Biocomposite Insulation and Low-Embodied-Energy Building Systems: Integrating Hemp-Lime, Agricultural Waste, and Local Materials for Sustainable Construction

Abstract

Background: The construction sector is a significant consumer of natural resources and a major contributor to embodied energy and associated CO₂ emissions. Emerging research highlights the potential of biocomposite materials—particularly hemp-lime composites and insulation derived from agricultural residues, wool, and other natural fibers—to reduce environmental impact while providing thermal and acoustic performance comparable to conventional materials (Gupta, 2017; Taffese & Abegaz, 2019; Ryłko-Polak et al., 2022).

Objectives: This paper synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to construct a coherent framework for evaluating, designing, and deploying low-embodied-energy building envelopes based on biocomposite insulation and local resource utilization. Objectives include: (1) articulating theoretical bases linking material choice to embodied energy and life-cycle emissions; (2) examining the thermal and acoustic performance mechanisms of hemp-lime and other natural-fiber composites; (3) identifying methodological pathways for assessing whole-building impacts; and (4) proposing implementation strategies and design recommendations for sustainable construction practice.

Methods: A comprehensive narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed empirical studies, experimental material characterizations, and case studies was undertaken. Methodological emphasis was placed on descriptive system boundaries for embodied energy accounting, parametric analysis of thermal conductivity drivers in biocomposites, and integrative evaluation of moisture, durability, and mechanical considerations that influence material selection (Lin et al., 2017; Pochwała et al., 2020; Brzyski & Lagód, 2018).

Results: Evidence indicates that biocomposite materials such as hemp-lime, hemp shive insulation, wool-based panels, and composites from agricultural by-products consistently demonstrate lower embodied energy and CO₂ intensity per functional unit than many conventional insulation and masonry systems (Taffese & Abegaz, 2019; Kosiński et al., 2022). Thermal conductivity of hemp-lime and shive-based insulations typically falls within ranges effective for moderate climates when optimized for density, binder ratio, and moisture management (Pochwała et al., 2020; Ninikas et al., 2021). Acoustic absorption benefits are significant in porous natural-fiber panels, with porosity, fiber length, and binder stiffness identified as dominant controls (Curto et al., 2020; Berardi & Iannace, 2015).

Conclusions: The deployment of biocomposite insulation and local material strategies provides a viable path to reducing the embodied carbon of buildings while delivering acceptable thermal and acoustic performance. However, uptake requires rigorous standardization of life-cycle assessment boundaries, quality-controlled supply chains for raw biomass, and integrated building assembly strategies that address moisture, longevity, and mechanical stability (Reilly & Kinnane, 2017; Ryłko-Polak et al., 2022). Policy incentives, targeted R&D to improve binders and hygrothermal resilience, and training for building professionals are recommended to accelerate adoption.