Hemp building advocates in the United States are finalizing documentation to have hempcrete approved as a building material for residential structures under the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC accepted an appendix for the use of hemp-lime mixtures as a non-load-bearing building material and wall infill system into the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) last September. The final stage in the ICC process involves completing official commentary that explains the code language. Once completed, local building authorities can adopt the IRC standards and architects and builders can specify the material in building permit applications. The ICC’s model codes cover building safety issues related to design and construction, fire safety, plumbing, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency. The original application for certifying hempcrete for the IRC was submitted by the US Hemp Building Association, and the Hemp Building Institute is raising funds to complete the explanatory commentary. The commentary will clarify any potential misunderstandings and expand readers’ understanding of known alternatives that may not have made it into the code. The Hemp Building Institute is also looking to qualify hempcrete for commercial buildings through the model International Building Code, which will be open for submissions in 2025.