Building For A Changing Climate and Resilient Future
At Hemp Homes Canada, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the building supplies industry with carbon-negative construction materials. Our mission is to provide sustainable, high-quality hemp-based building products that promote healthier living environments using our precast hempcrete blocks and panels.
Hempcrete (Hemp-Lime)
Hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime, is an innovative yet ancient & time-tested building material.
This is an all-natural material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant (hurd) combined with lime and water.
This remarkable material is an ideal choice for an energy-efficient and resilient building material that has been used around the world for centuries to make Hempcrete structures.
Benefits of Hempcrete
Hempcrete is an eco-friendly building material that offers a wide range of benefits. Hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, second only to bamboo. Hemp matures in as little as 75-90 days.
Hemp is an exceptionally sustainable crop, absorbing up to 15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare. When transformed into hempcrete products, the carbon is permanently stored within, making the product carbon negative.
Hempcrete provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 70%.
Hempcrete is lightweight, non-toxic, and resistant to mold, pests, rot, emf’s. hail and fire, making it a safe and durable building product. It also offers excellent noise reduction properties.
Hempcrete helps to detoxify indoor air quality by absorbing chemicals and other pollutants, including wildfire smoke. Additionally, hempcrete’s moisture-regulating properties contribute to healthier indoor air quality by preventing excess humidity. Hemp walls are breathable and vapour open, helping to diffuse moisture and prevent mold issues often seen in conventional homes.
How Does Hempcrete Regulate Indoor Air Temperature & Humidity?
Thermal Regulation (Temperature Control)
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Thermal Mass Effect:
Hempcrete absorbs and slowly releases heat due to its dense, porous structure.
→ This means it stores warmth during the day (from sunlight or heating) and releases it gradually as temperatures drop at night.
→ The result is stable indoor temperatures and reduced need for heating and cooling systems. -
Low Thermal Conductivity:
Hempcrete has excellent insulation value (around R-2.2 – 2.5 per inch or better, depending on mix density).
→ It slows heat transfer, keeping interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Hygrothermal Regulation (Humidity Control)
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Vapor-Permeable & Breathable:
Unlike concrete or foam insulation, hempcrete walls “breathe.”
→ Moisture can move through the wall instead of getting trapped, preventing condensation and mold. -
Hygroscopic Nature:
The hemp shiv (woody core of the hemp plant) naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the air.
→ When indoor humidity is high, hempcrete absorbs it.
→ When the air is dry, it releases it.
→ This maintains a balanced indoor relative humidity (typically between 45–55%), which is ideal for human comfort and respiratory health.
Resulting Benefits
Consistent indoor climate with less temperature fluctuation
Naturally moderated humidity for comfort and health
Reduced HVAC energy demand (often 30–50% lower)
Mold and mildew resistance due to moisture regulation
Improved indoor air quality (no off-gassing or trapped moisture)
Hempcrete is a Class A Fire-Resistant
Fire Performance of Hempcrete
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Class A Fire Rating:
Hempcrete walls achieve a Class A (or Euroclass A2–B) fire rating the highest level of fire resistance for building materials.
→ This means it is non-combustible, produces no flame spread, and emits virtually no toxic smoke when exposed to fire. -
Lime Binder Protection:
The lime-based binder encases the hemp shiv and forms a mineral matrix that resists ignition.
Even though hemp is plant-based, the lime coat prevents it from burning. -
Performance in Tests:
Lab tests show that a 12-inch hempcrete wall can withstand direct flame for over 2 hours without structural failure or fire propagation. -
No Toxic Off-Gassing:
Unlike foam or petroleum-based insulations, hempcrete does not release toxic fumes or microplastics during fire exposure making it far safer for occupants and first responders.
Sustainability & Environment
Carbon Sequestering Hemp
How Carbon Sequestration Works With Hemp in Alberta
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Growth cycle:
Hemp grows rapidly, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A 2024 study noted that one hectare (2.5 acres) of hemp can absorb 8 to 22 tons of C)2 annually.
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Biomass and storage:
The carbon is stored in the hemp’s biomass. A significant portion of the dried biomass can be up to 45-47% carbon by weight.
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Long-term storage:When hemp fibers are processed into building materials or other products, the carbon is sequestered for the long term. This is often referred to as “locking carbon in the built environment”.
Economic Benefits of Industrial Hemp:
Hempcrete offers economic benefits through long-term cost savings and local job creation.
Its insulating and thermal-regulating properties reduce lifetime energy and maintenance costs, often offsetting higher upfront expenses.
Because hemp can be grown and processed locally, hempcrete supports regional agriculture and construction jobs, reduces reliance on imported materials, and strengthens resilient local supply chains.
Environmental Benefits of Industrial Hemp:
Improves soil health through regenerative agricultural practices.
Hemp supports phytoremediation by absorbing heavy metals and toxins from contaminated soil, helping to restore land health. Its fast growth and high biomass make it especially effective for cleaning polluted environments naturally.
Hemp offers a more sustainable alternative to high-carbon-footprint crops, using far less water and being naturally drought-resistant.
Reach Us
Hempcrete Homes Inc.