The Hemp Building Institute focuses its mission on bringing natural building materials to affordable housing
By Jacob Waddell
TENNESSEE: The Hemp Building Institute’s (HBI) board of directors announces a refocused mission to bring natural building materials and sustainable building practices to affordable housing.
The Hemp Building Institute’s mission is to research natural building materials and sustainable building practices, to educate the public on their benefits, and develop affordable housing concepts utilizing these technologies.
The need for more sustainable building practices and materials has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated $4 billion for innovation to create healthier, more sustainable affordable housing. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking for new markets for agricultural crops including hemp. These three federal agencies would all benefit from the development of natural building materials and sustainable building practices in affordable housing, as would many state and local government initiatives.
“The HBI is working to make the greatest impact possible on our built environment to help homeowners and the planet. We see affordable housing as an area that needs urgent attention that can benefit from utilizing natural building materials and sustainable building practices.” HBI President Jacob Waddell explains, “For these reasons, we are proud to announce the change to our mission.”
The HBI is completing the effort to finish the Hemp-lime (Hempcrete) Construction appendix of the International Residential Code (IRC). They have been working with a group of consultants and industry experts to complete the commentary for the Hemp-lime IRC appendix which is due to be submitted May 31st.
More information about the IRC Commentary submission can be found at the project landing page and the official video.
Donations to support the HBI can be made at the fundraising page.
What they’re saying:
“The Hemp Building Institute and its directors have proved themselves as caring members of the green building community that can execute real change in advancing the sustainability technology of hemp building. The transition of the organization to low income and charitable work is a smart step and I look forward to observing what they are able to accomplish in that space.”
- Anthony Dente, PE, Principal, Verdant Structural Engineers
“Homes are health, and bringing natural materials to affordable housing is a perfect match to create healthy living spaces for underserved populations that need the healthiest environments. With HUD’s new focus on environmentally friendly housing, hemp building materials can help create equitable shelter that is desperately needed.”
– Jean Lotus, Publisher HempBuild Magazine
“The potential of incorporating hemp-based materials in the construction industry is boundless. These sustainable solutions offer a compelling opportunity to drive affordable housing initiatives while simultaneously fostering environmentally friendly living spaces.”
- Geoff Whaling, Chair of NHA
About the HBI: The Hemp Building Institute’s mission is to research natural building materials and sustainable building practices, to educate the public on their benefits, and develop affordable housing concepts utilizing these technologies.
Contact:
Jacob Waddell
President of the HBI
(561) 339-2638