In Wisconsin, Sativa Building Systems (SBS) has been awarded a $1.9 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop groundbreaking bio-based insulation. This two-year Phase II SBIR project builds on SBS’s success in creating innovative hemp-based solutions that align with the Department of Defense’s sustainability goals.
Hempcrete is an impressive material, with properties that exceed conventional alternatives in almost every performance category. However, hempcrete is most suitable as a semi-structural wall insulation. It can replace four materials in the wall envelope but isn’t always ideal for ceilings, floors, or all retrofit applications.
This thought process led Sativa Building Systems to explore a product that could complement the Z Panel—something lighter and more suitable for applications beyond walls. In the Phase I project with the U.S. Army last year, SBS successfully created a new fully bio-based insulation, still utilizing hemp as the primary component but replacing the binding agent with a sustainable alternative.
The two-year project will wrap up in September 2026, with the goal of delivering functional prototypes and completing a demonstration project.
Tags: bio-based insulations, Sativa Building Systems, Wisconsin
Category: Fuels
