“Engineers and scientists have worked for hundreds of years with so-called smart materials. Living materials that adapt, respond to the environment, self-power, and regenerate are the next logical step.”
Penn State - Living Materials
The future is already happening: 3D Bioprinting enables us to create living materials that grow and heal themselves, in order to build smarter, more efficient and sustainable infrastructure.
We showcased the incredible work being done at Penn State University’s Living Materials Team. Combining biology and engineering they are working to create more sustainable building materials and energy efficient homes.
Client: Penn State University
Verdant Creature: Fort / The Others
What can you do?
Despite the rapid growth of Engineered Living Material (ELM) research and growing governmental investment, there are important challenges that must be addressed to sustain the continued growth and maturation of this field. While ELM still has a ways to go and many barriers before it is widely available and integrated into new buildings, there are a few things you can start to think about in your own home to make it more sustainable.
Make this an EASY choice:
If you’re able, install solar panels to help offset your energy consumption.
Choose sustainable, eco-friendly insulation for your home to help maintain indoor temperatures. The average home loses 50% of its heat due to under-insulation.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat that helps improve heating and cooling efficiency and will save you money in the long run.