A DUTCH STARTUP HAS DEVELOPED A CONCRETE THAT ALLOWS MOSS TO GROW ON ITS SURFACE

A DUTCH STARTUP HAS DEVELOPED A CONCRETE THAT ALLOWS MOSS TO GROW ON ITS SURFACE

What if our concrete walls could grow moss instead of simply collecting dust?

A Dutch startup called Respyre has developed a special type of concrete, which it calls Mosscrete, that allows moss to grow directly on its surface. This is an interesting innovation that combines construction technology with nature.

In case you missed it, this is practically a five-in-one product. It builds structures, grows moss on its surface, helps capture airborne pollutants, cools buildings through moisture evaporation, and provides small habitats that support urban biodiversity.

Talking about green technology, what could be greener than a technology that actually grows green moss?

The concept is relatively simple but promising. Unlike ordinary concrete, which does not provide suitable conditions for moss growth, this specially formulated material has a surface texture and composition designed to encourage moss to attach and thrive. It can potentially be applied to existing walls as well as incorporated into new construction.

Why should we be interested?

Moss can trap airborne particles, including fine particulate matter. It retains moisture and releases it through evaporation, helping cool exposed surfaces. It can also provide habitats for small organisms. Imagine our highway walls, building facades, noise barriers and other concrete structures becoming living green surfaces instead of remaining lifeless expanses of cement.

Of course, we should not assume that this technology will work everywhere without further study. Our tropical climate, heavy rainfall, prolonged dry spells, maintenance requirements and long-term structural durability must all be considered. We should also independently evaluate its actual ability to improve air quality and reduce temperatures.

Seeing the potential of this technology, I honestly could not immediately decide which government department should take the lead in acquiring and deploying it.

Because it is good for the environment, could it be the DENR? That makes sense, especially since the Biodiversity Management Bureau is under the DENR.

But since the technology may still require further scientific and engineering studies, perhaps the DOST should initially lead the evaluation.

Down the line, the DHSUD, DPWH and MMDA should also become involved.

Let us involve the DHSUD so that this technology could eventually be used in green housing. Let us involve the DPWH so that we could build green infrastructure. And let us involve the MMDA so that it could give more substance to its development functions.

I would also like to remind the MMDA that its responsibilities go beyond managing traffic and solid waste. Kudos to the agency for trying to grow plants along highways and underpasses. Perhaps it could also explore using this new moss-growing concrete.

Hopefully, Respyre can bring its technology to the Philippines soon. If necessary, could our Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands reach out to the company and explore possible cooperation?

It is interesting that the company's name suggests respiration. Indeed, we need concrete that can breathe and buildings that can breathe!

As we worry about polluting our rivers and land, let us not forget that we also need to do something about air pollution.

Perhaps the future of our cities is not simply about building more concrete structures, but about making those structures part of nature itself.

BY RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com   09088877282/09-29-2027

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