Posted on 22nd January 2020
22nd January 2020
Hempcrete: a sustainability game changer in the construction industry
Unique event on the 31st of January will explore the use of Hempcrete in Circular Economy Construction and its uses as an alternative to traditional concrete
The Rediscovery Centre, the National Centre for the Circular Economy, in association with the Hemp Cooperative of Ireland, is hosting a unique Circular Economy Conversation on Hempcrete Construction. Hempcrete is an alternative to traditional concrete and it has a lower carbon footprint with excellent insulation efficiency. It is a combination of hemp shiv, lime and water that is mixed into a pulp, compacted into a timber frame and allowed to dry. The result is an environmental friendly, bio-composite building material that will provide efficient insulation to any building.
This unique event takes place on the 31st of January from 10am at the Rediscovery Centre and is suitable for architects, builders, engineers, built environment professionals and self-build home owners. The event will include presentations, discussions and hands on demonstrations with Hempcrete. It will include contributions from Professor Tom Woolley and Rachel Bevan (Rachel Bevan Architects), Rosanne Walker (Trinity College), Ronan McDermott (HempBuild Ireland), Ashlene Ross, Gavin Creech (Kilwaughter Minerals) and demonstrations by Declan Darcy.
Speaking on the event Professor Tom Woolley said “There are many advantages to using Hempcrete as an alternative to concrete. It is an environmentally friendly construction material that has a low carbon impact, it is energy efficient and it is affordable. There has been extensive research and development completed on the effectiveness of Hempcrete and we want the construction industry to take notice.”
“This event will highlight some of the successful case studies that prove the efficiency of Hempcrete as a construction material. We want to increase the use of Hempcrete in the construction of houses in Ireland and to increase the awareness of its benefits. This event will also have a hands-on demonstration of the materials that make Hempcrete, so that we can show the attendees how easy it is to use this material. The aim is to make Hempcrete a mainstream construction material and that it is used in all buildings throughout Ireland.”
Dr. Sarah Miller, CEO of the Rediscovery Centre, said “I am delighted that our next conversation in the Circular Economy Series is about Hempcrete. At the Rediscovery Centre, we are passionate about highlighting the benefits of Hempcrete. It was extensively used in the refurbishment of our headquarters here in Ballymun and it was the first public building in Ireland to use Hempcrete as the main construction material. We feel the positive benefits of this material every day and are keen to share our experiences with our visitors. We have purposely left elements of the Hempcrete exposed so that the public can see it in use and recognise it as a superior and sustainable building material.”
The Circular Economy Hempcrete Conversation, Seminar and Workshop takes place in the Rediscovery Centre on the 31st of January. Tickets for this event are €75. Concessions are available for students. Bookings can be made here www.rediscoverycentre.ie/events
Ends
More information
For more information on the Rediscovery Centre please visit www.rediscovercentre.ie or Gráinne Lambert grainne@rediscoverycentre.ie and 01 8933801
Notes to Editor:
About the Rediscovery Centre
The Rediscovery Centre is a creative space connecting people, ideas and resources for greener living in Ireland. We are the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland and we work to design out waste by reusing, redesigning, research and education.
We are located in the old boiler house in Ballymun which has been transformed into a bespoke demonstration eco-facility. At the Rediscovery Centre we support four reuse social enterprises; Rediscover Furniture, Rediscover Fashion, Rediscover Paint and Rediscover Cycling. These social enterprises use waste materials for new product development and design.
The Rediscovery Centre is an accredited Discover Primary Science and Maths centre that offers interactive workshops for primary, secondary and third level students which cover wide ranging environmental and STEM topics.
The Rediscovery Centre is open to the public and has an eco store on the 1st floor along with an eco cafe on the ground floor. Located around the Centre you will find practical and innovative examples of reuse and sustainability. The Centre teaches people the skills to live a more sustainable lifestyle and there are upcycling and educational courses available to the public.
The venue is also perfect for meetings that require a unique setting and that have a focus on sustainability and the protection of the environment. The facilities at the centre are suitable for conferences, workshops, meetings, team building events and exhibitions.
Hemp Cooperative of Ireland
The Hemp Cooperative of Ireland is a registered Cooperative with the aim of creating an infrastructure for farmers and local businesses to develop the hemp industry in Ireland. The Cooperative will support member by providing shared access to resources, equipment, and markets through a national body and local hubs. More details can be viewed here https://hempcooperativeireland.com
Hempcrete
Hempcrete is an alternative to traditional concrete and it has a lower carbon footprint with excellent insulation efficiency. It is a combination of hemp shiv, lime and water that is mixed into a pulp, compacted into a timber frame and allowed to dry. The result is an environmental friendly, bio-composite building material that will provide efficient insulation to any building.
