Hemp is rapidly becoming a popular building material due to its sustainability and performance. Hemp “shiv”—the chopped stem of the industrial hemp plant, which is a non-psychotropic strain of Cannabis Sativa—is grown under license in the UK and most European countries.

Hemp shivs are mixed with a lime binder to create Hempcrete, a natural, medium-weight material used for walling and insulation. Hempcrete can be formed into factory-produced blocks or cast on-site. There are various proprietary hempcrete binders available, most of which are formulated with hydraulic lime (designated HL) and manufactured primarily in mainland Europe.

Hempcrete is a high-performance, monolithic material that offers several key benefits:

• Vapour Permeability: Hempcrete is open to water vapour, allowing it to manage moisture effectively within buildings.
• Thermal Performance: Hempcrete demonstrates impressive thermal performance. Its moderate thermal mass (hempcrete walling has a mass of around 300kg/m3) helps maintain stable internal temperatures throughout the year, reducing demand on heating and cooling systems.

As a building material, hempcrete is not only environmentally friendly but also practical, providing excellent insulation, durability, and comfort in a range of climates. Its combination of natural composition and energy-efficient properties makes it an ideal choice for sustainable construction.