Hemp Building Directory (HBD) Flagship Partnership

The Hemp Building Directory (HBD) is an Environmentarian flagship partnership with Shelter Building Design, developed as a social enterprise to connect and empower the hemp building industry across Australia and New Zealand.

What began as an idea between two people passionate about building sustainably has grown to a large hub integral to the nascent industry. HBD links suppliers, professionals, with information and more, and has grown into the world’s largest resource of its kind as well as a central hub for education, advocacy, and professional networking in hemp construction.

Hemp Building Directory by Environmentarian
https://hempbuilding.au/ — hempbuilding.au

Case Study: Hemp Building Directory

Hemp Building Directory: Connecting you with Hemp Building Contacts, Info, Education & Advocacy in Australia & New Zealand

Overview

The Challenge

Before HBD, the hemp building sector was fragmented. Information about products, professionals, and projects lived across disconnected websites, social media groups, and word-of-mouth networks.

The goal was ambitious: to build a credible, content-driven directory and media platform that could unify the community, accelerate industry growth and financially sustain itself through memberships and partnerships, all while staying true to the values of environmental and social impact.

Hemp is an amazing plant and it’s capacity to assist the built environment to minimise its carbon footprint is vast.

The Solution: Environmentarian in Action

Environmentarian took a holistic approach: combining business development, creative strategy, digital infrastructure and ongoing media production to bring HBD to life and guide its continued growth.

Business Development

HBD Logo by Environmentarian

We helped HBD identify growth opportunities, develop scalable strategies, and implement systems that improved both reach and operations.

Developing a membership and invoicing model (via Stripe and direct invoice) for Contributing Members, building predictable income while keeping access equitable.
Establishing sponsorship tiers that provide additional exposure and value to partners.
Facilitating collaborations and partnerships within the wider hemp and sustainability sectors.
Helping secure HBD’s invitation as an official Business Partner of the Hemp-Connect Forum 2025, a major industry event hosted by the Australian Hemp Council.

Website Design & Development

Environmentarian designed and built a custom WordPress directory platform that is intuitive, mobile-friendly, and optimised for SEO.

This included:

The website now serves as a central information hub, linking architects, builders, suppliers, educators and advocates with the connections and information they need.
The design reflects the professionalism of the industry and the natural aesthetic of hemp building.
Streamlined navigation and tailored content workflows, allowing for consistent publishing of 5–8 new articles each month.

Online Marketing & Communications

We manage HBD’s entire digital presence: from social media, newsletters, video and more.

Social Media Management: Strategic content across Facebook, LinkedIn and Google Business maintains consistent audience engagement and SEO authority.
LinkedIn Growth: We established and grew the HBD Company Page, positioning it as the go-to professional space for updates, advocacy, and industry conversation.
Newsletter Marketing: Using MailPoet we deliver high-quality monthly newsletters to an engaged audience of 500+ subscribers.
Video Campaigns: Using Hemp-Connect as a launch pad we produced and released 34 videos in 34 days on a niche YouTube channel. An ambitious initiative that turn footage into legacy content and expanded HBD’s audience at the same time reinforcing its reputation as a credible media voice in the hemp sector.

Hemp Connect Forum Wrap up Reel by Environmentarian

The Results

The impact of this comprehensive approach has been significant:

✅ Industry Recognition: The Hemp Building Directory is now recognised as the central information hub for hemp construction in Australia and New Zealand. HBD is a business partner of iHemp NSW and as such the Australian Hemp Council.

✅ Stronger Industry Networks: Through consistent publishing, video content, and social presence, HBD connects hundreds of professionals, suppliers, and advocates across Australia, NZ and abroad.

✅ Sustainable Growth: Free Newsletter Subscriber members and basic listings are available. Contributing member tiers include Standard, Premium and Sponsorship create an income stream and provide a steady foundation for ongoing development and advocacy.

✅ Visibility & Engagement: With thousands of impressions per month across web and social platforms, HBD continues to grow both its reach and authority.

✅ Credibility Through Collaboration: HBD’s invitation to join the Hemp-Connect Forum 2025 as a Business Partner solidified its role as a trusted voice in hemp construction.

Why It Matters

The Hemp Building Directory demonstrates what Environmentarian can deliver: from concept and branding through to execution and sustained growth:

A complete digital ecosystem built around community, education, and advocacy.
Tangible systems that generate social and financial sustainability.
Strategic storytelling that connects industries and audiences in authentic, impactful ways.

This model can be adapted to other emerging or purpose-driven industries — from regenerative agriculture and circular manufacturing to green technology and bio-materials — helping organisations build credible, connected, and thriving online ecosystems.

Interested in creating your own industry hub or impact-driven directory?
Let’s talk about how Environmentarian can bring your vision to life — strategically, sustainably, and beautifully.