{"id":4102,"date":"2022-06-30T14:58:29","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T18:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/havenearth.biz\/2022\/06\/30\/measuring-embodied-carbon-in-ny-hempcrete-build\/"},"modified":"2022-06-30T14:58:29","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T18:58:29","slug":"measuring-embodied-carbon-in-ny-hempcrete-build","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/havenearth.biz\/2022\/06\/30\/measuring-embodied-carbon-in-ny-hempcrete-build\/","title":{"rendered":"Measuring Embodied Carbon in NY Hempcrete Build"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hempcrete-insulated cabins at Wally Farms project sequestered as much carbon as 330 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. Photo Courtesy of Kaja K\u00fchl.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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By Kaja K\u00fchl<\/em><\/p>\n

This article is part of the Climate Action Lab at Wally Farms,<\/em><\/span><\/a> a project diary to build a carbon negative dwelling \u2013exploring architecture and design solutions that address the climate crisis. This article has been edited for length. read original <\/em>HERE.<\/em><\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n

One of the biggest motivations in using hemp and lime as a construction material was our interest in building \u201cnet zero\u201d or \u201ccarbon-negative\u201d or \u201cclimate-positive\u201d or \u201ccarbon-neutral\u201d\u2013 there are a lot of different terms being used, ultimately, it is about achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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In architecture, it is about thinking of building materials as carbon sinks. Hemp is such a sink, because of the high amount of carbon it sequestered while growing. Estimates claim that hemp absorbs 2 metric tons of CO2 per acre, 5\u201310 times as much as trees because of its fast growth.\u00b9 This CO2 is then stored in the building.<\/p>\n

A number of software tools exist at various stages of development and\/or use to help architects quantify embodied carbon in all kinds of materials. Few integrate \u201cnegative carbon\u201d or carbon storage into their database. We worked with a beta version of the BEAM Estimator by Builders for Climate Action<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to input materials for envelope and framing.<\/p>\n

Subscribe for HempBuild Magazine\u2019s free newsletter<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

In its current form \u2014 a public beta version \u2014 it is a google sheet and pretty simple, which is its biggest strength in my view.<\/p>\n

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Screenshot of BEAM Estimator<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Its ease of use makes it a great tool to quickly look up the difference between two materials and to get a general sense of embodied energy without having to study complex scientific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Too often, we make material decisions based on aesthetics, warranty, functionality and of course \u2014 price. A quick look at this database lets you add the embodied carbon impact as a factor for choice.<\/p>\n

The BEAM estimator focuses on \u201ccradle to gate\u201d \u2014 the material emissions associated with producing a material (A1-A3 in a life cycle analysis).<\/p>\n

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Here are some of the reasons why:<\/p>\n