Press
In The Wake of Groundswell
After exhibiting at Groundswell in June, we reflect on what visitors to our stand had to say about the future of hemp.
Growing the Buildings of the Future
Bio-Based Building
Systems and
Products
Disrupting Conventional Construction
We design and develop bio-based building systems and products for construction, changing the methods, practice and approach to creating and building beautiful, sustainable structures.
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DESIGN, MANUFACTURE & DELIVERY OF ZERO CARBON HOMES
By developing hemp-based building systems capable of mass production, we will set the benchmark for carbon performance in construction.
The adoption of hemp to reduce carbon emissions will help accelerate the growth of modern methods of building.
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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Our ambitious R&D programmes include the development of bio-based weather-boarding, bio-based insulated cladding solutions for residential and commercial construction, and advancing our modular design for offsite manufacturing.
Our projects are designed to further support future hemp and bio-based development of products for the consumer market.
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SETTING THE BENCHMARK
Working with our engineering and distribution partners, we will ensure bio-based materials are a viable and preferable option in the industry, providing durable and energy-efficient solutions to become the premier choice in future buildings.
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SUPPORTING UK HEMP FARMING
By developing hemp-based building products, we will support UK farmers, local manufacturing and meet the growing demands of providing more construction options to build environmentally conscious homes.
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Change is needed and fast
Embodied Carbon Emissions Have Been Overlooked
Achieving drastic cuts in all carbon emissions over the next decade is critical to keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C.
Therefore, addressing upfront carbon is crucial to fighting the climate crisis. New construction is expected to double the world's building stock by 2060, causing an increase in the carbon emissions occurring right now.
Coordinated action from across the construction sector is required to dramatically change the way buildings are designed, built, used and deconstructed.
The Solution is Hemp
01
One hectare of UK-grown industrial hemp can absorb 11 tonnes of CO2 into its stem each year
02
Regeneratively farmed hemp has the capacity to sequester a further 6 tonnes per hectare of CO2 into the soil each year
03
Hemp can be turned into bio-based insulation and bio-cladding combining with structural timber to deliver carbon negative building systems
Building, Farming & Beyond
Additional Benefits of Hemp
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1
Sustainable and Low Embodied Energy
Hemp requires very little water, maintenance and no herbicides or chemical pesticides. As an annual crop, it can be grown in just 4 months to full growth and needs little processing to produce, making it a key source to help fight deforestation.
When (male) hemp flowers bloom, they are a great source of pollen for bees which is an added benefit for our wildlife.
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2
Thermal Insulation
As a medium density insulation material, hemp is safe, efficient and durable. Low conductivity and a higher thermal mass enable it to retain heat and regulate thermal performance for a comfortable internal environment. Another benefit is the excellent acoustic isolation and noise-reducing properties.
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3
A Building That Breathes
Building with hemp prevents condensation. It can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture without affecting performance.
It can also release moisture when required as well as regulate internal humidity. It is also resistant to mould which aids in the prevention of damp issues.
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4
The Versatile Plant
100% of a hemp crop can be used, and hemp farming has around 25,000 uses known today. Once harvested, the softer leaves, flowers and seeds are utilised within the beauty and food industry.
The rest of the plant can be used for livestock or textiles and the stem into natural fibre and building materials. Absolutely nothing needs to go to waste and what is produced is biodegradable and recyclable.
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5
Crop Enhancer
Hemp is an excellent plant for adding diversity to crop rotation, with roots growing deep into the soil, which can help absorb harmful chemicals left behind from cash crops.
It can also help reduce erosion, loosen the soil and naturally regenerate beneficial nutrients back into the soil.
Where It All Started
Co-Founder Inspiration: Steve Barron TEDx
Watch Steve's inspiring talk on his journey into hemp farming. He shares his story and vision as well as the reasons hemp should be the crop of the future.
Partners & Collaborators
