This is a 2-day hempcrete building workshop at The American College of Building Arts, in downtown Charleston, SC, on October 8-9, 2022.  This workshop will serve as Phase 1 to a multi-faceted project approach to a greater vision that marshals the expertise of Root Down Designs, The Hemp District, Clemson University Extension, Ibile Artist Sanctuary, Acres of Ancestry Initiative/Black Agrarian Fund, and the Black Belt Justice Center, as well as other professionals. This team is sharpening its focus to support the growing of industrial hemp to regenerate the Black agricultural land base, support agricultural entrepreneurship and community economic development, and increase low to carbon-negative affordable housing in the south. 

The overarching goal is to create a full circle, regenerative, and regional approach to building affordable, carbon-negative hempcrete homes in South Carolina and the greater southern regions. This holistic approach will support South Carolina Black Farmers growing industrial hemp; a South Carolina-located hemp block manufacturing facility that prioritizes dignified livelihoods for women, and a system that will provide new, innovative products and livelihoods to underserved communities of South Carolina.

Additionally, we will showcase the estimated reduction in embodied carbon of hempcrete buildings, as well as the human health benefits, as it compares to the baseline equivalent of conventional building materials. We will highlight the moisture and rot-resistant properties of hempcrete which makes it such a desirable material for the south. 

This workshop will be fully documented and will provide decision-makers, including policymakers, developers, home designers, and builders, as well as future homeowners, with insights on how carbon emissions can most effectively be reduced in future construction, and ultimately, how we can create healthy and attainable housing in SC through a regenerative and regional agricultural/building system.

This workshop will be a combination of hands-on building applications where participants will build with the materials themselves, a series of presentations, panel and open discussion groups, and social networking opportunities.  

All funds generated from this event will be recirculated to support the ongoing missions and work stated above. Scholarship applications are available for anyone wishing to attend but cannot meet the financial requirements.