FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is Renewabuild?
Renewabuild is a patented structural hempcrete wall system that combines hemp and lime blocks with an integrated structural frame. Unlike traditional hempcrete (also called hemp-lime), Renewabuild blocks are structural, allowing walls to carry loads while providing insulation, fire resistance, moisture management, and carbon sequestration in a single wall assembly.
How is Renewabuild different from traditional hemp-lime (commonly known as hempcrete)?
Traditional hempcrete is typically non-structural and requires wood, steel, or brick to support the building. Renewabuild’s proprietary system incorporates a structural composite frame within each block, creating a load-bearing wall system that reduces the need for additional framing.
Is Renewabuild environmentally friendly?
Yes. Hemp absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide while growing. Each Renewabuild block stores approximately 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs) of CO₂, making the wall system carbon-negative and helping reduce the overall environmental impact of construction. Our wall system uses no portland cement in its binder.
PERFORMANCE & DURABILITY
Is Renewabuild load-bearing?
Yes. Renewabuild is designed to support structural loads without requiring conventional wood or steel stud framing within the wall assembly.
How strong is the system?
Testing demonstrates suitability for residential, commercial, and institutional applications when engineered according to project requirements. See engineering summary results.
How long will a Renewabuild building last?
Accelerated durability testing indicates a service life exceeding 100 years when properly installed and maintained.
Is Renewabuild resistant to mold?
Yes. Independent testing has demonstrated 99.99% resistance to mold growth. The breathable nature of hempcrete helps regulate moisture and reduce conditions that promote mold development.
Does it attract pests or rodents?
No. The material is not a food source for rodents, insects, or termites, and the dense wall assembly makes it difficult for pests to inhabit.
Is it fire resistant?
Yes. Hempcrete is naturally fire-resistant. The mineralized hemp and binder composition provide excellent fire performance without requiring additional chemical fire retardants.
Can the walls withstand extreme weather?
Yes. Renewabuild is suitable for a wide range of climates and can be engineered to meet local wind, snow, and seismic requirements.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & COMFORT
Does the system require additional insulation?
In many climates, no additional insulation is required. The wall system combines insulation, thermal mass, and moisture management into a single assembly. This creates a more stable indoor temperature throughout the year.
Are Renewabuild homes comfortable to live in?
Yes. Occupants often report:
- More stable temperatures
- Reduced drafts
- Better indoor air quality
- Improved humidity control
- Quieter interiors
Does the system provide soundproofing?
Yes. Hempcrete naturally absorbs sound, making Renewabuild walls highly effective at reducing both exterior noise and sound transmission between spaces.
CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION
Does my contractor need special training?
We provide installation training and support to ensure proper construction practices and successful project outcomes.
Is the system faster to build than conventional construction?
In many cases, yes. Because the wall assembly combines structure, insulation, and wall material into one system, multiple construction steps and trades can be eliminated.
What trades are reduced or eliminated?
Depending on the project design, builders may reduce or eliminate:
- Exterior insulation
- Interior insulation
- Vapor barriers
- House wrap
- Stud framing
- Some drywall applications
Can I run electrical and through the walls?
Yes. Electrical systems can be integrated using approved methods during construction.
Can the walls be finished with drywall?
Yes. Drywall, plaster, lime finishes, wood paneling, and many other finishes can be applied depending on the design requirements.
Can I leave the hempcrete exposed?
Yes. Many architects and homeowners choose exposed or lightly finished hempcrete surfaces for their natural appearance – for interiors only. You will need an exterior finish.
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
What types of buildings can be constructed with Renewabuild?
Renewabuild is suitable for:
- Custom homes
- Multi-family housing
- Affordable housing
- Hotels and resorts
- Schools
- Community buildings
- Agricultural buildings
- Commercial projects
- Daycares
Can architects design freely with the system?
Yes. The system accommodates modern, traditional, and custom architectural designs. It’s as simple as integrating our block into your design software, much like a CMU.
Can the system be used in Passive House projects?
Yes. The thermal performance and air-tightness characteristics make Renewabuild an excellent option for high-performance and Passive House-inspired construction.
Can it be used in net-zero projects?
Absolutely. The combination of operational energy savings and embodied carbon reduction makes Renewabuild ideal for net-zero and carbon-negative building goals.
COST & VALUE
How much does Renewabuild cost?
We’re highly competitive with other R28+ wall systems.
When comparing costs, it’s important to consider what the Renewabuild system replaces.
A traditional wall assembly may require:
- Framing
- Sheathing
- Insulation
- House wrap
- Vapor barriers
- Exterior cladding support
- Multiple trades
Renewabuild combines many of these functions into a single wall system, reducing labor, materials, scheduling complexity, and long-term energy costs.
What are the long-term savings?
Potential savings include:
- Lower heating and cooling costs
- Reduced maintenance
- Improved durability
- Better indoor air quality
- Increased resilience
- Reduced mold remediation risk
LICENSING & MANUFACTURING
Can I manufacture Renewabuild blocks?
Yes. Renewabuild offers licensing opportunities for qualified manufacturing partners.
What does a manufacturing license include?
Licensing programs typically include:
- Proprietary technology
- Manufacturing processes
- Equipment specifications
- Training
- Quality control systems
- Ongoing technical support
- Marketing support
Who is a good licensing candidate?
Ideal partners include:
- Hemp processors & biomass processors
- Precast concrete manufacturers
- Building material manufacturers
- Indigenous economic development corporations
- Developers
What geographic territories are available?
Licensing opportunities are evaluated based on market demand, production capacity, and geographic coverage requirements.
SUSTAINABILITY
How much carbon does a Renewabuild wall store?
Each block stores approximately 7.5 kg of carbon dioxide captured during hemp cultivation. A completed building can store many tonnes of carbon while also reducing operational energy use.
Is hemp a renewable resource?
Yes. Hemp is one of the fastest-growing industrial crops and can be harvested annually.
Does Renewabuild support green building certifications?
Yes. The system may contribute toward programs such as:
- LEED
- Passive House
- Zero Carbon Building
- Living Building Challenge
- Various regional green building standards
- Declare – non red list
GETTING STARTED
How do I get an estimate?
To provide an accurate estimate, we typically require:
- Architectural drawings (PDF preferred)
- Exterior wall dimensions
- Window and door schedules
- Project location
Our team will calculate the wall area and provide a preliminary estimate.
Do you provide engineering?
Engineering requirements vary by jurisdiction. We work with project teams and local professionals to support engineering and permitting requirements, but can offer engineering as a service if need be.
Do you ship throughout North America?
Yes. Renewabuild serves projects across Canada and the United States and is actively expanding manufacturing capacity to serve additional regions.
How do I learn more?
Contact our team through the website to:
- Connect with a Renewabuild representative
- Request a project estimate
- Schedule a discovery call
- Discuss licensing opportunities
- Receive technical information
Still Have Questions?
Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, developer, builder, engineer, municipality, or Indigenous housing organization, we’d be happy to discuss your project and determine whether Renewabuild is the right fit.
Build stronger. Build healthier. Build carbon-negative. Build with Renewabuild.