What we do and whyAs a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your tax-deductible donation directly powers our work with Voices for Progress (VFP) and MaayaData to help people solve real problems.
Video by Ty Chee
Communities need solutions now.When you support Build Green Now, you are expediting the creation of solutions that are better, delivered faster and shared with more transparency.
Every dollar helps communities create solid plans and get step-by-step guidance through MaayaData, a Supervised AI system starting Alpha testing in Kingston, New York.
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ICC-11 (International Code Council Team)Creating New Building Rules: Henry's leadership as former Certifications Director and President (2022) of the US Hemp Building Association (USHBA) and Sally (Board Certified Naturopath), assisted with getting hemp-lime officially into building codes (ICC) and Ulster County Building Code, ensuring that hemp-lime projects are "State of The Art," improving the quality of hemp-lime projects in Ulster county.
This wasn't easy work, all of our work was as volunteers, but it proved that determined volunteers can transform industries. People can Change the LawThink about it - your support today powers an initiative where 3,144 counties can collaborate and change their local and state laws (creating new laws) in less than one year.
Your donation will take our local success nationwide. I personally commit to working with the USHBA as a Senior Project Manager on a national collaboration to introduce hemp-lime, straw bale, 3D-printing, and new insulation materials proposals to over 3,144 county councils in 2025. That's potentially thousands of communities with greener, healthier, more affordable building options. The power of collaborationWith this approach people can create "State of The Art" projects from coast to coast, by The People, For the People. Check out: MaayaData and see Voices for Progress.
Your donation will help people build the future they actually want. Through the genius of AI Supervised by Community People, we have the power (by design) to improve laws. |
Our Proof of work
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.
Industrial Hemp insulationInsulate Upstate: We're collaborating with community leaders to create insulation plans for community buildings. Albany released some funds to M.A.A.P.. We might start commercial insulation in 2024.
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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. |
Hemp FarmingOur partnership 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.
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Cover Crops: Starting with a cover crop is an excellent entry point for fall/winter 2024, laying the foundation for soil preparation and the development of local supply chain support services. We help farmers receive up to $82/acre for dual species cover crops after demonstrating that growth has progressed to about 80% (approximately 3-5 weeks) as proof of cultivar viability. Cover crops are essential for soil health and sustainability, enriching the soil and preparing it for future hemp cultivation. For more details, visit UCSWCD or, if you are in NYS, call (845) 883-7162.
Hemp Cultivars: There are many different hemp cultivars, each suited for specific climate and soil conditions. For example, some cultivars may not make it to seed if the weather turns cold too soon. Through our extensive network of universities and experts, we assist farmers with Industrial Hemp cultivar selection and planning, ensuring you choose the best varieties for your environment. Choosing the right cultivar for your specific climate and soil conditions greatly enhances the chances of a successful hemp harvest. Hemp Processing: Coordinating the timing for growing hemp with establishing local processing facilities is essential for optimizing the supply chain and reducing costs. Local processing minimizes long-distance transportation, preserving hemp quality and maximizing value. |
Why Choose Build Green Now?
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.
