Reducing CO2 Emissions Through Natural Fibre: How Hemp can Offset the Carbon Contribution from the Built Environment

Abstract

Industrial hemp is grown from the plant Cannabis Sativa and is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products worldwide. It can grow very tall, very fast, with little to no fertilizers or pesticides. The design goal is to provide space where manufacturing, testing and experiencing can all take place — creating a feedback loop for new ideas—finding new ways to capitalize on the superior characteristics of hempcrete. This thesis looks at the components of hempcrete, whether for the wall, floor or roof. The higher the compaction, the lower the thermal value. The looser it is packed, the better the thermal value. Looking at these characteristics to help understand the value hemp can provide, proposing new hybrid wall assemblies that capitalize on these characteristics. The building intends to be a space where users can connect, learn, and build providing feedback for all things hemp.