Mycelium Bricks: A Sustainable Construction Alternative

GS III- Infrastructure

Overview

As the construction industry seeks low-carbon building materials to combat climate change, mycelium bricks have emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bricks.

What are Mycelium Bricks?

• Composition: These bricks are made from a combination of fungal spores, husk, and sawdust, resulting in a lightweight and fibrous material with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional fired clay bricks, which contribute nearly 300 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Advantages:

• • Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
  • Fire-resistant
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Good thermal insulation properties

Applications:

• • Interior panelling
  • Liquid filtration systems
  • Sports equipment
  • Electronic components

Challenges in Widespread Adoption

Structural Limitations:

• • • Lower load-bearing capacity compared to conventional bricks.
  • Highly absorbent to moisture, leading to durability concerns in humid climates.
  • Short lifespan due to biodegradability and susceptibility to termites.

Climate Constraints:

• • Tropical weather conditions and high humidity in regions like India pose challenges to large-scale implementation.

Cost and Infrastructure:

• • Lack of manufacturing infrastructure and high production costs make mass adoption impractical at present.

Potential Solutions for Improved Viability

Enhancing Durability:

• • Flame retardants and UV-resistant coatings can improve fire resistance and longevity.

Research & Development (R&D):

• • Further technological advancements can help enhance structural strength and reduce vulnerability to environmental factors.

Policy Support:

• • Government incentives and regulatory backing can make mycelium bricks a more competitive alternative to traditional building materials.

While mycelium bricks present an innovative and sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions in construction, challenges such as structural durability, cost, and climate adaptability must be addressed through research, policy support, and technological advancements.