Global GreenTag's Program Director Speaking at Hemp-Connect Forum 2025

This week in Melbourne, Australia, at La Trobe University, Dr Nana Bortsie-Aryee, GreenTag's Program Director will be participating in a two-day forum to discuss the future of hemp as a viable material for the built environment.

As Australia faces a growing housing crisis and soaring costs of traditional building materials, the Hemp-Connect Forum 2025 arrives at a critical time. The Hemp Connect Forum 2025, which is themed Rethinking Construction Amid a Housing and Materials Crisis is taking place from June 26-27 at La Trobe University in Melbourne within the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), AgriBio Building.

The forum will bring together leaders from agriculture, construction, and sustainability to explore hemp-based building solutions that are cost-effective, carbon-negative, and ready to scale.

A proud sponsor of the forum, alongside the World Wildlife Fund Australia, Warner Research Institute, Across International, Southern Hemp and Hemp Inside, GreenTag's Program Director Nana Bortsie-Aryee will be presenting an overview on how hemp products can meet the criteria for Global GreenTag certification, and how this aligns with the requirements of the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star rating system.

Nana Bortsie-Aryee says "this is an exciting forum to be part of. We hope it influences a greater respect for hemp as an important material resource for the built environment and beyond."

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Nana Bortsie-Aryee, Program Director - Global GreenTag International
 
Organised by the Australian Hemp Council (AHC) in collaboration with La Trobe University, Hemp Connect Forum 2025 will focus on industrial hemp as a renewable, fire-resistant, and carbon-sequestering material that can help address the urgent demand for affordable, sustainable housing.

"Australia is in the grip of a housing affordability crisis, compounded by skyrocketing building material costs," said Matt Lariba, President of the Australian Hemp Council. "Hemp can play a vital role in delivering climate-conscious, economically viable housing solutions. The Hemp-Connect Forum is a must-attend event for those looking to be part of this transition."

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 Hempcrete plays a key role in the University of Tasmania's $131 million Forestry and Timberyards redevelopment, helping to create a sustainable, state-of-the-art hub for learning and teaching in Hobart. Image courtesy of Woods Bagot. 

With expert presentations, discussions, demonstrations and networking opportunities, the Forum will spotlight innovations in hempcrete, composite panels, and insulation—materials with the potential to transform the built environment. The program features architects, plant breeders and growers, post-harvest specialists, innovators and building standards experts sharing insight into how hemp can be integrated across the construction supply chain.

"Hempcrete isn't just sustainable—it actively stores carbon long after it's built into a structure," said Dick Clarke, Director of Sustainability at Building Designers Australia. "Its benefits to the environment and its affordability make it one of the most compelling solutions for low-impact construction."

A highlight of the forum is the "Real Businesses. Real Materials. Real Impact!" segment, where progressive hemp businesses will showcase their hemp building products, market potential, and capabilities to help transform construction into a hub of sustainability. Featured participants include:

• Murray Industrial Hemp, known for their commitment to regional innovation
• Otetto, delivering cutting-edge design solutions with hemp-based materials
• Zeoform, pioneers in high-performance, hemp-based structural materials
• Ciircl, driving circular economy principles through sustainable architecture

Together, these innovators represent the forefront of a growing movement to decarbonise the built environment using regenerative hemp-based technologies.

Importantly, industrial hemp also represents a strategic opportunity to support Australia's transition to a net zero economy. From cultivation and fibre processing to advanced material manufacturing, the hemp sector has the potential to create secure, regionally based jobs across a wide supply chain—particularly in areas affected by the decline of fossil fuel industries. This aligns closely with the Federal Government's "Future Made in Australia" vision to build sovereign capability, stimulate clean industry development, and support resilient regional economies.

The Hemp-Connect Forum is your chance to engage with Australia's emerging hemp sector and explore how it can play a central role in addressing housing affordability, climate resilience, and regional economic renewal.

For more information, including ticketing and speaker details, visit: Hemp Connect Forum – Australian Hemp Council

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Fire testing hemp-based building products such as window frames and a roof at the Mogo Bushfire Burnover Facility in NSW. Bushfire expert, Justin Leonard, says early data shows the hemp house has a good fire rating!  Image courtesy of Joost Bakker. 

About the Australian Hemp Council (AHC):
The Australian Hemp Council is a national voice of Australia's hemp industry, advocating for sustainable agriculture and industrial innovation. AHC supports growers, processors, and manufacturers committed to a low-carbon, circular economy.

Media Contacts:
Matt Lariba – | 0476 638 828
Stuart Gordon – | 0407 779 322