On 5 September 2024 MECLA hosted a discussion at the Greenhouse boardroom about the potential impact Engineered Living Materials (ELM) could have on the Australian construction market, and the necessary steps that need to be taken to support growth (pun slightly intended) in the sector. Elena Bondareva, Founder & CEO of Vivit and PhD candidate at RMIT, guided the conversation on the day, lending her insights and global expertise. The majority of the conversation was had under Chatham-house-rule, however her introductory remarks can be viewed above.

Most engineered living materials are not yet commercially available. But all over the world universities and researchers are experimenting with ELMs to better understand their applications and environmental implications. ELMs face a particular set of challenges coming to market, and require industry and government support to do so. If ELMs flourish, they may have an extraordinary impact on our built environment. 

Elena Bondareva’s articles outlining the potential for engineered living materials are published in the Fifth Estate. You can access them and learn more about ELMs via the below buttons: