Hemp Construction, Healthy Homes, and Building During War with Sergiy Kovalenkov

Send us Fan Mail Life Is Podcast with Sergiy Kovalenkov In this episode, Coy Brown III speaks with Sergiy Kovalenkov, founder and CEO of Hempire, about how a civil engineer from Ukraine became a hemp construction pioneer. Sergiy explains why hemp-based building materials can help address housing, health, environmental, and supply-chain challenges.The conversation covers Sergiy’s international construction experience, the practical benefits of hemp lime, the future of bio-based materials, and what it took to build a hemp company in Ukraine during active conflict. Key Points Sergiy’s background as a civil engineer trained in Canada. His construction experience across Ukraine, Canada, Turkey, Australia, and other countries. The moment he discovered hemp lime construction in Australia. How hemp hurd, lime, and water become a breathable, energy-efficient building material. Why hemp can replace materials such as drywall, OSB, rock wool, and plastic membranes. The potential health benefits of hemp homes, including moisture regulation, reduced mold risk, lower off-gassing, and improved indoor comfort. The environmental benefits of hemp, including carbon sequestration and reduced dependence on resource-intensive materials. Why local production and supply chains matter in high-cost markets such as Hawaii. The challenge of building Hempire during wartime in Ukraine. Why regulation and industry standards are essential for wider adoption. The importance of integrity, trust, and aligning business with personal values. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Sergiy Kovalenkov and Hempire  02:20 - From Ukraine to Canada and a career in construction  04:37 - The cement plant experience that changed everything  06:02 - Discovering hemp lime in Australia  08:59 - What construction taught him beyond the classroom  16:28 - Culture, geography, and construction around the world  18:50 - Ancient natural building and the rise of concrete  21:51 - The roots of Sergiy’s environmental values  25:16 - Why hemp matters in a world running out of resources  30:06 - How hemp becomes a building material  33:54 - Hemp insulation replacing multiple toxic products  37:23 - How hemp lime is installed and cures  39:12 - Fire, mold, and pest resistance  41:03 - EMF blocking and other overlooked benefits  42:25 - Energy efficiency and long-term savings  44:20 - Mold, sick building syndrome, and toxic materials  49:04 - Why client trust matters more than awards  51:58 - Hempire’s founding principles  55:31 - Local production and the Hawaii housing challenge  58:42 - Bamboo, hemp lime, and the need for standards  62:46 - Building Hempire during wartime in Ukraine  68:17 - Rockets, damaged facilities, and business disruptions  78:58 - Regulation, standards, and industry adoption  86:27 - Integrity and global partnerships  92:52 - Responding to skeptics and industry resistance  97:10 - Educating students and correcting misconceptions about hemp  99:53 - What living in a hemp home feels like  104:57 - The cost of ignoring hemp in the housing crisis  110:57 - Building in alignment with your beliefs  113:37 - Advice for engineers and sustainability-minded builders  116:39 - Where to connect with Sergiy and Hempire  117:24 - Life Is Podcast: Life is love Resources & Links The Self Discovery Blueprint The Mental Edge Coherence Diagnostic  Books That Build The Life St. Joseph County Public Library Events Morning Affirmations with Coy Guided Meditation  Connect with Sergiy Kovalenkov Hempire Instagram LinkedIn Hempire's LinkedIn Notable Quotes “Life is love. That’s all.” “The house used to be a temple." “We are running out of resources right now on the planet.” A Note from Life Is Podcast Life Is Podcast stands with Ukraine and with all those affected by the war. We honor the courage, resilience, and humanity of the Ukrainian people, and we extend our deepest compassion to Sergiy, his loved ones, and everyone working toward peace, safety, and a better future. Support the show