A unique pilot is exploring the potential of growing mushrooms in office environments, aiming to reduce waste and connect workers with nature. The experiment suits Helsinki especially well because Finns are heavy coffee drinkers.
The innovation company of the City of Helsinki, Forum Virium Helsinki, and mushroom growing kit company Helsieni are currently investigating the feasibility and benefits of cultivating mushrooms within office spaces. The pilot is part of the European Union funded urban food culture project Urban&Local.
The mushroom experiment utilizes coffee waste, a common byproduct in offices, as a growing medium. The growing kit is similar to ones which have been used in homes for a couple of years. Since Finnish offices tend to produce a lot of coffee waste, they could be ideal environments for mushroom cultivation.
“The pilot aims to understand how to adapt mushroom farming for an office setting and why people are motivated to engage in this activity”, says Benoit Mantel from Helsieni, the company responsible for the pilot.
Helsieni specializes in urban mushroom farming and is responsible for the pilot. The company provides growkits and workshops, promoting the idea of turning coffee grounds into delicious oyster mushrooms.
“Initial observations suggest that motivations range from learning and recycling to the satisfaction of seeing the end result.”
The current experiment, which is being conducted over six months, has already yielded valuable insights into the specific requirements for office-based mushroom farming. At the end of April, it also produced its first mushrooms.
Reducing The Ecological Footprint of an Office
The initiative aligns with the growing trend of ecological awareness and sustainability within organizations. By transforming coffee waste into a valuable resource, offices can take a step towards reducing their ecological footprint.
Furthermore, growing food in the office can help city dwellers reconnect with nature, a vital aspect often missing in urban environments.
“This concept echoes the increasing popularity of green office solutions, such as the green walls”, Mantel says.
Mantel knows what he is talking about. Urban farming, in general, is growing in popularity as a way to produce local food and promote sustainability. Helsieni is currently exploring the Japanese market, recognizing the country’s interest in sustainability and mushroom cultivation. The future plans of the company also include offering workshops to companies as a form of wellbeing actions for employees.
Urban&Local – Future Food Ecosystem -project (01/2023–12/2025) aims to develop innovative solutions, practices, products and services in local food and restaurant business, as well as create a framework for sustainable business models and cooperation between stakeholders. The project is coordinated by Forum Virium Helsinki, and partners are Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Perho Culinary, Tourism & Business college and the city of Vantaa. The project is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.