JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s housing crisis continues to leave millions in unsafe, poorly insulated homes.
But researchers at the University of Johannesburg believe a solution could quite literally be grown.
They’ve developed an innovative hemp-based brick designed to cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and help deliver safer, more sustainable homes for rural communities.
According to hemp research director Brenton Abrahams, South Africa has a diverse environment
"We can grow in multiple environments. We have a particular area in Eastern Cape known as the green belt. It’s been growing cannabis for thousands of years. That’s why SA has a wide variety of genetics that can really impact the hemp industry internationally.”
Researchers say the hemp-based brick can be dramatically better than traditional clay or concrete bricks for both carbon emissions and indoor health.
University of Johannesburg's Michael Rudolph said if manufacturing of hemp at a scale can be stimulated, it would result in costs of these different products to be competitive.
This will have an impact on the economy, on social development, education and really producing something local.
The cost of producing this carbon-neutral wonder brick remains significantly higher than traditional bricks.
Trade and industry scientists said producing it at scale could soon provide an affordable and planet-friendly housing solution for the many South Africans who need it.