The CityTree is the world's first bio-tech filter for verifiable air quality improvement. We reach our USP through combining benefits of different worlds – we can compete with the performance of industrial filter products and with the aesthetics and emotional values of nature. Also, the developed “bio-algorithm” of the CityTree provides us with a unique position. It took us a long time to identify and verify the final combination of moss cultures, and design and adapt the IoT-system to make the product function in a real urban environment. This knowledge and experience can hardly be copied and provides us with a significant competitive advantage.
During the MossTree project we reached impact in various regards:
• A measureble effect on the participants of the Urban Pilot project
Through the installation of the CityTree networks in 2020, we had a positive impact on the affected end-users, on our location partners and clients, as well as on society in general.
Our end users benefited in several ways. Those entering the “clean air zone” experienced better air quality, since the moss species growing inside the CityTrees absorbed fine dust, produced oxygen and had a significant cooling and humidifying effect. During the urban roadshow from March to September 2020 we cleaned about 7 million cubic meters of air, which means with every operating hour we filtered the breathing volume of up to 42.000 people.
But we did not only offer physical effects, the pilot project also revealed a strong emotional impact of our product. We installed the CityTrees at locations with urban infrastructures and asphalt ground which did not allow trees or plants to grow. The CityTree brought nature back to these locations while offering a unique user-experience for people taking a healthy rest at breathing mosses. By organizing interactive events at the roadshow locations we invited a broad audience to take part at the experience and become more sensitive for the issue of urban air quality.
• Climate relevance
The scientific measurements proved that the CityTree has a surprising high filter effect with regard to black carbon. During the urban roadshow we observed a reduction of up to 60 % of these particles. Black carbon is an important contributor to global warming since it is very effective at absorbing light and heating its surroundings. It has a warming impact on climate that is many times stronger than CO2. This new result will help us in future to position the CityTree not only as a means of purifying the air, but also as a solution contributing to climate protection.
• Market impact and first sales activities
The CityTree is ready for commercialisation, as our first successful sales projects prove.
We are proud to report that the following clients (amongst others) have decided to either buy or rent our products: Deutsche Telekom, Vattenfall, DPD, City of Cork, London Hampstead School, City of London, LNER.
• Impact on GCS’ own product development strategy
It is a big achievement for Green City Solutions to have gained scientific proof for the new product while already receiving significant market interest. But even more valuable to us are the insights we gained during the MossTree project and the progress we made with regard to shaping our product development plans and the future path of our company. Through the insights we gained from the scientific and commercialization activities we got confronted with striking new business opportunities for our company.
The MossTree project inspired us to elaborate our upcoming product diversification strategy. The components developed within the MossTree project were recently adapted for first pilot projects within the façade sector, we have exciting plans for a near-term launch of an “Indoor CityTree”, and we started research cooperation with industry partners like Deutsche Telekom for augmenting the CityTree with further technologies and connected services.
Our vision is a world in which people in cities can live healthily. The new CityTree – as developed with help of the H2020 grant - can significantly contribute to improving living conditions and allow people around the world to breath cleaner air.
