In the past few years, hempcrete’s stock as a fire-resistant building material in Australia has been on the rise — and it should be able to sustain its momentum in 2026.
The fact that there are now hundreds of hemp houses across the country proves that this non-load-bearing wall material is ripe for broader adoption.
The next best building solution for fire resistance
Hempcrete is a superior alternative to the standard gypsum plasterboard. It doesn’t ignite and withstands extreme heat due to its lime content. In contrast, the latter is inherently combustible but doesn’t burst into flames because of fire-resistant additives, like hemp fibres.
This material has demonstrated noncombustibility in a real-life incident. In 2022, a destructive bushfire razed a hemp block factory in Hester Brook, Western Australia, to the ground. Only a stack of fully cured hemp blocks survived. The story was such an excellent advertisement for the material that it must have prompted countless construction professionals to consider using it.
The pressure to construct exceptionally fire-resistant structures in the country is growing. Climate change has exacerbated Australia’s susceptibility to bushfires, threatening even code-compliant properties.
The use of hempcrete inspires peace of mind. Many hempcrete walls on the market are certified to the highest Bushfire Attack Level of Flame Zone. They can remain unscathed when exposed to direct flame and intense radiant heat long enough to prevent the fire from spreading and protect valuable assets while waiting for first responders.
The standards are in effect
The International Code Council has adopted hempcrete. However, building codes and standards vary by construction type, so the material’s inclusion isn’t universal. While hempcrete is part of the 2024 International Residential Code, it’s non-existent in the current International Building Code.
Hempcrete’s non-inclusion in the building code model for commercial structures means regulators don’t view it as a standard option. Incorporating it in the building design would generally require a special approval process.
Fortunately, the National Construction Code is performance-based. The Australian Building Codes Board decides on the minimum levels for the health, safety, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of specific buildings. A permit can be secured as long as the hempcrete-incorporated building design satisfies the minimum requirements.
The promise of hempcrete’s sustainability
Reliable fire resistance only scratches the surface of hempcrete’s contributions to climate-resilient building designs. Practically everything about this material’s composition is environmentally friendly.
Hempcrete’s primary ingredients — hemp hurd and lime — are sustainable. Industrial hemp grows fast. This highly renewable crop requires little water, improves the soil and sequesters carbon.
Limestone may be finite and takes millions of years to form, but it’s a widely abundant rock in the Earth’s crust. Australia has plentiful limestone across different regions. New South Wales alone has over 400 known deposits that can supply more virgin lime to the market.
Hempcrete is circular and can be recycled as part of a new biocomposite mix or remanufacture it as a different building material. Its biodegradability allows it to become mulch or compost at the end of its service life.
This sustainable material can help projects earn green building certifications. It’s an outstanding thermal insulator, reducing a building’s cooling or heating loads to conserve energy. Hempcrete regulates indoor humidity levels and prevents mould growth through moisture buffering — an ability to absorb water vapour when the air is muggier and release it when the environment is drier.
The prevailing challenge of hempcrete sourcing
Critics would point out that many hempcrete manufacturers import industrial hemp derivatives from overseas. Air and sea freight are synonymous with massive greenhouse gas emissions, so eco-warriors advocate for domestic sourcing.
The good news is that Australian industrial hemp growers are increasing to satisfy local demand. Mobility Foresights projects that the country’s hemp market will grow from $6.8 billion, or about AU$10.37 billion, in 2025 to $21.9 billion, or about AU$33.41 billion, in 2031.
The bad news is that hemp gets strong demand from various sources. Players in the food, pharmaceutical, fashion and consumer goods industries are also interested in the plant and may compete against hempcrete producers.
Building fire-resistant structures with hempcrete
Hempcrete has limitations, but it’s a definite asset to any Australian structure, regardless of bushfire risk. When incorporated thoughtfully into projects and sourced domestically, permits should easily be obtained, minimising material costs and boosting a buildings’ green credentials.
