Hemp Voices: Clifton Ray Kaderli, US Hemp Building Association
Clifton Ray Kaderli is founder of New Braunfels, TX-based Hemp Build Network and serves as president of the US Hemp Building Association
I have enjoyed the honor of serving in the elected position of President of the USHBA. I seek out opportunities to advocate and collaborate with industry participation to advance hemp materials and methods in building and construction.
I am gobsmacked by the vast size and scope that is the ocean of opportunity in the hemp space. Hemp building is but one niche that has niches within niches.
A few examples:
• Pounds of carbon sequestered in houses.
• Kilowatt hours saved through increased efficiency.
• Jobs created and how many more will be.
• Environmental stewardship and the many ways to measure outcomes.
• Economic growth and influence that financial health has on society.
• Health and safety from issues like mold and fire.
I have called the hemp space an “all-you-can-eat entrepreneurial buffet”. What lies ahead? To quote the classic movie Jaws, “we’re gonna need a bigger boat.” I can’t stretch my arms wide enough to express how big the opportunities are in building with hemp.
What was a win for your organization in the past year?
The hemp building space has matured. International Residential Code passage was the previous win. Now we need to “take it out of the box.” Hemp building has gained recognition in key arenas like National Association of Home Builders, GreenBuild, and other high-profile stages. But the key wins that I like are the simple ones that will be “tools in the toolbox” for pros like the ARCAT guide specification and measurement/testing methods for hurd. Builders, designers, suppliers, and subcontractors need to be able to interact in a common vernacular. Projects and research could not take place without this type of foundation.
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago?
I added to my understanding how hemp as a building material interacts with other building materials and the very space that the building creates. Connecting the qualities of hemp with the other components of a built space has fostered a creative effort to come up with best-case scenarios. Design and building science will lead to many new innovations with hemp.
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome in the next five years?
This industry needs BOTH Projects AND Professionals. The biggest challenge will be the orchestration of the simultaneous genesis of projects and professionals. Many professionals in the building space are adding hemp to their capabilities. However, if no projects surface they will need to follow other avenues for their careers. Conversely if projects surface and no professionals can deliver then the projects will go away or take a different path. We have gained momentum. We must mature in our professional capabilities. The USHBA is leading the way in this process. I am proud to serve and be a part of it.
Contact: Ray@ushba.org
540-664-6499
