Mushrooms Insulating Rooms

By Lauren Law December 10, 2025

In Alaska, where homes battle the brutal cold with layers of imported Styrofoam, scientists are turning to mycelium, the living root network of mushrooms, to create a biodegradable and locally sourced insulation alternative that has been in development for nearly a decade.

In Alaska, where homes battle brutal cold with layers of imported Styrofoam, scientists are turning to mycelium, a living root network of mushrooms, to create a biodegradable and locally sourced alternative to imported insulation. 

Alaska currently uses traditional plastic-based insulation such as Styrofoam, which brings numerous downsides—pollution being one of the greatest. Beyond Plastics describes how Styrofoam is harmful to the environment because it is derived from fossil fuels and requires high energy use for manufacturing. Styrofoam and similar materials do not biodegrade and contribute to the accumulation of toxic plastic fragments affecting marine animal populations.

According to Alaska Home Builder, houses without proper insulation face massive heat loss due to Alaska’s extreme cold climate and cause higher energy bills. Condensation issues within walls can cause long-term structural damage. Proper insulation and air sealing are crucial in order to keep homes warm, prevent moisture problems and reduce energy consumption. Homes remain inefficient and costly to heat in Alaska’s severe winters without proper insulation. Mycelium insulation, on the other hand, provides an environmentally friendly substitute made from the root structures of mushrooms. In comparison to plastic foam insulation, it emits fewer greenhouse emissions, is biodegradable and requires less energy to make. Toxic contaminants are not released by mycelium insulation, improving indoor air quality and lowering environmental risks. The researchers who created mycelium insulation were inspired by the natural insulating qualities of mushroom roots and the quantity of wood debris from fallen trees in the area, according to the Washington Post. The idea was motivated by environmental concerns and the need for carbon-negative, locally made insulation. Pioneering teams combined wood pulp with indigenous fungi to grow insulation panels that match the thermal performance of Styrofoam but can be composted or recycled safely.  

Mycelium insulation is created by mixing mushroom spores with organic waste such as wood chips or straw. As the mycelium grows through the waste, it is bound into a dense and lightweight foam-like panel with natural insulation properties. After growing for about 1-3 weeks, the panels are dried and heated to stop growth and remove moisture, producing a firm fire and water-resistant insulation material. Some early challenges developing mycelium included slow growth, contamination risks and inconsistent panel strength. Improvements came from optimizing mold designs, controlling the environment’s conditions and refining drying processes.  

“It is disturbing to learn that the insulation used in so many homes adds to marine pollution. I do not believe that the insulation will make a large impact sustainably, but any good impact is a valuable impact and it is a stepping stone towards future progress. I think communities can balance comfort with protecting the environment by choosing to donate or simply buying more sustainable insulation. There is no single movement that will suddenly reverse climate change, but mycelium insulation is a great start,” Senior Que-Tran Nguyen said.  

In the Journal of Cleaner Production, the authors describe how mycelium insulation is being tested and used as a sustainable building material. Composite panels, which reduce heating and cooling needs, are viable for housing as they meet construction standards. Sustainable housing developments in Africa have used mycelium panels to reduce environmental impact while improving insulation. In 2024-2025, projects in Kenya and Namibia built homes using fungi-based insulation panels. Companies such as MyghtyBox are also testing mycelium for packaging, specifically for seafood shipping boxes. The testing for insulation effectiveness involves measuring thermal conductivity, moisture resistance, mechanical strength and energy performance in simulated buildings.

Mycelium insulation is biodegradable but still requires testing for its lifespan and durability. Mycelium panels can last up to 20 years if kept dry and protected; however, they may degrade faster when exposed to moisture or ground contact. Though Mycelium has been found to have high resistance to mold and decay, long-term research is needed to confirm its performance across different climate  and weather conditions.  

“Insulating homes in Alaska is technically difficult and expensive. Materials must withstand extreme cold, moisture, and repeated freezing thaw cycle conditions under which Styrofoam often loses structural integrity and fiberglass sheds microplastics. Mycelium insulation shows promise because its natural filament network forms a lightweight, porous structure that retains heat. However, it is not automatically carbon-neutral; untreated mycelium can break down over time through fungal self-digestion and decomposition, releasing carbon dioxide. Its sustainability depends on how it is grown, dried and stabilized. Still, if engineered properly, mycelium offers a lower-carbon, locally producible alternative to imported plastic based insulation in Arctic environments,” Moumita Biswas, Science Department said. 

Mycelium is showcasing real potential as a practical building material and offers a biodegradable alternative to foam and other plastic-based materials. With continued research, mycelium could play a major role in a  bio-based economy in the future.

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About the Contributor

Lauren Law is a senior at Leland High School and this is her second year as a staff writer. She enjoys hanging out with friends, sleeping, and eating.