Introduction – Building Approvals
If you’ve ever considered building with hempcrete or other natural materials, you’ve probably wondered: “Will I be able to get council approval?” The good news? According to building designer and Hemp Building Directory co-founder Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design is that getting building approvals for hemp buildings is straightforward…once you understand the process.
In this article, we’ll unpack Kirstie’s presentation from Hemp Connect Forum 2025 and break down the steps, terminology, and key considerations so you can approach your project with confidence.
The full video goes live 13th Aug 2025.
1. Understanding the Basics of Building Approvals
In Australia, building approvals fall into one of two main pathways:
- Two-step process: First, a planning approval (e.g., DA in NSW or planning permit in Victoria) to confirm your design is suitable for the site, followed by a building approval (construction certificate or building permit).
- One-step process: Combined planning and building approval, such as NSW’s Complying Development Certificate (CDC).
Your land zoning determines which path you take. While the terminology differs across states and territories, the principles remain the same.
2. Hempcrete and the Building Code of Australia
The most important takeaway? The approval process is generally “material agnostic.” Councils don’t reject projects just because you’re building with hempcrete, they simply require you to prove it meets the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
For hempcrete, this typically happens at the building permit or construction certificate stage. Compliance usually focuses on:
- Weatherproofing
- Fire performance
- Acoustic performance
3. Deemed to Satisfy vs Performance Solutions
The BCA is a performance-based code, meaning it sets performance requirements rather than prescribing exact materials.
There are two ways to demonstrate compliance:
- Deemed to Satisfy (DtS): Standard, prescribed methods that are straightforward but often don’t take full advantage of a material’s benefits.
- Performance Solutions: Alternative compliance pathways when your material or method isn’t covered by DtS. Hempcrete often falls into this category, but so do many common building products.
4. Certification and CodeMark
One common performance solution pathway is CodeMark certification. This involves independent verification that a product meets specific sections of the BCA, making it easier for building surveyors to approve your plans.
For residential builds, expert opinion from qualified professionals can sometimes suffice, but for commercial buildings, you’ll need more formal verification.
5. Why Hempcrete Approvals Are Doable
Many approved hempcrete builds in Australia use commercial hempcrete products that already have the necessary research and testing behind them.
This means:
- Less work for your design team
- Fewer approval delays
- A clear compliance pathway
As Kirstie points out, hempcrete is often easier to get approved than other natural materials like straw bale or earth, which may have less supporting data.
6. Key Advice from Kirstie Wulf
- Learn the relevant legislation in your state or territory.
- Work with qualified professionals who understand performance solutions.
- Don’t assume hempcrete will be a barrier to approval, it won’t.
- Use suppliers who can provide compliance documentation.
Work with Kirstie Wulf from Shelter Building Design
Conclusion
Building with hempcrete is not only sustainable, it’s entirely achievable within Australia’s existing regulatory framework. With the right information, professionals, and documentation, your hempcrete home or commercial building can sail through the approval process.
Watch Kirstie’s full presentation below to hear these points explained directly from a building designer who’s navigated countless approvals.
Tags:
Building Approvals, Hempcrete, Natural Building, Sustainable Construction, Building Code of Australia, Performance Solutions, CodeMark Certification
Disclaimer
HBD do not warrant the quality or experience of anyone listed on this directory.
We have relied on the information provided by the business and its representatives.
This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute building advice, or other professional advice.
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