Exploring Hemp Insulation: Is This Eco-Conscious Solution Worthwhile for Your Construction Project?
In the realm of sustainable building materials, hemp insulation is making a significant impact. This natural product, derived from the fibres of the hemp plant, offers a host of benefits that make it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious individuals and businesses.
Hemp plants, with their ability to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere for many decades, serve as a carbon sink while saving energy. This makes hemp insulation a highly sustainable option, ideal for those concerned about the environment.
Mark Lynn, the managing director of sustainable insulation firm Eden Renewable Innovations Ltd and Chair of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, attests to the benefits of hemp. Lynn, an expert in building insulation and an ardent believer in healthy sustainable buildings, states that hemp is less resource-intensive to cultivate compared to other fibres like cotton.
One of the standout features of hemp insulation is its sound deadening properties, making it great for soundproofing. Additionally, it is resistant to insects, bacteria, mould, and fungi, and has a high fire-resistance due to a high silica content. Hemp materials are lightweight, breathable, and mould resistant, making them a versatile choice for various climates.
Hemp insulation is also vapour permeable, allowing moisture to pass through it. This quality acts as a humidity buffer in periods of high humidity. Moreover, it is free from noxious substances injurious to health and is easy to install.
The cost of hemp insulation boards averages £15-£20 per square metre, making it a competitive option in the market. In the United Kingdom, hemp insulation is produced by various manufacturers specializing in ecological and sustainable building materials, although specific company names are not detailed in the available search results.
Hemp-based insulation products such as hemp wool and fiberboard insulation are part of the growing industrial hemp market focusing on energy-efficient and carbon-neutral building materials. The use of hemp insulation can contribute to reducing a building's carbon footprint, as it is suitable for various climates, thereby minimising transportation requirements.
Matthew Belcher, CEO of Hemspan, claims that regeneratively farmed industrial hemp can sequester up to 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through its stem and an additional six tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare into the soil each year. This underscores the potential of hemp as a significant player in the fight against climate change.
With its numerous benefits and potential for carbon sequestration, hemp insulation is poised to play a crucial role in the future of sustainable construction. As more people become aware of its advantages, we can expect to see hemp insulation becoming increasingly popular in the UK and beyond.
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