Geobind: Carbon neutral building panels made of hemp

Kerikeri builder Doug Sturrock was looking for sustainable building materials similar to those in available in Europe, but when he couldn't find them on the New Zealand market, he decided to develop his own. What resulted is Geobind, the country's first hemp binder, which is used to create a strong, concrete-like product called hempcrete. Hempcrete can be made into panels, and as a building material is breathable, regulates temperature and humidity, and is also mould resistant and fireproof. It's also carbon-neutral and absorbs more carbon dioxide per hectare than any forest or commercial crop. Geobind is backed by a grant from Callaghan Innovation. Builders are already enquiring in Taranaki, Wanaka, Nelson, and in his home town of Kerikeri, where he's got a show home at the concept stage.