A viral video shows a professor using cow dung to cool classroom walls. Discover the science behind this age-old practice making a sustainable comeback in modern homes.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Apr 17, 2025
Image Credit | @tanmoyofc | X
This ancient Indian practice, used in rural homes for cooling, is being revived for modern, sustainable living spaces.
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Cow dung acts as an insulator and antimicrobial agent, offering natural cooling and improved indoor air quality.
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For generations, rural India used cow dung for wall finishes and flooring to keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
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Dr. Shivdarshan Malik, a former professor, is reviving the practice by creating eco-friendly construction materials using cow dung.
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Dr. Malik's innovative solutions include Vedic Plaster, a breathable mixture that lowers indoor temperatures by up to 7°C.
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Gocrete Bricks, another creation by Dr. Malik, are made with cow dung and local materials to reduce heat entry by up to 70%.
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Dr. Malik’s work blends traditional Indian knowledge with modern ecological concerns, proving the value of age-old practices for climate challenges.
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Cow dung was once abandoned in favor of concrete, but its cooling properties are now being rediscovered in the fight against rising temperatures.
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As the world faces climate change, ancient solutions like cow dung could offer practical, sustainable alternatives for future construction.