Abstract:
In a world currently finding itself in a dire state due global warming and pollution, industries,
institutions and the general public are continuously seeking newer methods
of sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living and operating. Could the
solution to this predicament, specific to the construction industry, be found in a plant
that has existed around the world for millions of years? This research report will attempt
to answer such a question by taking into consideration the cultivation of hemp
and how it is beneficial to the environment, the type of building materials manufactured
from hemp (hempcrete and hemp bricks/blocks), the science of why hemp is
sustainable, possible finishes and alternative innovation and lastly the impact of
hemp construction in South Africa and whether it is feasible to construct using hemp
or not at this current point in time. The South African legislation and perception of
hemp amongst the public and professionals shall furthermore be explored in addition
to the country’s first hemp home constructed in November 2011.
