# Mycelium-Based Thermal Insulation for Domestic Cooling Footprint Reduction: A Review
## 9 Conclusions and Future Research Recommendations  
Mycelium is an emerging and promising choice of material for building envelope insulation. This paper highlights the potential of mycelium-based thermal insulation as a sustainable solution for reducing cooling energy consumption and carbon footprint in arid and hot climate regions compared to conventional and other emerging insulation materials. The heavy reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems in such areas and the need for more conventional insulation materials and craftsmanship necessitates exploring innovative approaches. Mycelium offers exceptional properties, making it an attractive thermal and acoustic insulation material. Its low thermal conductivity, water absorption coefficient, porous structure, and low density contribute to its excellent performance in regulating indoor temperature and improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, mycelium-based materials can absorb particulate matter from the air, enhancing indoor air quality and reducing air pollution. This review emphasizes the multifaceted capabilities of mycelium in addressing critical environmental challenges. Its mechanical strength, low density, and porous structure make it a suitable material for insulation applications, while its ability to filter airborne particles contributes to improved indoor air quality. Moreover, mycelium's chemical properties enable it to play a role in bioremediation by actively degrading pollutants in soil and water. Buildings account for significant global energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. By effectively utilizing insulation materials with enhanced properties, such as mycelium-based composites, the heat load on buildings can be reduced, leading to lower energy consumption, and increased overall energy efficiency. However, several important aspects still need further investigation to make mycelium a cost- and application-competitive material. Firstly, more comprehensive studies are required to determine the cost implications of using mycelium as an insulator compared to traditional insulators. This includes the initial production costs and long-term maintenance and durability considerations. Additionally, assessing the environmental impact of mycelium insulation compared to conventional insulators is crucial for making informed decisions. Future research should focus on conducting life cycle assessments and analyzing the carbon footprint of mycelium-based insulation materials. Moreover, understanding the challenges and opportunities for growing and producing mycelium is essential for its successful implementation. Research should delve into several conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the availability of suitable substrates, to optimize mycelium growth and production processes. Furthermore, investigating mycelium-based insulation's scalability and commercialization potential would be valuable for widespread adoption. In summary, while mycelium shows promise as a sustainable and widely available insulator, further research is needed to address its \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Property** & **Mycelium** &
\begin{tabular}{c} **Other Conventional** \\ **Materials** \\ \end{tabular} & **Comments** \\ \hline Specific Heat & x & & Mycelium has higher specific heat than all other conventional materials \\ \hline Density & x & & Mycelium has a wide range of densities that suit different applications \\ \hline Thermal conductivities & x & x & Both mycelium and other materials have comparative thermal conductivities \\ \hline Cost & x & & Mycelium has a much lower cost than most other conventional materials \\ \hline Durability & & x & Mycelium is, on average, less durable than most conventional materials \\ \hline Water absorption rate & x & x & Both mycelium and other materials have acceptable water absorption properties \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: Main differences between mycelium and other conventional thermal insulation materials.