Innovating Sustainable Construction with Hempcrete Blocks

Advancing Carbon-Negative Building Solutions in Belgium

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Building a Sustainable Future with Hempcrete

This innovative Hempcrete Block Project is revolutionizing the construction industry by introducing biobased, carbon-negative materials that enhance building sustainability. By replacing traditional, high-emission materials like cement and insulation with hempcrete, IsoHemp significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions and contributes to long-term carbon sequestration.

The project’s production uses 100% locally sourced natural bio-based materials, combining lime and hemp to create durable, insulating blocks. These blocks serve as both insulation and load-bearing materials (when combined with reinforced concrete), offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional construction.

In 2022 and 2023, the company produced 68% insulation blocks and 32% load-bearing blocks, reducing reliance on high-energy, resource-intensive building materials. The innovative nature of IsoHemp’s solution aligns with EU climate change mitigation goals, positioning hempcrete as a viable replacement for carbon-intensive construction elements.

By adopting low-carbon, biobased materials, this project actively contributes to Europe’s sustainable building transition and accelerates progress towards climate goals.

Project ID:

RIV-2023-PROJ-39

Project Status:

Registered

Location:

Fernelmont, Belgium

Project Type:

Carbon Removal – Biobased Construction Materials

Estimated Average Annual Emissions Reductions

 7,775 tCO₂e (4,275 tCO₂e removed + 3,500 tCO₂e avoided over five years)

Crediting Period Term

01-01-2022 to 31-12-2026

Community Impact:

Reduced resource consumption, water efficiency, local material sourcing

Climate Benefits and Community Impact

The project has a strong commitment to environmental and sustainable development that benefit local communities through the following contributions:  

ENVIRONMENT

The project drives environmental progress by:

  • Reducing fossil fuel dependency in construction materials
  • Avoiding over 7,775 tCO₂e through emissions reductions and removals
  • Saving 3m³ of water per m² compared to traditional materials
  • Using natural, locally sourced hemp and lime, minimizing environmental impact

 

COMMUNITY

The project supports sustainable communities by:

  • Encouraging local material sourcing, reducing transportation emissions
  • Increasing awareness and adoption of eco-friendly construction materials
  • Offering a healthier, non-toxic alternative to synthetic insulation materials

 

EMPLOYMENT

The project promotes job creation by:

  • Supporting local employment in material sourcing and manufacturing
  • Expanding the demand for skilled labor in the growing biobased construction sector
  • Providing training opportunities for sustainable building practices

 

This initiative aligns with global sustainability efforts and contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering a more eco-conscious construction industry and a low-carbon future.

Verification

Verification: This project is verified by the Riverse Registry.

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Project overview

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More about the project

The protection of this project helps participate in several of the United Nations Sustainability Goals

GOAL 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

GOAL 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

WE ARE ALL ONE TRIBE

CLIMATE ACTION PROJECTS

One Tribe enables businesses to be more sustainable by funding rainforest protection projects that store carbon from being released into the atmosphere. By enabling customers to protect rainforest when they shop online we also empowers consumers to drive positive change

Speak to our Carbon Offset & Removals specialist

Eric currently works as an independent consultant at the intersection of nature and climate, focused on catalysing market and non-market solutions to drive the just transition.

He previously was Head of Product at Earthshot Labs, supporting nature conservation and restoration projects across the global south secure project finance. Prior to Earthshot Labs, Eric led nature-based carbon project development for Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and founded the Carbon Cooperative, a global alliance of leading nature conservation and restoration practitioners exploring carbon finance. After serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique out of university, he spent much of his 20s working in community-based conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa interspersed with two startup ventures as co-founder and CEO of a mental health tech startup and COO of a sustainable coffee company. Eric has a dual Masters in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy from Stanford University where he was a NSF Graduate Research Fellow and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.

Alan is a risk management thought-leader, superconnector, and FinTech pioneer. His mission is to enable an Earth Positive economy which includes nature in global accounting systems.

Alan is Founder of Generation Blue, a venture studio dedicated to planetary game changers powered by exponential technologies. Previously, Alan established Natural Capital Markets at Lykke AG, pioneering blockchain based forestry and carbon backed tokens. Alan has over two decades of risk management experience advising global financial institutions, and was a founding member of the RiskMetrics Group, a JPMorgan spin-off. Alan is an investor and advisor to regenerative impact ventures, including TreeBuddy.Earth, Regenativ, and Vlinder Climate.

Lori Whitecalf made history when she became the first woman to be elected Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2011. She served three terms of office from 2011-2017.  

Lori took a two-year hiatus from leadership to expand the family ranch and serve as the FSIN Senior Industry Liaison. She was re-elected on November 29. 2019 and again on November 30, 2021, as Chief of Sweetgrass. Chief Whitecalf practises a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and gathering. She currently sits on the following boards: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, FSIN Lands and Resource Commission, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Council, FSIN Women’s Commission.

Tina is the Chief Business Officer for MLTC Industrial Investments, the Economic Development arm of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. She has a diverse background of experience. Having spent 15 years as a municipal Chief Operating Officer, 20 years involved in Saskatchewan’s Health Authority Board Keewatin Yatthe and 9 years with Northern Lights Board of Education. 

 

She continues as a Board Member with Beaver River Community Futures supporting small business development in her home region. Tina brings a wealth of experience in a variety of fields and many connections to the Indigenous communities of Northern Saskatchewan. In addition Tina holds a BA Advanced from the U of S, a Certificate in Local Government Authority from the U of R and is certified as a Professional Economic Developer for Saskatchewan and a certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).

Tootoosis’ career spans 40+ years in HRM, political leadership, and Indigenous economic development, as a dedicated bridge builder and advocate for Indigenous causes.
As a key member of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) team since 2021, he develops strategies for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report and Call to Action #92.

He is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and a certified Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer. Spearheading various community initiatives while serving as a Chair of the SIEDN while directing ILDII and WIBF. Founder of MGT Consulting Tootoosis is based in Saskatoon, Treaty Six Territory.

Cy Standing (Wakanya Najin in Dakota) has a long and distinguished career including serving overseas as an Electronics Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force, former Chief of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, former Vice Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN), past Executive Director of Community Development Branch of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan as well as an Order in Council appointment to the Federal Parole Board.  

Mr. Standing has served as a Director on many Profit and Non-Profit Corporate Boards, including serving as a Director for Affinity Credit Union with assets of over six billion dollars as well as IMI Brokerage and Wanuskewin and is currently a member of the One Tribe Indigenous Carbon Board.