BRE EP85 PDF

INTRODUCTION

In 2006 we were commissioned by the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) to investigate building construction using hemp lime composites and to write a guide to assist those who want to use and specify the materials. A year-long study funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has led to this guide.

In the UK, Europe and globally there is a general acceptance of the need to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Over the past few years there has been growing interest in the concept of low- and zero-carbon buildings and methods of construction that can facilitate this. Even those who deny that climate change is the result of human activities accept that fossil fuels are increasingly scarce and costly and that the impact of using non-renewable resources is unsustainable and likely to damage the environment. To safeguard both people and planet we have to develop alternative strategies for meeting our needs in building construction, transport, infrastructure, food and so on.