CASE’s Alexandros Tsamis Testifies to NYS on the Potential of Industrial Hemp
January 31st, 2025
On November 13th, 2024, Alexandros Tsamis, Associate Director of CASE (Center for Architecture, Science & Ecology), and Daniel Walcyzk, Professor of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), testified before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture. Their testimony underscored the transformative potential of industrial hemp in the construction industry—a move that could revolutionize both the environmental and economic landscape of New York State.
The Urgency of Sustainable Materials in Construction
The building industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with buildings responsible for around 40% of CO2 emissions in the U.S. These emissions are split between operational carbon (two-thirds) and embodied carbon (one-third). Operational carbon pertains to the energy used in running buildings, while embodied carbon refers to the emissions associated with material production and construction processes.
While significant strides are being made to reduce operational carbon through renewable energy and better design, there is limited progress on the reduction of embodied carbon. The materials used in construction—such as concrete, steel, and insulation—often have significant carbon footprints. Therefore, targeting these materials and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives is critical for addressing the high levels of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in the U.S.
The Seed to City Initiative: A Vision for a Circular Bio-Economy for Construction
Industrial hemp is a material that has been largely overlooked in modern construction despite its enormous potential. Tsamis has dedicated much of his research to harnessing the power of hemp as a locally sourced, sustainable alternative for building construction. Hemp offers the unique benefit of being carbon-negative, absorbing large amounts of CO2 during its growth cycle, and storing that carbon for the life of the building.
Tsamis’ research, along with Walcyzk and their collaborators, is bringing this vision to life through the Seed to City initiative—a comprehensive project designed to create a circular bio-economy for hemp. This initiative spans the entire lifecycle of hemp, from cultivation and harvest to processing, manufacturing, and eventual end-of-life regeneration. The overarching goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while simultaneously driving economic development and job creation in New York State.
Hemp as a Sustainable Supercrop
Hemp is uniquely positioned to play a significant role in sustainable construction. Its carbon emissions-reducing properties are present throughout the entire lifecycle:
Growth: Hemp absorbs a substantial amount of CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows, making it a carbon-negative material.
Application: Once processed, hemp is used in construction materials, such as insulation and building components, where the carbon remains stored for the lifespan of the structure.
End-of-life regeneration: At the end of its life, hemp-based materials can be regenerated or repurposed, further reducing waste and emissions.
By using hemp as a primary material in construction, buildings could become carbon sinks rather than sources of pollution. This creates an economically and environmentally sustainable solution that addresses the urgent need for decarbonization in both the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Innovation and Research in Hemp-Based Materials
Through their partnership, Tsamis, Walcyzk, and their academic colleagues in New York State have developed several innovative research projects and hemp-based applications which include:
Hemp Retrofit, SIPS HeRS: A commercially viable, durable, low-embodied-carbon insulated siding product.
Hemp Rebar: A natural fiber-based rebar reinforcing technology designed for cementitious materials, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional steel rebar.
Barn +: A prototypical Hemp Barn designed as a multifunctional processing facility for hemp growers.
Peeling Decorticator: A new process for peeling hemp fiber from the hurd/shive in long, undamaged strips, which is essential for the production of high-quality hemp building materials.
These innovations not only demonstrate the potential of hemp in reducing embodied carbon in construction but also highlight how hemp-based solutions can stimulate local industries and create jobs.
The Role of the NY State Assembly Committee on Agriculture
The opportunity to present these innovations before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture is significant. The Committee reviews legislation, holds hearings, and makes recommendations related to agriculture in New York State—making it a powerful forum for influencing policy. By advocating for hemp-based materials and systems, Tsamis, Walcyzk, and their colleagues can help shape policies that enable the widespread adoption of hemp in construction.
New York State faces a particularly challenging situation due to the age of its building stock. Approximately 75% of buildings were constructed before the 1980s, when energy efficiency regulations were less stringent, and insulation standards were poor. These buildings are in need of significant infrastructure improvements, and retrofits to meet contemporary energy efficiency standards. The research and applications developed by CASE and RPI offer a unique opportunity to transform the building industry, addressing both environmental concerns and the pressing need for infrastructure investment.
New York can Lead the Way
Through initiatives like Seed to City, New York State has the potential to become a leader in sustainable construction practices. By implementing hemp-based materials and systems, the state can create a resilient supply chain for renewable materials, support the production of low-carbon products, and foster a sustainable economy. This approach aligns with the state's broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving decarbonization in the building sector.
The adoption of hemp in construction not only has the potential to improve the environmental footprint of buildings but also to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and position New York as a model for sustainable building practices nationwide.
The testimony of Tsamis and Walcyzk before the New York State Assembly marks an important milestone in the pursuit of sustainable building practices. By leveraging the power of hemp, they are not only addressing the urgent need for reducing carbon emissions in construction but also creating economic opportunities that benefit New Yorkers and the environment.
Media Contact:
Kathie Brill, Program Manager
Brillk@rpi.edu