What connects fibre hemp, biodiversity and sustainable building materials? Klimafeld aims to make these connections easier to understand and foster regional cooperation around Vienna.
Explore the possibilitiesGet to know our association
Looking for information about hemp as a building material? Discover how hemp fibres and shives can be used — and which limitations matter when planning a building and assessing its climate impact.
Hemp fibres can be processed into insulation materials. Choosing a product requires its tested performance values, the construction build-up and the requirements for fire safety, thermal performance and moisture protection.
Hemp-lime, often called hempcrete, combines hemp shives with a mineral binder and water. It can be used for insulation and infill. A separate load-bearing structure usually carries the building loads.
A robust assessment considers cultivation, processing, binders, transport, use and end of life. General properties of the plant cannot replace a product-specific life cycle assessment.
Explore hemp applications, limitations and expert sources
Our association shares knowledge and works on regional initiatives involving industrial hemp and processing. A donation or membership supports the association’s work; it is neither a purchase of building materials nor certified carbon offsetting.
Fibre hemp is a renewable raw material. Its environmental impact depends on how it is grown, processed and used. That is why we look at the entire value chain.
Biodiversity means diversity of species, habitats and genetic resources. The role of a hemp field depends on factors including crop rotation, farming practices and the surrounding landscape. Growing hemp alone does not guarantee greater species diversity.
Hemp can be used in insulation or hemp-lime composites. “Hempcrete” is not a universal substitute for structural concrete. Suitability and construction details must be assessed by qualified professionals for each building project.
Connecting regional agriculture, processing and practical applications is central to our association’s mission. Short transport distances can be an advantage; a robust environmental assessment also considers energy, materials and use.
The association documents a fibre-hemp pilot cultivation project near Schwechat in 2023. This forms the basis for our goals for regional cooperation and renewable materials. Plans for expansion are goals — not results already achieved.
Explore the project storyGet to know our associationSupport the association’s work with a one-off donation.
Donation options (German)Contribute regularly to the association’s work.
Become a memberDo you work in agriculture, planning or the building trades? Find out more about Klimafeld’s mission.
Get in touchNo. Credible offsetting requires a transparent assessment and appropriate evidence. This page does not sell certified carbon credits or promise climate neutrality.
Further reading: European Commission: fibre hemp and its applications · EU BUILD UP: circularity and environmental assessment of building materials
