Home Innovation Research Labs Evaluates Hemp-Based Insulation Solutions for Multifamily Retrofits
Published Monday, January 26, 2026
Home Innovation Research Labs announces a new research initiative to evaluate and characterize hemp-based construction materials for use as insulation in the US building industry. The project is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and aims to generate comprehensive technical test data based on US construction performance requirements with a special focus on multifamily retrofits.
With industrial hemp and other natural fibers being recognized as low-carbon and high-performance building materials, this initiative marks a major first step in advancing the adoption of hemp-based construction materials broadly in the United States. While hempcrete, hemp fiber insulation, and other hemp-based products have been widely tested and used in Europe, many products have not been comprehensively tested using US building codes and standards, which limits widespread adoption of the materials.
“Through this project, we’re working directly with hemp-based material manufacturers and their trade associations (such as US Hemp Building Association and Hemp Building Institute) to evaluate critical performance attributes like thermal performance, fire resistance, acoustic behavior, and moisture control using rigorous, standardized testing protocols,” said Mike Luzier, President and CEO of Home Innovation. “Home Innovation has a long history of evaluating new, innovative building products – so this research project is a perfect fit for our company. We are providing objective test data collected and analyzed by an accredited third-party test lab evaluating compliance with U.S. building codes and standards that code officials, architects, and builders need to confidently incorporate these materials into a typical construction project.”
In addition to comprehensive testing and evaluation of various hemp-based materials, Home Innovation is conducting a field demonstration using one of the materials from the testing study to evaluate its ease of installation and performance in a multifamily retrofit project in New York.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is proud to work with Home Innovation Research Labs to explore how hemp as a lower cost insulation product can be developed and used in New York State. Advancing innovative materials that can be replicated across homes and buildings will move the construction industry toward more sustainable, healthier building practices while helping occupants save energy and improving indoor air quality.”
This research project, awarded under Round 7 of NYSERDA’s NextGen Buildings Innovation Challenge, is designed to advance innovative clean energy solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment across the State of New York.
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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.
NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.