Hemp is ideal for insulation
Henry O’D Thompson, owner of OldBuilders, a contracting company with specialist skills in lime mortar plastering and eco-friendly hemp applications, is behind the move.
Based in Birr, Co Offaly, the restoration and conservation company has just finished a hemp and timber frame extension to an old cottage restoration in the Ring Gaeltacht, near Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
They also used hemp for insulation in a workshop and sunroom in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, and an office building in Clones, Co Monaghan. Their next project is an octagonal house in Tulla, Co Clare.
Growing hemp could be a substantial cash crop alternative for Irish farmers, as EU subsidies for other products are phased out, according to Mr Thompson.
“In France, thousands of hectares are now dedicated to hemp production. We are being left behind,” he said.
He explained that for farmers to grow hemp, a licence is required. But, in order to obtain one, an end use for the product must be specified. A processor is sufficient, but none exists in Ireland because demand is minimal. This is due to the high cost of the materials, which must be imported, and the high labour needs. About 40% of the current price of hemp in Ireland is shipping cost.
“OldBuilders believes that hemp has a viable future in mainstream construction, and we are making a strong financial commitment, with the assistance of financial partners and Offaly LEADER in mechanising the hemp building process,” said Mr Thompson.
He said it was regrettable that hemp has not been widely supported in Ireland as it has been by the French and other European governments.
“Hemp grows to maturity in 100 days. It is an ideal rotation crop, and conditions the soil for future crops, with its long root system.
“Because of the dense growth, it kills off weeds below it, reducing the need for herbicides in any follow up crops.”
He said a hemp crop requires little if any pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. It is both bio-degradable and non-toxic, and can typically grow where cereals are produced.
Hemp could replace many of the needs for cotton.
Mr Thompson said the use of hemp in construction has been led by the French for the last 10 years.
Some 5,000 to 6,000 houses have been built in Europe, with hemp used for insulation.
The use of hemp fibres in plaster has its origins going back to the Romans. “The use of lime and organic materials was widely used in Ireland prior to the arrival of the Normans, when timber frame building was the common form for non-ecclesiastical buildings,” said Mr Thompson.
He said hemp is one of the world’s strongest natural fibre. It has been used to make cloth and rope for over 10,000 years.
“Indeed, archaeologists believe hemp to be the first plant grown for reasons other than food. Hemp can be used to make virtually anything that is currently made out of cotton, timber or petroleum.
“In America, the original Levi’s jeans were made from hemp. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp.
“Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper. Until 1883, more than 75% of the world’s paper was made with hemp,” he said.
