The report found that carbon removal through hemp is in a range like that for fast-growing spruce, Douglas fir and birch trees. The report was compiled by nova-Institute, a research organization based in Hürth.
“For hemp, the amount of carbon stored in the raw materials which can potentially be used in the construction and insulation industry is found between 9.5 and 11.4 t CO2eq/ha (gross), with the main sensitivity being the straw yield per hectare,” the report notes. “Higher straw yields result in more stored carbon per hectare, whereas the opposite holds for lower yields.”
Gross refers to total carbon captured by hemp in the field. Net figures for hemp subtract any greenhouse gases generated from planting, harvesting, decortication and transporting hurd, fibre and dust, while for wood it considers emissions resulting from debarking and transport to the next processing facility.
According to the paper, net carbon removal rates range from 5.5 to 11 tons per hectare for both hemp and wood. See the full report by clicking here.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán
