Building a Greener Future: Ashley Stallworth and the Minority Hemp Builders Association
“Our state doesn’t lack products; it lacks inclusion.” – Ashley Stallworth
Ashley Stallworth, a passionate advocate for sustainable construction and inclusion, recently shared insights into his work with the Minority Hemp Builders Association (MHBA). He provided a glimpse into the organization’s mission, his personal journey, and the transformative potential of industrial hemp.
MHBA’s mission is to become a conduit for workforce development, aligning with initiatives like the Green Energy Transformation Act. “Our focus is mainly on the built environment,” Ashley explained, “ensuring the inclusion of new green products, especially around carbon-neutral and healthy materials. We also are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides technical assistance and training as well as financial services for the state of Washington.”
The Power of Industrial Hemp
A cornerstone of MHBA’s work is promoting industrial hemp, a material with remarkable properties. Ashley highlighted its benefits, such as increased cellulose and a versatile material that replaces drywall, traditional insulation, and soundproofing, as well as offering energy-efficient solutions for new builds, renovations, and remodels.
“It cuts energy costs by 30%,” he noted, emphasizing its potential to improve living conditions, particularly for low-income communities.
He also sees vast economic benefits in embracing industrial hemp and other sustainable materials. “There are billions of dollars that can be coming into that community that is tax-free and incentive-based,” he said. The regenerative nature of hemp offers environmental benefits, revitalizing land and improving indoor air quality.
“People spend 85% of their life indoors. If we have crap material, how is that helping?” Ashley pointed out.
Bridging Gaps in Inclusion and Innovation
He expressed concern over the underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in agriculture and construction. “If you look at agriculture, the whole state, the BIPOC community makes up 0.08% of farmers,” he said. That’s a total of 118 farmers out of the 60,453 farmers in the state (Farm Flavor). This stark disparity is mirrored in the construction industry. MHBA aims to bridge these gaps by promoting inclusion and innovation.
“The state is focused on inclusion and innovation so that all counties and all people have an opportunity to be part of this,” Ashley emphasized. Programs like the Justice 40 Initiative offer significant opportunities for farmers and contractors to receive state incentives for sustainable practices.
MHBA’s commitment to education is evident in its series of technical training sessions, covering topics from sustainable building materials, decarbonizing the environment as well as energy-efficient remodeling. Ashley stressed the importance of educating people on current codes and regulations, ensuring they can immediately implement these new materials. The goal is to learn, learn quickly, and use their skills immediately.
Looking ahead, he envisions MHBA establishing an innovation hub or technical school. This hub would provide training and upskilling opportunities to foster a skilled workforce for the green economy.
“Our state doesn’t lack for products; it lacks for inclusion,” Ashley emphasized. By promoting inclusion, MHBA aims to ensure that minority communities are not left out of the green revolution.
Ashley Stallworth and the Minority Hemp Builders Association (MHBA) are making a big impact by pushing for the use of eco-friendly materials like industrial hemp. They’re not just building better and greener spaces but also making sure that underrepresented communities get a fair chance to benefit. By offering education and training, MHBA is helping more people join the green economy and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be part of the sustainable future they’re working to create.
Want to join the movement? Learn more about Minority Hemp Builders Association here or email them at [email protected].