citizen science meet University Research
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Professors: This research framework moves beyond traditional, isolated laboratory control by establishing a distributed network for multi-site field validation. It allows scientists to observe material performance across multiple real-world variables and geographic locations simultaneously, capturing accurate, long-term environmental data.
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Contractors: Gain insight into building science solutions by collaborating with research students and professors, including Cornell University and RPI. We are actively working on real-world validation of bio-based materials as we prepare for testing in every county in the state.e membership.
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Communities: We offer a pathway to make history, establish at a Hemp Home retrofit in your county. By joining field projects, regional partners receive financial compensation for their role in hosting test sites and helping to gather critical environmental data for our shared building science network.
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Building Science Research NetworkNY Hemp House #1 is in Ulster County. Researchers need to collect timely and accurate environmental data from 62 New York State Counties.
Guilds provides an efficient path for researchers to connect with local communities, organize volunteers, run geo-located field studies and gather data that is critical for improving building science. Be the first to join the Guild for your county. |
Building Science Research data nodes
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Energy & Temperature: We measure energy inputs (electric, gas, oil, wood) and temperature (indoor vs outdoor) to document (cost, trade offs) and results based on test case.
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Moisture & Mold: We monitor Relative Humidity (RH), and Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) to create a data network and visualization tool.
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Occupant Comfort/Cost: We monitor occupant comfort levels and costs/convenience year round (4 seasons). A goal: Create the most comfort for the least cost.
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Published Work and Downloadable Data
We share our findings widely to advance building science and support progressive climate policy. As a founding organization, Build Green Now ensures that the Retrofit Guild actively works on behalf of its members to secure projects, handle administrative details, and share state-of-the-art training. Our research artifacts here:
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Citizen Scientist Energy Report: A performance case study documenting energy reduction and thermal stability metrics. Q1/2026 Report
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Guild Blueprint: An operational framework showing how the Hemp-Lime Guild operates on behalf of members to handle project and knowledge sharing.
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Videos and Presentations
Hemp Farming
Our collaboration with Cornell University and SUNY Morrisville provides farmers with essential research, science, and technical assistance for successful hemp farming and climate change adaptation. Cornell’s renowned agricultural expertise ensures you have access to the latest innovations and techniques to optimize your hemp cultivation. SUNY Morrisville's extensive experience with growing hemp provides invaluable insights.
Industrial Hemp insulation
Our Proof of work
Published Work, Sustainability Education and Action (Palgrave 2024).
Hempcrete has Zero Forever Chemicals and Does Not Burn!
This initiative goes beyond industrial hemp insulation; it sets the stage for exponential progress!
If NYS Insulates 2M homes with Industrial Hemp by 2030 - NYS Sequesters 7M Tons of CO2!
We are creating "A Future to Believe In" by getting every county building inspector and all first responder county captains trained in less than 3 years
Informed Decisions: Access to state-of-the-art best practices is invaluable for making critical decisions in response to new information and climate change realities. Our expertise and resources ensure you are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to adapt and thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. With unique experience from our pilot projects in New York State and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely qualified to offer specialized services. By collaborating with Build Green Now, you join a transformative movement in progressive policy, regenerative agriculture, and green building, armed with the tools and support needed to excel in the emerging industrial hemp market. Together, we can cultivate a greener future.
Strategic Partnerships: Our collaboration with Cornell Ag and Markets, SUNY Morrisville Ag, and other leading institutions provides you with unparalleled access to resources and expertise. These partnerships ensure that you benefit from cutting-edge research and practical guidance tailored to the development of the industrial hemp market, including farming, processing, and sales of hemp products such as hurd for insulation and fiber for textiles.
Legislative Experience: With extensive experience working with legislators and policymakers, we help shape a favorable regulatory environment for hemp farming and processing. Our efforts ensure that the industrial hemp market is supported by robust policies that facilitate growth and sustainability.
Community Collaboration: We excel in fostering strong relationships with community leaders, ensuring that your hemp initiatives are supported at every level. This collaborative approach ensures that local communities benefit from the economic opportunities created by the hemp industry.
Senior Project Management: Clients gain access to senior project management with unmatched experience in the industry. Our experts guide your projects, from hemp farming to processing and market development, ensuring a connected and efficient supply chain.
Build Green Now founded the NYS Hemp Fiber Community Working Group to help all of New York State accelerate CO2 sequestration initiatives through industrial hemp. We invite you to apply our knowledge and experience in your community. Please contact us if we can assist you in moving forward.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing our expertise widely, at cost, we only request verifiable community benefits. You can find our schedule on the events page.
Hempcrete has Zero Forever Chemicals and Does Not Burn!
This initiative goes beyond industrial hemp insulation; it sets the stage for exponential progress!
If NYS Insulates 2M homes with Industrial Hemp by 2030 - NYS Sequesters 7M Tons of CO2!
We are creating "A Future to Believe In" by getting every county building inspector and all first responder county captains trained in less than 3 years
Informed Decisions: Access to state-of-the-art best practices is invaluable for making critical decisions in response to new information and climate change realities. Our expertise and resources ensure you are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to adapt and thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. With unique experience from our pilot projects in New York State and Puerto Rico, we are uniquely qualified to offer specialized services. By collaborating with Build Green Now, you join a transformative movement in progressive policy, regenerative agriculture, and green building, armed with the tools and support needed to excel in the emerging industrial hemp market. Together, we can cultivate a greener future.
Strategic Partnerships: Our collaboration with Cornell Ag and Markets, SUNY Morrisville Ag, and other leading institutions provides you with unparalleled access to resources and expertise. These partnerships ensure that you benefit from cutting-edge research and practical guidance tailored to the development of the industrial hemp market, including farming, processing, and sales of hemp products such as hurd for insulation and fiber for textiles.
Legislative Experience: With extensive experience working with legislators and policymakers, we help shape a favorable regulatory environment for hemp farming and processing. Our efforts ensure that the industrial hemp market is supported by robust policies that facilitate growth and sustainability.
Community Collaboration: We excel in fostering strong relationships with community leaders, ensuring that your hemp initiatives are supported at every level. This collaborative approach ensures that local communities benefit from the economic opportunities created by the hemp industry.
Senior Project Management: Clients gain access to senior project management with unmatched experience in the industry. Our experts guide your projects, from hemp farming to processing and market development, ensuring a connected and efficient supply chain.
Build Green Now founded the NYS Hemp Fiber Community Working Group to help all of New York State accelerate CO2 sequestration initiatives through industrial hemp. We invite you to apply our knowledge and experience in your community. Please contact us if we can assist you in moving forward.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing our expertise widely, at cost, we only request verifiable community benefits. You can find our schedule on the events page.
We practice what we preach and have become the change we wish to see. Please join in - if you see a better plan, let us know so we can collaborate with them. Also donate today and share this page with friends who care about creating a better tomorrow faster.
In 2019 we pioneered New York States first hemp-lime retrofit and establish the start of what would become the New York State Industrial Hemp Community Working Group, building relationship with leaders and legislators.
In 2022, as President and Certifications Director of the U.S. Hemp Building Association (USHBA), Henry Gage Jr. and Sally Warren, Ph.D. joined forces with Executive Director Jacob Waddell and an international team to successfully advocate for the inclusion of hemp-lime in the International Code Council's (ICC) Residential Building Code, leading to its adoption in 2024. Recognizing the need to efficiently promote these standards across over 3,000 U.S. counties, Henry left the USHBA Board of Directors in 2023 to focus on a solution by utilizing his expertise as an algorithm designer to develop a comprehensive roadmap.
Currently, we are collaborating with 15 organizations to develop a Train-the-Trainer model aimed at empowering local communities to address their unique challenges through scientific approaches. Our collaboration partners include the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.), State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, the College of Architects and Landscape Architects of Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture in San Juan, Cornell University School of Agriculture Science and the USHBA.
This grassroots initiative focuses on equipping local teams with the skills to teach hemp related best practices that include cultivation, processing, construction, climate zone based building science and updates to county and building codes necessary to streamline implementation projects.
We value your input to identify potential partners and prioritize our efforts. Please see the survey, review our list of collaborators and share your thoughts. Our work is for Public Benefit. Your generous donations support this work.
In 2019 we pioneered New York States first hemp-lime retrofit and establish the start of what would become the New York State Industrial Hemp Community Working Group, building relationship with leaders and legislators.
In 2022, as President and Certifications Director of the U.S. Hemp Building Association (USHBA), Henry Gage Jr. and Sally Warren, Ph.D. joined forces with Executive Director Jacob Waddell and an international team to successfully advocate for the inclusion of hemp-lime in the International Code Council's (ICC) Residential Building Code, leading to its adoption in 2024. Recognizing the need to efficiently promote these standards across over 3,000 U.S. counties, Henry left the USHBA Board of Directors in 2023 to focus on a solution by utilizing his expertise as an algorithm designer to develop a comprehensive roadmap.
Currently, we are collaborating with 15 organizations to develop a Train-the-Trainer model aimed at empowering local communities to address their unique challenges through scientific approaches. Our collaboration partners include the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.), State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, the College of Architects and Landscape Architects of Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico School of Architecture in San Juan, Cornell University School of Agriculture Science and the USHBA.
This grassroots initiative focuses on equipping local teams with the skills to teach hemp related best practices that include cultivation, processing, construction, climate zone based building science and updates to county and building codes necessary to streamline implementation projects.
We value your input to identify potential partners and prioritize our efforts. Please see the survey, review our list of collaborators and share your thoughts. Our work is for Public Benefit. Your generous donations support this work.
Carbon Storage: Hempcrete insulation stores significant carbon within structures like walls, supporting a carbon credit market. Industrial hemp captures 1.2 to 3.6 metric tons of CO2 per acre annually. Climate solutions have risks; unregulated spray foam insulation in NYS could cause 225 million tons of damage, while Hempcrete insulation could achieve 7 million tons of benefits.
Expert Training: Build Green Now offer NYS's first hempcrete training classes, provided complementary market updates to the Ulster County Legislators and State Legislators, led NYS's first Hemp-Lime retrofit and contributed to integrating it into the International Building Code as President and Certification Director for the US Hemp Building Association.
As the first NYS team trained in spray-applied Hemp-Lime, we provide training for municipal leaders, including building and fire safety, architects, and contractors, ensuring efficient and safe implementation.
Expert Training: Build Green Now offer NYS's first hempcrete training classes, provided complementary market updates to the Ulster County Legislators and State Legislators, led NYS's first Hemp-Lime retrofit and contributed to integrating it into the International Building Code as President and Certification Director for the US Hemp Building Association.
As the first NYS team trained in spray-applied Hemp-Lime, we provide training for municipal leaders, including building and fire safety, architects, and contractors, ensuring efficient and safe implementation.
