The US Department of Energy called hemp fiber insulation a “game changer” and announced it would fund research over the next two years to develop the sector.
Hempitecture's Ketchum-based COO Tommy Gibbons will receive $90,000–200,000 annually under the department's program to research and develop hemp insulation.
Gibbons said the department was interested in HempWool, which he described as a “nontoxic, high-performance, carbon-negative insulation material.” He added: “HempWool can significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint while improving users' health and comfort.”
The University of Idaho is also studying HempWool, testing its insulation, fire resistance and thermal conductivity.
