INSULATION IN RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDINGS: COST COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND HEMP BUILDING INSULATION

Abstract

The materials from harvested from hemp plants have become an increasingly popular material for building across the world based on its availability and sustainable properties. Hemp is being used as an alternative insulation product. It is used as ‘hempcrete’ and installed in blocks that provide thermal protection and can improve some structural properties. Currently, a major problem involving hemp is it’s sustainability impacts in addition to economic benefits and costs. This paper will be comparing costs of hemp through the long-term benefits, up-front costs and factors that have delayed hemp from being a success in the US building industry. Through the completion of a cost comparison analysis and using data previously researched on hemp and other insulation materials, the true costs advantages can be compared to improve the materials success in the United States.