Why Use Hemp Blocks?

 

We are experiencing a housing crisis. A severe lack of single-family homes being constructed coupled with available units being gobbled up by private firms such as Redfin and Zillow has stunted or completely ended the incoming generation’s dream of one day owning a home, starting a family, and pursuing the American dream. While Oregon is mitigating the lack of affordable housing by expanding urban development boundary lines, and streamlining the permitting process to allow developers to begin construction at a faster pace – the cost of construction and lack of specialized tradespeople needed to expand the housing supply still poses a daunting hurdle. But where there is a crisis, there’s also opportunity. If elected to the city council, I will lead the effort to empower our communities, while simultaneously addressing the housing crisis by utilizing Asset Based Community Development to begin a hemp block manufacturing facility in Portland, in order to provide more non-market housing. By partnering with local governments, communities, and credit unions, we will be able to provide good paying jobs, stimulate local economies, and provide sustainable, affordable housing to our neighbors in need.​

Although we live in 2024, our methods for building a house have remained largely unchanged for over 100 years. Poured concrete is the one of the most carbon-intensive ways of residential construction, and it can take a tree 20+ years before it is ready to be harvested for lumber. Hemp grows rapidly, going from seed to harvest in 4-6 months, the overall process of fabricating hemp blocks sequesters more carbon than it emits, making it the only carbon negative construction method. And by using locally sourced Oregon hemp we would save on delivery costs of materials while also injecting funds to local farmers. Furthermore, the innovative lock-and-key, “lego-esque” construction style of hemp blocks is 80% faster than traditional stick framing methods for building a house, and doesn’t require any of the specialized trade skills typically needed for construction. Hemp blocks are self-leveling, so no need for masonry skills, and the blocks are load-bearing thus eliminating the need for structural engineers. Additionally, hemp blocks are incredible thermal insulators which would save homeowners up to 70% on their electric costs for heating and cooling, they are fire, mold, and pest resistant, and offer better acoustic value compared standard building regulation requirements.