford
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
Not Enough Installers
Another significant challenge is the shortage of skilled hempcrete installers. Just like conventional building materials, working with hempcrete requires specific knowledge and expertise. There are currently not enough trained professionals to lead skilled labouring teams on building sites in the different styles and installation techniques of hempcrete. This scarcity can lead to higher labour costs and can deter builders from adopting the material, as they may struggle to find qualified workers or need to invest in additional training. Many owner-builders run their own installation teams using a combination of skilled labour and help from family, friends, and hempcrete, natural building, or sustainability enthusiasts.
Supply Chain Issues
The supply chain for hempcrete materials is not as developed as it is for traditional building materials. The cultivation of industrial hemp, processing of hemp hurds, and production of lime binders are not yet scaled to meet mass market demands. This can result in supply shortages, longer lead times, and higher costs for materials, making it less attractive for large-scale projects.
Upfront Expense per m²
Hempcrete construction often entails higher upfront costs per square metre compared to traditional materials. While the long-term benefits of reduced energy costs and improved sustainability can offset these initial expenses, the immediate financial outlay can be a deterrent. Architects, designers, builders, and homeowners working within tight budgets may find it challenging to justify the higher initial investment, even though it results in savings over time with lower energy inputs needed to thermally control spaces.
Regulatory Barriers
We need to overcome the regulatory barriers to the inclusion of hemp construction inherent in the National Construction Code (NCC). Working with certifiers and building surveyors nationally to help them understand hemp construction materials and systems is essential. These efforts will ensure that hempcrete and other hemp-based materials can be more readily approved and adopted in various building projects.
Architectural Significance
Despite these barriers, hempcrete is gaining recognition for its architectural significance, particularly in terms of sustainability and thermal properties. Buildings constructed with hempcrete offer superior insulation, leading to lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, hempcrete’s fire-resistant properties enhance building safety, making it an attractive option in areas prone to bushfires (wildfires).
Architects and builders who prioritise sustainability and innovative design are beginning to explore hempcrete for its unique aesthetic and environmental benefits. However, to achieve broader adoption, there must be continued efforts to educate the market, develop the supply chain, and train more installers. These are some of the objectives of the Hemp Building Directory.
Conclusion
Hempcrete has the potential to revolutionise the construction industry by providing a sustainable, fireproof, and highly insulative building material. However, overcoming the barriers of stigma, perception, installer shortages, supply chain issues, and upfront costs is crucial for its mass market adoption. Additionally, addressing regulatory barriers through collaboration with certifiers and building surveyors will facilitate its integration into the National Construction Code. As awareness grows and the industry develops, hempcrete could become a mainstream choice for eco-conscious builders and homeowners. Until then, it remains an innovative yet underutilised solution in the quest for sustainable building practices.
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