The U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) is funding a project to develop hemp fiber insulation, which in comparison to traditional preparations, is said to be better for both public health as well as the environment. In addition to awarding almost $200,000 to facilitate research, the department granted Hempitecture’s COO Tommy Gibbons a yearly stipend of $90,000. The DOE is especially interested in the firm’s HempWool product, which is said to be a high-performing and extremely sustainable insulation material. The hemp-based product, which has a low carbon footprint and strong thermal resistance, is a non-toxic alternative to conventional insulation. In an interview, Gibbons stated that the Department of Energy was interested in the insulation’s potential for decarbonization as well as that of other building materials that have been manufactured using hemp fibers. The company is planning to carry out research and test proprietary blends of its insulation material in an attempt to enhance its fire resistance and insulation value. This is in addition to improving onshore manufacturing of insulation products that use industrial hemp waste obtained from farmers in America.
CannabisNewsWire, 08/26/2021 16:20:00