This week a product out of the UK was brought to my attention called, “Hemcrete.” At first it seemed a novelty at best. I’ve become used to materials made from sustainable natural fibers, and some even more sustainable from agricultural waste products like Agriboard, so I’m pretty hard to impress. Then I noticed a sentence on the product’s site that says, “… carbon negative…”

More and more these days we keep hearing about this term, “Carbon Footprint” which is basically referring to an object’s, a person’s, or an organization’s total carbon emissions; from manufacturing to use. Sometimes you here the words “carbon neutral,” which means that the life-cycle of the product offsets all of its carbon emissions.  But very rarely – if ever – do you hear the words “carbon negative,” which would have to mean that the product absorbs more carbon than it produces! At first this sounds impossible: How do make anything without emitting even a little carbon?

Enter Hemcrete: A walling material made from Hemp Fibers and Lime Binder.  It claims to be stronger than normal concrete, and have better insulation properties. What’s more, hemp is a rapidly renewable material! (See previous post). But what makes this product “Carbon Negative?” Well, the idea is that growing hemp captures more carbon then it takes to produce and manufacture the lime mortar. I think it’s a wonderful idea! And hopefully a wonderful product that starts to gain traction around the world! I’m surely requesting samples.  Have a look here.