Dangerous mold has been discovered in a building under construction. However, this disturbing finding may actually provide a solution to a serious problem in the construction sector. Engineers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have successfully replaced 80 percent of the cement usually used in concrete production with mushroom mycelium, a living organism found in mushrooms. Interestingly, this mold also grows in electrical appliances like air conditioners, causing further issues. The head of RMIT, Dr. Chamina Gunasekara, explains that the replacements primarily consist of 40 percent airborne mold. This increased use of fungi enables the incorporation of more mold without compromising technical specifications.

In recent years, there has been a global push to reduce reliance on fossil-fueled electricity due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. Studies have shown that exposure to such electricity can lead to heart and respiratory problems, cancer, and premature death. However, in Australia, where the mold has been dormant for decades, as long as clean and energy-efficient alternatives like solar and wind power are utilized, the risks are minimized. It is important to note that eight percent of cement production is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.

Large-scale experiments using calcium soles have indicated that the incorporation of airborne mold in these materials results in improved quality and sustainability. However, one challenge lies in the long-term maturation process necessary to fully exploit these materials. To tackle this issue, RMIT has collaborated with the Hokkaido Institute to develop a computer modeling program that simulates the behavior of low carbon calcium over time. This program will provide crucial insights and enable communities to be redesigned and improved based on numerical data.

The research team hopes that the findings published in the Cement and Concrete Research journal will contribute to the mitigation of the potential risks associated with low-carbon calcium pozzolan. By embracing innovative solutions like the use of mushroom mycelium, the construction sector can address its pressing problems while also promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.