UBC Botanical Garden has just unveiled something you probably never expected to get excited about: a toilet. And for UBC students, this is more than just a school project; it’s a glimpse into how sustainability, research, and campus life can come together in surprising ways.
As part of UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab initiative, the MycoToilet demonstrates how research, design, and biodiversity can intersect in surprising ways. We spoke with Douglas Justice, Associate Director of Horticulture & Collections, Andrew Hill, Curator of the Asian Garden, and Brendan Fisher, Head Trades – Horticulturist at UBC Botanical Garden, to uncover what makes this project so important. Here are the top five things you need to know:
1. It’s not just a toilet
Chemical toilets may seem convenient, but they come with a hidden cost. They require weekly truck servicing and frequent transportation in and out of the Garden. That means fuel, emissions, and higher maintenance bills.
“The MycoToilet changes all of that,” explains Brendan Fisher. “Allowing this structure to become part of the Botanical Garden’s regular cleaning schedule with UBC Custodial will provide cost savings. More importantly, it reduces the environmental impact of multiple truck visits into the Garden for cleaning and service.”
This is a small but meaningful step toward cutting carbon emissions on campus, showing how innovative infrastructure can replace outdated systems in smarter, greener ways.
Photo by Joseph Dahmen
2. It’s powered by fungi
Yes, fungi. The MycoToilet uses mycelium to break down human waste naturally, creating a closed-loop system that replaces chemical treatment with biological processes. The system harnesses decomposition to convert waste into part of the nutrient cycle.
“Visitors will come away with a better understanding of fungi, decomposition, nutrient cycles, and green infrastructure,” explains Brendan Fisher.
This is sustainability in action happening right here in the Garden.
3. The design fits beautifully into the Garden’s landscape
One concern with bringing new infrastructure into a historic collection like the Asian Garden is that it might disrupt the landscape. Instead, the MycoToilet was designed to complement it.
“An admiration of the unique design and how well it fits in our Asian Garden is something we hope visitors will take away,” says Fisher. “It’s also a much more pleasant experience to use than a standard chemical toilet.”
The team carefully considered placement to avoid damaging valuable plant collections and even installed a green roof. Garden horticulturists supported the effort by transplanting plants, preparing the base, and restoring the landscape around the structure.
As Andrew Hill points out, the collaborative process was key: “Coordinating between Joe (Joseph Dahmen, Associate Professor, UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture – SALA), his team, UBC Plant Operations, and the Garden was essential to protect our collections while bringing this innovation to life.”
4. It’s part of UBC’s bigger vision: Campus as a Living Lab
The MycoToilet is part of UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab, which transforms the university into a testing ground for sustainability solutions that could scale far beyond campus.
“The Garden always aims to support initiatives like this,” says Douglas Justice. “It has been a pleasure to work with Joseph, and his team on the installation.”
- Photo by Joseph Dahmen
- Photo by Joseph Dahmen
5. It’s here to serve both you and the environment
At its core, the MycoToilet was designed with people in mind. It’s located near the Greenheart TreeWalk and the Garden’s climbing experiences, two areas that see high visitor traffic.
“I’m just really glad to see this project come to fruition,” Fisher reflects. “I’m excited to see it benefit visitors to the Botanical Garden, especially those enjoying the TreeWalk and climbing activities nearby.”
Looking ahead
The MycoToilet is a living example of how UBC Botanical Garden fulfils its mission: to conserve biodiversity, demonstrate sustainable practices, and connect communities with science.
By collaborating across departments, protecting the Garden’s collections, and prioritizing environmental stewardship, the project sets a standard for future innovation on campus and beyond.
So the next time you’re at UBC Botanical Garden, step inside and experience how sustainability and science can meet in the most unexpected places.
Written by:
Mich Jane
Marketing and Communications Assistant
UBC Botanical Garden