Ep. 7 Is Natural Fiber Insulation Ready for Mainstream Buildings?

What if insulation could be healthier, safer, and climate-positive—without changing how buildings are designed or built? In this episode of the HempBuild Podcast, host Ray Kaderli is joined by Mattie Mead, co-founder of Hempitecture, and Annie Ball, LEED AP BD+C and material researcher, for a deep dive into hemp-based insulation and low-carbon building envelopes. They break down how natural fiber insulation compares to conventional materials, why embodied carbon matters more than ever, and how hemp insulation performs when it comes to fire safety, indoor air quality, moisture control, and thermal comfort. The conversation also explores real-world adoption challenges—from contractor hesitation to code compliance—and how “drop-in” insulation products are helping builders and designers reduce climate impact without reinventing their workflows. Whether you’re a builder, architect, homeowner, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers a practical look at how insulation choices affect health, safety, comfort, and climate performance—and why the building envelope is one of the biggest levers for change.

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