It appears we will soon have another (low-cost) choice in selecting sustainable building materials for insulating buildings, beyond strawbale and cellulose. Two RPI graduates recently developed a mushroom-based insulation panel with an R-value of 2.9/inch.
From the article:
Combining his agricultural knowledge with colleague Gavin McIntyre's interest in sustainable technology, the two created their patented "Greensulate'' formula, an organic, fire-retardant board made of water, flour, oyster mushroom spores and perlite, a mineral blend found in potting soil. They're hoping the invention will soon be part of the growing market for eco-friendly products.
Bringing the insulation to market is still at least a year away though, said McIntyre, and will require much more research and work, not to mention more sophisticated equipment and a better work space.
It will still be a couple years before the product will be readily available, but it's encouraging that more people are thinking outside-the-box. It's also something to be considered for post-Peak Oil construction -- insulate using living walls.
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