Leader Profile: Jacob Waddell - US Hemp Building Association

LEADER PROFILE

Jacob Waddell: Building hemp’s future, together

Aa material scientist, the possibilities of this natural material are exciting to me. Hemp has such high performing natural properties that it was used globally 100 years ago and then had its development stunted for 80 years. The innovations to come are exhilarating.

What was a win for your organization in the past year?

The growth of our reputation has been immense. This has been accomplished through steady development. These steps have included having regular committee meetings, launching a monthly newsletter, relaunching the US Hemp Building Foundation, two successful virtual events, being involved in both the NHA SCoHO and USHRT lobbying efforts, and relaunching our website. Many of these activities created more values for our members and have prepared us for future growth.

What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago?

How to calculate the carbon foot-print of hemp building materials.

What challenges does the hemp building industry/ hemp industry face that they must overcome in the next five years?

We have to overcome the initial resistance to sustainable Jacob Waddell, President US Hemp Building Association.

building products to make them mainstream options in the building industry. We will have to establish a supply chain that understands the needs of the customers at different levels. The supply chain will need to meet necessary standards that need to be developed. If we work together, the industry will grow faster and our eventual impact will be larger.

“The challenge is to overcome the initial resistance to sustainable building products in the building industry. We will have to establish a supply chain that understands the needs of the customers at different levels.”

Jacob Waddell, President US Hemp Building Assoc.