Tarun Jami: Pioneering Sustainable Construction with Hempcrete and Advocating for Legalization

In the realm of sustainable innovation, Tarun Jami, along with his brother Varun Jami, is making waves through their start up GreenJams. Established in 2017, GreenJams is on a mission to revolutionize the construction industry by addressing climate change concerns with eco-friendly alternatives. The duo’s focus on hemp-based products, particularly hempcrete, showcases their commitment to sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.

Tarun and Varun Jami founded GreenJams with a vision to tackle emissions from the construction industry, a major contributor to environmental pollution. Their innovative solutions include hempcrete, also known as hemp concrete or lime hemp concrete, and agrocrete, crafted from crop residues. Hempcrete, a carbon-negative material, stands out for its ability to absorb emissions, making it a promising eco-friendly alternative for construction.

While hempcrete offers significant environmental benefits, the cost factor remains a challenge. Tarun Jami acknowledges the cost implications, stating, “Cost is a really important factor. And the only thing that drives up the cost of hempcrete is the cost of hemp shivs.” The manual extraction process in the hills of Uttarakhand, where tribal and self-help groups are involved in hemp fiber extraction for various products, contributes to the higher cost of hemp hurds. Transportation, labor, and other associated expenses elevate the cost to almost Rs 70-80 per kg.

Despite its eco-friendly properties, the commercial potential of hempcrete is hindered by its cost, approximately six times higher than cement-based concrete. GreenJams utilizes around 2 kg of hemp hurds in a hempcrete block, resulting in a price of Rs. 180-200 per block. In comparison, a concrete block of similar size costs around Rs. 30-35. The challenge lies in justifying the higher cost for a product intended for large-scale use in construction.

To address this challenge, Tarun Jami emphasizes the need to make hemp cultivation more accessible and relax the THC content restrictions. Simplifying the cultivation process and regulatory frameworks would enable farmers to scale up hemp cultivation, ultimately reducing the cost of hemp-based products like hempcrete.

Tarun Jami’s vision extends beyond sustainable construction solutions; he advocates for the legalization of hemp to unlock its full potential in India. Recognizing the therapeutic and economic benefits of hemp, he sees a crucial role for the plant in India’s natural remedies landscape. The call for legalization aligns with the experiences of individuals like Vaidya, a cancer survivor, who views hemp as a remarkable and healing resource comparable to other revered natural elements in India. Tarun Jami’s advocacy underscores the potential of hemp not only in sustainable construction but also in contributing to India’s rich tapestry of natural remedies.

As Tarun Jami pioneers sustainable construction with GreenJams, his dual focus on environmental impact and regulatory advocacy positions him as a trailblazer in India’s hemp industry. The challenges faced by GreenJams in commercializing hempcrete serve as a call to action for policymakers to create an enabling environment for hemp cultivation, processing, and usage.

Tarun Jami’s journey reflects the intersection of entrepreneurship, environmental consciousness, and advocacy for policy reform. As India explores the untapped potential of hemp, visionaries like Tarun are instrumental in shaping a future where sustainable practices and economic growth coexist harmoniously.