Fernelmont,
Belgium
Why is this important?
The building sector generates 23% of GHG emissions in France, making it a major source of emissions. The embodied phase of a building's life cycle, which can account for 15-40% of its total GHG emissions over a lifespan of 50-60 years, is a significant contributor. Cement production alone generates around 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, representing about 8% of the global total. Hempcrete accounts for less than 1% of the concrete market, despite its -80% impact, because of the high cost of such materials compared to classic polluting ones. Reducing the reliance on cement and other high-emission materials is crucial for decreasing the overall carbon footprint of the construction industry.
Why does this project need financial support?
Thanks to carbon credits, IsoHemp aims to scale production x3 within 5 years. IsoHemp faces competition from more common and affordable construction materials, which limits its market attractiveness and sales. Without additional revenue from carbon credit sales, IsoHemp would need to raise prices, risking further unaffordability and reducing its competitiveness. Funding from carbon credit sales is essential for IsoHemp to lower production costs, reduce retail prices, and expand production. This financial support will help IsoHemp compete more effectively in the construction and insulation markets, promoting the use of sustainable building materials and contributing to environmental goals.
What is unique with this project?
IsoHemp's hempcrete blocks have several excellent qualities to fight climate change: Producing hempcrete blocks avoids GHG emissions compared to traditional concrete blocks. Additionally, it facilitates long-term atmospheric CO2 storage, crucial for achieving the EU's climate change mitigation goals. These materials also involve fewer pollutants and require lower energy inputs during manufacturing compared to conventional solutions.