A

Adhesion

The ability of a material to remain fixed on another surface. Adhesion is crucial for construction materials used in insulation systems to ensure a durable and effective installation.

Source: IsoHemp

Plumb

Direction perpendicular to the plane of the horizon. Checking the plumb is crucial in sustainable construction to ensure the stability and safety of structures.

Source: Larousse

Leveling Course

An element of small thickness (stone or brick) intended to compensate for a difference in level in a wall.

Source: Larousse

Self-Supporting

Refers to certain structures in reinforced concrete, metal, or plastic whose stability is ensured solely by the rigidity of their shape. Self-supporting structures are essential in sustainable and ecological constructions due to their robustness and efficiency.

Source: Larousse

B

Hemp Concrete

Hemp concrete is a mixture of IsoHemp hemp, ProKalk lime, and water. This lightweight and insulating concrete is ideal for quick implementation on-site, whether in renovation or new sustainable construction. Used alongside IsoHemp hemp blocks, it compensates for walls that are not plumb, thus contributing to ecological and effective insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

Hemp Block

The IsoHemp hemp block is a non-load-bearing, glued masonry product intended for creating envelopes, partition walls, and healthy and natural insulating counter-partitions. Highly versatile, it is popular among professionals for both new constructions and renovations, contributing to high-performance ecological and natural insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

C

Thermal Capacity

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a material by one degree. Thermal capacity is important for evaluating the energy performance of insulation materials. To learn more about the thermal capacity of hemp blocks, find out more here.

Source: IsoHemp

Hemp

Hemp is an ancient indigenous crop that was common until the early 19th century. Industrial hemp does not contain any psychoactive substance (THC). Only farmers are allowed to cultivate hemp, and only authorized varieties. The plant consists of three parts, each valuable for different uses:

  • An oilseed called hempseed (rich in Omega 3, gluten-free) valued in food and cosmetics.
  • A very resistant fiber called tow (the "skin" of the stem) valued in textiles, papermaking, plastics, sustainable construction.
  • A woody and brittle straw called shiv (the "flesh" of the stem) valued in livestock, horticulture, fruiticulture, outdoor arrangements, ecological construction.

In lime-hemp mixtures, the woody part of the hemp (the shiv) is used, obtained through a defibration process. In insulating panels, the fibrous part is used.

Source: Chanvre Wallon

Lime

Lime is a product derived from limestone (CaCO₃). Limestone is extracted from quarries and mines. The hydraulic lime (Ca(OH)₂) and aerial lime (Ca(OH)₂) used in our IsoHemp hemp blocks are obtained by calcination of limestone (CaCO₃). Lime is an essential component in sustainable construction materials and ecological insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

Shiv

Shiv is the woody part of the hemp stem (the central part). The size of the marketed shiv generally ranges from 0.5 mm to 3 cm long. There are two types of shiv:

  • Defibrated shiv: from defibration factories, very light beige representing 55% of the straw.
  • Fibrous shiv: from chopping the straws, darker beige still containing cortical fibers representing 85 to 90% of the hemp straw.

The application areas are the same regardless of the type of shiv, including ecological insulation and sustainable construction.

Source: Chanvre Wallon

CLT

These cross-laminated and/or cross-nailed panels are composed of solid wood boards arranged in crossed layers, the number of which depends on the use and the desired thickness. CLT panels are essential in solid wood constructions and ecological construction projects.

Source: CSTC

Thermal Conductivity

A measure characterizing the thermal conductivity of a substance, equal to the quotient of the thermal flux density by the temperature gradient. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is watt per meter per kelvin [W/m·K]. The thermal conductivity coefficient is represented by lambda (λ). Thermal conductivity is a crucial parameter in thermal insulation and ecological constructions.

Source: Larousse

Construction

All the techniques that allow building; a sector of activity whose purpose is to build. Sustainable construction involves using ecological materials and environmentally friendly methods.

Source: Larousse

Angle Iron

The use of angle irons is recommended for laying the first row of hemp blocks in certain applications. This solution is preferred in external insulation as an alternative to foundations (calcium silicate, cellular glass, etc.) when there are no adequate foundations. They can also be used in new construction to support the masonry of hemp blocks when it is suspended. Lastly, the angle iron can serve as lintels in certain applications, ensuring durable and effective insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

D

Phase Shift

The difference in phase between two alternating phenomena of the same frequency. Phase shift is an important parameter in managing the thermal insulation of sustainable buildings.

Source: Larousse

Durability

The ability of a material or construction to retain its properties and performance over a long period, even under environmental constraints. Durability is an essential criterion for ecological construction materials. The hemp block offers an exceptional lifespan of over 100 years, whereas conventional insulators generally last about 25 years.

Source: IsoHemp

Vapor Diffusion

The process by which water vapor moves through materials. Construction materials must allow adequate vapor diffusion to avoid condensation and moisture problems. The IsoHemp hemp block is a capillary-active material that ensures this function of water vapor diffusion, making it ideal for interior renovation projects.

Source: IsoHemp

E

Eco-Design

A design approach aiming to minimize the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle, including production, use, and disposal. Eco-design is fundamental for companies engaged in sustainable construction like IsoHemp.

Source: IsoHemp

Bracket

The use of brackets is recommended to hold hemp blocks above door and window openings when using an IsoHemp lintel is not planned. This solution is preferred mainly in interior renovation when the height to be insulated above the opening is low and only a few rows of blocks remain to be laid. The bracket can also be used to distribute and support loads in certain applications, contributing to natural and durable insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

Waterproofing

The quality of being waterproof; not allowing liquids, gases, dust, or moisture to pass through. Waterproofing is essential to guarantee the durability and performance of ecological constructions.

Source: Larousse

F

Technical Data Sheet

A technical data sheet is a document summarizing all the characteristics of a product. Find our technical data sheets for IsoHemp products here.

Source: IsoHemp

G

Installation Guide

An installation guide is a document detailing all the implementation techniques of a product. Find our installation guide for IsoHemp hemp blocks here.

Source: IsoHemp

H

Humidity

The presence of more or less abnormal water vapor in the air, in a room, etc. Humidity must be effectively regulated in sustainable constructions to maintain a healthy indoor climate.

Source: Larousse

Rising Damp

Rising damp is moisture rising from the ground into the walls. This phenomenon can be effectively treated with ecological insulation materials like hemp, ensuring durable and healthy construction.

Source: Larousse

Water Repellent

A water-repellent material protects against moisture. Such materials are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of ecological constructions.

Source: Larousse

Hygrometry

Hygrometry is the measurement of the humidity level in the atmosphere. It is important for maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor climate in sustainable constructions.

Source: Larousse

I

Rot-Proof

Refers to a material that cannot decay or rot. Rot-proof materials are essential for guaranteeing the durability of ecological constructions.

Source: Larousse

Inertia

A property of matter that causes bodies to resist changes in their state of motion. Inertia is a key concept in managing the energy efficiency of sustainable buildings.

Source: Larousse

Thermal Inertia

Thermal inertia is the physical ability of a material to retain its temperature. A building with high thermal inertia balances its temperature by storing heat during the day and releasing it at night, ensuring a consistent indoor temperature. Materials with high thermal inertia, like those used by IsoHemp, help accumulate heat or coolness, ensuring optimal thermal comfort in ecological constructions.

Source: ClimaMaison

Non-Flammable

Not susceptible to catching fire. Non-flammable materials are essential for guaranteeing fire safety in sustainable construction projects.

Source: Larousse

IsoHemp

IsoHemp is an industrial manufacturer of sustainable products for the construction and renovation sector. The company offers durable and high-performance insulating solutions for all new construction or renovation projects, both in the residential and industrial sectors. Active in five countries through a wide distribution network, the company is based in the heart of Belgium in the Namur region. Its production facility can manufacture over one million hemp blocks per year and constantly has 2,000 pallets of products in stock.

Source: IsoHemp

Acoustic Insulation

Noise is increasingly present in our daily lives. In response, the hemp block offers real solutions thanks to its excellent acoustic insulation performance. It dampens most sound waves, protecting you from noise pollution.

Source: IsoHemp

External Insulation

External insulation involves doubling the walls of your home from the outside. It's the optimal solution to achieve high thermal performance. Whatever your external insulation project, IsoHemp hemp blocks are perfectly suitable. The hemp block is a self-supporting and highly resistant material that creates an insulating envelope, protecting the house while allowing the existing wall to breathe. It also protects the building from external noise.

Source: IsoHemp

Internal Insulation

In some situations, external facades cannot be modified because the aesthetic character of the house needs to be preserved or due to lack of space. Insulating from the inside is an effective compromise. IsoHemp hemp blocks provide a tailored and high-performance solution for technical challenges during internal insulation. Placed as an interior wall lining, they allow for insulating old brick/stone walls or damp walls. Internal insulation with hemp blocks stores heat longer and results in warmer walls due to their high inertia. This increases comfort and reduces the energy needed for the home. They also help to realign walls and naturally regulate the building's humidity for healthier air.

Source: IsoHemp

External Thermal Insulation (ETI)

A technique where insulation is applied to the exterior face of walls. This method reduces thermal bridges and improves the building's energy efficiency. The IsoHemp hemp block integrates perfectly into external insulation projects—discover how here.

Source: IsoHemp

Internal Thermal Insulation (ITI)

A method where insulation is installed on the interior face of walls. This solution is often used when the building's exterior appearance must be preserved. The IsoHemp hemp block integrates perfectly into internal insulation projects—discover how here.

Source: IsoHemp

L

Lambda

Lambda, represented by the symbol "λ", defines a material's thermal conductivity coefficient. It determines a material's insulating power (specific to each material). A low lambda value indicates better insulating power. The λ value is expressed in W/m·K.

Source: IsoHemp

IsoHemp Lintel

IsoHemp lintels are prefabricated hemp concrete lintels reinforced with a core of reinforced concrete, used for door and window openings in hemp block masonry. They are perfectly suited for new constructions and interior or exterior renovations. They eliminate thermal bridges and provide a continuous insulating envelope.

Source: IsoHemp

M

Masonry

A structure composed of materials (cut stones, rubble, bricks, etc.) bound by a binder (mortar, plaster, cement, etc.). Sustainable masonry uses ecological materials and environmentally friendly techniques.

Source: Larousse

Bio-Based Material

Construction material made from renewable biological raw materials, such as wood, hemp, or straw. Bio-based materials are favored in sustainable construction for their low environmental impact.

Source: IsoHemp

N

Constructive Node

"Constructive nodes" refer to places where the walls of a building's envelope meet (junctions) and where the insulating layer is locally, linearly, or pointwise interrupted (parapets, foundations, window connections, etc.). These nodes are critical in thermal insulation and must be carefully addressed in sustainable constructions.

Source: IsoHemp

O

Timber Frame

The timber frame system is the successor to half-timbered constructions. The structure consists of a skeleton of vertical elements (studs) arranged at regular intervals and connected by horizontal elements (rails), forming frames. Given the standard dimensions of bracing panels used (120 cm), studs are generally placed every 40 or 60 cm. This system is widely used in ecological constructions for its durability and energy efficiency.

Source: CSTC

P

PCS

PCS is a healthy, high-quality interior plaster made of natural gypsum, lime, and sand, ideal for plastering your interior walls and ceilings in both renovations and new constructions.

Source: IsoHemp

Water Vapor Permeance

The ability of a material to allow the passage of water vapor. A material with high water vapor permeance helps prevent moisture accumulation and condensation problems. The IsoHemp hemp block is a capillary-active material that ensures this function, making it ideal for interior renovation projects.

Source: IsoHemp

Thermal Bridge

A thermal bridge corresponds to the conduction of temperature (hot or cold) through a material. This term is mainly used in the building sector, especially regarding insulation issues. Minimizing thermal bridges in sustainable constructions ensures effective thermal insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

Post and Beam

This technique creates a large open structure composed of a few load-bearing elements of significant section: vertical elements (posts) arranged on a grid at regular intervals and connected by horizontal elements (beams). The loads from floors and roofs are concentrated on these optimized elements. The post and beam system is used in sustainable constructions for its flexibility and robustness.

Source: CSTC

ProKalk

ProKalk lime is a pre-formulated binder specially adapted for making hemp concrete. Composed of hydraulic and aerial lime, it's a ready-to-use product that allows mixtures to be made directly on-site, avoiding dosing errors. It can be used manually in a mixer or in a machine dedicated to spraying hemp concrete.

Source: IsoHemp

R

Water Regulation

Naturally present in a dwelling, humidity can have harmful effects if not properly regulated: bad odors, mold development, etc. The hemp block continuously regulates air humidity through a breathable wall permeable to water vapor. The indoor climate remains healthy and pleasant throughout the seasons.

Source: IsoHemp

Thermal Regulation

Thermal regulation refers to the hemp block's ability to diffuse accumulated heat and maintain a constant building temperature. With high inertia, it protects from cold in winter by retaining heat longer and from heat in summer by preventing overheating. It keeps indoor temperatures constant, reducing the impact of day-night temperature variations and ensuring optimal comfort in ecological constructions.

Source: IsoHemp

Recyclability

The ability of a material to be recycled at the end of its life. Recyclable materials are important in sustainable construction to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

Source: IsoHemp

Capillary Rise

Capillary rise is the migration of moisture in walls in contact with damp soil. Ecological insulation materials like hemp are often used to treat this, ensuring durable and healthy construction.

Source: Larousse

Renovation

The act of refurbishing through profound transformations. Ecological renovation involves using durable materials and environmentally friendly techniques.

Source: Larousse

Fire Resistance

Fire resistance is the duration during which a construction element or material limits fire spread. Fire-resistant materials are essential for ensuring the safety of sustainable constructions.

Source: IsoHemp

Thermal Resistance (m²K/W)

Thermal resistance (R-Value) defines a material's resistance to heat flow. Materials with high thermal resistance are essential for effective insulation in ecological constructions.

Source: IsoHemp

S

Hempro System

IsoHemp's Hempro system is a construction solution enabling sustainable buildings with a single insulating material: the IsoHemp hemp block. It meets various technical challenges and allows for different construction types, from specific projects to single-family homes. The Hempro system also facilitates low-energy, very low-energy, and passive constructions, ensuring optimal energy performance and ecological insulation.

Source: IsoHemp

T

Thermoregulation

A process by which a material helps maintain a stable building temperature by responding to external temperature variations. Thermoregulation is crucial for thermal comfort and construction energy efficiency.

Source: IsoHemp

U

[No entry for U]

V

Ventilation

A mechanism allowing the renewal of a building's indoor air. Adequate ventilation is essential to maintain good air quality and prevent humidity and mold problems in ecological constructions. Using healthy, VOC-free, and vapor-open materials like the IsoHemp hemp block ensures excellent indoor air quality alongside ventilation.

Source: IsoHemp

Z

Zero Energy

Designing buildings that produce as much energy as they consume through high energy efficiency and renewable energy production. Zero-energy buildings are a key goal in sustainable construction. Combining this with low-impact bio-based materials advances sustainable development further.

Source: IsoHemp


This glossary presents essential technical terms to understand the materials and techniques used in sustainable construction. Each term is clearly defined with reliable sources, facilitating a better understanding of concepts for professionals and students in ecological construction.