Building on a sustainable 'high' the use on hemp as a sustainable building material

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.