THE FIRST HOUSE BUILT FROM MUSHROOMS

The first carbon-negative house, built from mushrooms, was unveiled at the MycoHAB Namibia facility on the outskirts of Windhoek.

This exciting initiative is a partnership between Standard Bank and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It uses encroacher bush and the byproduct of mushroom farming to create bricks which are stronger than concrete and have excellent insulation properties. The mushrooms are grown for food while the building material that is produced with parts of the process, stores carbon dioxide in the fight to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

The MycoHAB aims to introduce innovative skills and ideas to housing developments in Namibia, with a focus on integrating food production and sustainable building materials. This initiative could pioneer new sectors in Namibia's economy, potentially making the country a global leader in the use of biodegradable construction materials. The resulting benefits would extend to the country as a whole as well as Standard Bank’s commitment to eliminating shacks and providing decent housing for the people of Namibia.

Upon broad implementation, the MycoHAB initiative holds the potential to have a profound impact on human livelihoods and environmental conservation efforts. By eradicating encroaching species, the project frees land for grass growth, thereby enhancing the carrying capacity for livestock and wildlife.

Moreover, the cultivation of mushrooms on wood chips not only provides a valuable source of income and sustenance but also stands out as a remarkably efficient food source in comparison to other commercial crops. Minimal amounts of water, land and energy are used per kilogram of protein produced.

Not to forget the fact that the byproducts generated through this process are transformed into a sustainable form of building material, surpassing concrete in strength and capable of sequestering carbon for centuries. This innovative approach addresses environmental concerns and offers potential solutions for sustainable development on multiple fronts.