One of the great things about working in journalism is the opportunity to meet and talk with people doing interesting, positive, innovative life-changing things.
One such person is Nick Joyce, the founder of GRWN Group – an Isle of Wight organisation that sits within what’s known as the ‘cleantech sector’.
We sat down with Nick recently to find out more about his journey from a career in competitive sailing to one of environmental awareness and entrepreneurship.
60 acres of commercial hemp
GRWN Group is responsible for 60 acres of commercial hemp grown on the Isle of Wight, which is now bringing this environmentally-friendly form of domestic insulation to the masses, being stocked in B&Q branches around the country.
During the conversation (listen below) we learnt that it was Nick’s experiences at sea, witnessing the global plastic pollution crisis, that inspired him to pursue environmentally sustainable business ventures.
From sailing to sustainability
Nick explained that his journey into sustainability began with an injury and subsequent discovery of hemp-derived CBD.
For most people that might just mean using a product and carrying on with life, but for Nick it led to the establishment of a CBD company and the cultivation of hemp on the Isle of Wight.
This in turn sparked his interest in hemp’s broader applications, particularly in sustainable building materials.
Hemp’s potential in building insulation
Exploring hemp’s uses, Nick identified a significant opportunity in using hemp for building insulation, motivated by the UK’s net-zero 2050 goal.
He emphasises during our conversation the environmental and practical benefits of hemp insulation over conventional materials, highlighting its carbon-negative profile and recyclability.
Challenges in scaling up
Despite the clear advantages of hemp insulation, Nick faces challenges in scaling production, including securing funding and navigating a market dominated by established, less sustainable insulation manufacturers.
The discussion also touches on the broader issues of venture financing and the shift towards impact-driven investments.
The technical side of hemp insulation
Nick delves into the technical aspects of processing hemp for insulation, describing the machinery and processes involved.
He also discusses the importance of creating a circular, zero-waste production system and the challenges of introducing new materials to a conservative building industry.
Retrofitting and new builds
The conversation shifts to retrofitting existing homes with hemp insulation and developing new, sustainable building systems.
Nick outlines the steps homeowners can take to improve energy efficiency and discusses the potential for regulatory changes to drive the adoption of more sustainable building practices.
Local impact and future plans
Finally, Nick discusses GRWN Group’s efforts to provide retrofitting services on the Isle of Wight, addressing the lack of skilled labour and training opportunities.
He reflects on the broader societal impacts of his work, including improving living conditions and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Listen to the podcast
It’s a fascinating story and a great listen if you want to learn more about the benefits of environmentally-friendly and sustainable insulation methods – something that all homeowners need to consider as we head into a future of changing, more extreme weather patterns.
Listen to our conversation below to hear more. You can play, pause, step back 10 seconds or forward 30 seconds by clicking on the relevant buttons.
Visit the GRWN Group website to find out more.
