The built environment is responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions. The World Green Building Council vision is that by 2030 all new building have at least 40% less embodied carbon.1 Hemp masonry construction with its negative embodied carbon footprint (1m3 hempcrete sequesters 110kg carbon2) and insulative properties which reduce carbon emissions associated with operation (R2.5 for 200mm thick wall, compared to brick veneer R1.283) offers public clients and built environment practitioners a path to this vision, with significant other benefits for building occupants and biodiversity.
Although hemp masonry is becoming an increasingly popular construction system for off-grid and / or sustainable residential construction, the rigorous and risk averse methods for procurement and delivery of public buildings presents significant challenges to the broad adoption of hemp masonry.
The presentation will provide an overview of key findings learned in the design, approvals, and construction of Class 9b (public) hemp masonry buildings in Mildura, Victoria for Mildura Rural City Council. These buildings are, to the authors knowledge, the first public buildings constructed of hemp masonry in Australia. The presentation will also provide findings from later hemp masonry public buildings designed by the Architect.