Glossary
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Hempcrete

What It Means

Hempcrete is a sustainable building material made from the woody core of the hemp plant (hemp hurds), mixed with a lime-based binder. It is used primarily for insulation and non-load-bearing walls, offering excellent thermal performance, breathability, and carbon sequestration benefits.

Why It Matters

Hempcrete is a low-carbon alternative to conventional materials like concrete and fiberglass insulation. It locks away carbon during production, regulates indoor humidity, and reduces reliance on synthetic or energy-intensive building products—making it an ideal choice for sustainable and regenerative construction.

Best Practices

Real-World Use

Hempcrete is being used in residential, commercial, and educational buildings across Europe, North America, and Australia. It’s particularly popular in eco-housing projects, where thermal comfort, natural materials, and low emissions are top priorities.

Limitations

In Simple Terms

Hempcrete is like an eco-friendly version of concrete, but lighter and better for insulation. It breathes with the building, keeps spaces comfortable, and helps store carbon instead of releasing it.


How D.TO Helps

The D.TO platform helps designers evaluate natural and low-carbon materials like hempcrete early in the design process. By integrating carbon impact, insulation performance, and material feasibility into the workflow, D.TO enables sustainable decision-making without slowing down your pace of design.