The main findings were:
Structure & durability: The qualities of hemp homes were found to be at least equal to
those of traditional construction.
Thermal comparisons: Heating fuel consumed by the hemp homes is no greater than
that used in the traditionally constructed houses.
Acoustics test: Hemp homes did not perform as well as the traditional houses but they
did meet the sound resistance requirement.
Permeability: Both forms of construction appear to give complete protection against
water penetration. However, the hemp homes generate less condensation.
Waste minimisation: There appears to be little difference in the amount of waste
produced by each method. Although the waste is of a different nature in each case both
are likely to have an environmental impact.
Construction costs: It is estimated that the true cost of hemp construction was £526 per
square metre compared to £478 for traditional construction.
And what of the impact of producing the materials? I have not yet read through it all but did this get a mention? Surely hemp would win hands down over cement?