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One hectare of hemp could insulate a home every year

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One hectare of hemp could insulate a home every year

11 April 2025
Within five years, one in five new builds should be made using bio-circular materials. That’s the ambition laid out in a new charter launched by construction federation Embuild Vlaanderen and research centre Buildwise.
Editorial Team

Around 150 businesses and organisations, ranging from contractors and architects to clients, farmers, materials producers, environmental groups, and knowledge institutions, are backing the initiative.

Construction in Flanders is increasingly adopting bio-circular materials such as hemp. These materials are renewable, locally sourced, require little energy to produce, and are easy to reuse or recycle. This approach supports sustainable construction practices and reduces environmental impact.

The environmental benefits of these materials are significant. They store CO₂ during production rather than emitting it, contributing positively to climate goals. Hemp, when combined with lime to form 'hempcrete,' offers excellent moisture regulation and thermal comfort properties. Additionally, hemp cultivation provides a sustainable income source for farmers, with one hectare capable of insulating an average home. The initiative aims for at least 20% of materials in new construction to be bio-circular by 2030, to achieve a climate-neutral building sector by 2050.

Original source:
Themes
Nearly zero-energy buildings
Energy efficiency technologies and solutions
Construction materials and circular construction
Green Building Solutions