Using hemp as a fire-resistant building material in construction offers numerous advantages, including fire resistance, sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and local job growth. It’s an innovative option that aligns with the growing emphasis on eco-conscious and resilient building practices and its use is directly aligned with at least 6 of the 17 U.N. Sustainability Development Goals.
INTRODUCTION
Below are (9) of the many benefits that industrial hemp can provide.
01.
NON-TOXIC & SUSTAINABLE
Hemp is a natural and renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice. Hempcrete is biodegradable and does not release harmful fumes or toxins when exposed to fire, unlike some synthetic building materials that can produce hazardous gases when they burn.
02.
LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Hempcrete has a low thermal conductivity, which means it doesn’t transfer heat quickly. This can help contain fires within a building or limit the spread of flames, giving occupants more time to evacuate and reducing property damage.
03.
FIRE RESISTANCE
Hempcrete is inherently fire-resistant and will not actively spread a flame. Hemp fibers and lime-based binders used in its production do not easily catch fire. In fact, they can withstand temperatures of up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit without igniting. This property can significantly enhance the fire safety and value of any structure or product utilizing the material.
At Eastern Hemp Company, we are experts in industrial hemp cultivation, research, product design, and light manufacturing of advanced bio-composites.
BENEFITS
04.
INSULATION PROPERTIES
Hempcrete has excellent insulation properties. It can help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the risk of overheating and the need for excessive heating or cooling systems. This can also lead to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
05.
MOISTURE REGULATION
Hempcrete has good moisture-regulating properties, helping to maintain a healthy indoor environment by preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a common problem in some building materials after a fire or water damage.
06.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hempcrete is a lightweight material, which makes it easier to transport and handle during construction. It can also reduce the structural load on a building, potentially leading to cost savings in the overall construction process.
07.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Hemp absorbs its equal weight in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during its growth. When used in construction, hempcrete effectively locks in the carbon, making it a carbon-negative material. This can help reduce a building’s carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals.
08.
SOUND INSULATION
Hempcrete exceeds ASTM standards and provides superior acoustic insulation, which can improve the comfort and privacy of occupants within a building.
09.
LOCAL SOURCING
Hemp can be grown in almost any region, reducing the need for long-distance transportation of construction materials. This can further reduce the environmental impact of a construction project and add to its LEED Certification.
*USING HEMP
Hemp is a great choice for those looking to do their part in helping to balance the current ecosystem of overconsumption and extractive industries. Hemp is the savior crop. Just ask the 17 U.N. Sustainability Development Goals as Hemp can absorb its equal weight in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during its growth which is 20x faster than traditional timber.
We conduct advanced research into alternative uses for Industrial Hemp (stalk, hurd), transforming emerging research into viable technology and sustainable solutions. Designing and developing products for industrial, commercial, and residential use.
BIOGRAPHY
ONEAL LATIMORE
Founder + Formulator
E: oneal@easternhemp.org
T: Upon request
Oneal Latimore is a native of west Philadelphia, an Army veteran, and the founder of Eastern Hemp Company, LLC, a consulting firm focused on agricultural systems design, plant-based industrial materials, product development, and supply chain logistics. Oneal serves as an operational partner of Think and Grow Solutions LLC, an agricultural technology company currently focused on food preservation techniques and global cultivation methods.
He is dedicated to connecting the urban and rural economies through cooperative business models and sustainable solutions. He is an industry partner in the Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities (DACO), a non-profit whose mission is to further enrich the knowledge base and strengthen best practices among black operators in the cannabis industry. Drawing from over a decade of cannabis cultivation, Oneal is the founder of several consumer brands including: Atlas Alchemy, an animal centered suite of CBD products, and Pepper Bru, a functional energy beverage.
We work with researchers and industry partners, in the public and private sectors, to develop solutions for sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, biotech, and biomedical industries. We aim to reduce the amount of plastic in our ecosystem and lesson the degradation of traditional industry practices.
CONTACT
Let's get together and discuss the future
If you ever want to nerd out on anything HEMP, send us an email at info@easternhemp.org – or send a message using the contact form below , otherwise check in with us on social media.
