spacescourse

Category « Project Planning & Design What if your material choices could lower carbon emissions, slash fire risk, improve indoor air quality, and create affordable housing options—without sacrificing performance or code compliance? Hemp and other bio-based building materials aren’t fringe anymore. They’re advancing into the heart of construction—and changing what it means to build responsibly. This course shows you how to align climate goals with real-world application, unlocking sustainable design that actually delivers. Approved Type: HSW Approved Credit Hrs: 1 LU|HSW Program Level: Entry Program Length: 44:09 Minutes AIA CES Program ID# « GMGH.0026 Program Description: From carbon-negative walls to toxin-free insulation, bio-based materials are redefining the future of construction—and hemp is leading the charge. This course, developed in partnership with the Hemp Building Institute, takes you inside the evolving landscape of natural building materials that do more than just meet sustainability standards. You’ll explore how industrial hemp and hempcrete are being used to create fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and breathable buildings that outperform traditional systems in both residential and commercial settings. But innovation doesn’t come without barriers. That’s why this course doesn’t stop at performance—it also addresses the political, logistical, and regulatory forces that shape adoption, and equips you with the tools to navigate them. From permitting to public perception, you’ll leave with the clarity and confidence to specify bio-based systems in real projects. Whether you’re designing for affordability, resilience, or regenerative impact, this course helps you push beyond greenwashing and into true environmental leadership. Learning Objectives: Understand the Benefits of Hemp in Construction – Participants will be able to articulate the environmental and economic benefits of hemp-based materials, particularly in decarbonizing the built environment and improving construction sustainability. Evaluate Hempcrete as an Insulation Solution – Attendees will assess the properties of hempcrete and other hemp-based materials, focusing on their potential for use in insulation and how they compare to traditional building materials. Navigate Regulatory and Market Barriers – Learners will be able to identify key regulatory challenges and market barriers that have historically hindered hemp’s adoption in the building industry, and understand the strategies to overcome these obstacles. Incorporate Hemp in Affordable Housing Projects – Participants will learn how to integrate hemp-based materials into affordable housing projects, making sustainable materials more accessible and improving the long-term environmental impact of residential buildings. HSW Justification This course qualifies for Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) credit based on its focus on sustainable construction materials and their direct impact on the well-being of building occupants. The course covers the use of hemp-based materials, particularly hempcrete, which contribute to health by improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals often found in conventional building materials. These materials also offer safety benefits by providing fire-resistant properties, reducing the risk of structural failures, and contributing to healthier, more resilient buildings. Furthermore, by promoting the use of renewable, locally sourced materials, the course aligns with welfare goals by supporting affordable housing projects and encouraging the use of sustainable, bio-based materials that help foster healthier, more equitable living environments for all communities. Through a deeper understanding of hemp’s potential in construction, architects can better serve the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and society at large.