WE CLEAN THE AIR WE BREATHE
USING NATURAL LIGHT & SMART MATERIALS
THE CITY OFFICIAL
We strive to improve the environment by continuously innovating and pushing boundaries for known standards. In the creation of a healthier and more sustainable future we engage public authorities and companies to think and be innovators. Together with our partners we promote a cleaner environment through active surfaces that reduce air pollution in cities by using light.
More than 3,000,000 m2 of applied surfaces
Degrading more than 56.4 kg/NOx per day
apx. 39.24 kg/NOx degraded in total
WHY YOUR CITY SHOULD SEEK TO IMPROVE ITS AIR QUALITY THROUGH ACTIVE SURFACES
More than 7 million people die prematurely due to air pollution worldwide (United Nations, 2016). In Europe alone the number related to premature deaths due to poor air quality is more than 400,000. Approximately 90 % of the worlds total population is exposed to hazardous air quality. Poor air quality is one of todays world main threaths to human health.
“As a society, we should not accept the cost of air pollution. With bold decisions and smart investments in cleaner transport, energy and agriculture, we can both tackle pollution and improve our quality of life,” said EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx
Poor air quality is directly linked to several different illnesses: heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease and cancer, asthma. Especially children and elders are at risk. Air pollution causes ten times more premature deaths per year than traffic accidents.
“Cleaning up the air we breathe prevents non-communicable diseases as well as reduces disease risks among women and vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly...” Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant Director-General Family, Women and Children’s Health
PHOTOCATALYSIS REDUCES NOx WHEN WE ARE EXPOSED
In most cities the air quality is highly correlated with our everyday movement. When we take the bus, bike or walk to work, well, that is when traffic is at its heaviest and coincidentally that is when we are exposed to high levels of air pollutants such as NOx. The same goes for when we head back. Air quality is poorest during the day. Photocatalysis is activated by daylight.
READ MORE ABOUT HOW WE IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
HOW THE ACTIVE REDUCTION OF AIR POLLUTION RELATES TO THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
We provide a long lasting and cost-efficient technology to reduce NOx and other pollutants where we breathe.
Reducing air pollution can help families become more healthier, save on medical expenses, and improve productivity.
Air pollution can cause crop damage and affect food quality and security.
Air pollution poses a major threat to human health. It is linked to respiratory infection and cardiovascular disease. It causes increases in population morbidity and mortality.
Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from open fires and the combustion of fossil fuels mix with precipitation causing harmful acid rain that can compromise water quality.
Air pollution impacts on health, crop and forest yields, ecosystems, the climate and the built environment, with consequences for productivity and economic growth. Ambient and indoor air pollution also has negative effects on the working environments and its safety.
Urban areas significantly contribute to air pollution. Making cities sustainable could progressively improve the air quality.
Deposition of air pollutants on water may negatively affect its quality and life under water. It can lead to eutrophication and acidification of fresh water bodies, and accumulation of toxic metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in fresh and marine waters.
Emissions from combustion of fossil fuels mixed with precipitation cause acid rains that pose a major threat to forests and ecosystems.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IN YOUR NEXT CITY TENDER
In order to ensure that the photocatalytic technology applied is of the highest standard we propose that you include a condition in your next tender stating that the material is tested according to an ISO 22197-1. The purpose is to enforce that the buidling manufacturer deliver a product that holds a standard that effectively contributes to improved air quality.
One example of photocatalysis being implemented in a city as a consistent means to improve air quality is found in the city of Barcelona:
Plan to improve air quality in Barcelone 2015 – 2018
EL12 – Air purification using photo-catalytic materials: Using construction materials with the ability to reduce atmospheric pollutants, such as NOx, PM10, benzene and carbon oxides (Barcelona Regional. Agència Desenvolupament Urbà Gerència Adjunta de Medi Ambient i Serveis Urbans, 2015).
We recommend that architects, engineers and other building professional specify the following criterias.
- Building Materialsmust be treated with an active photocatalytic dispersion of ultrafine titanium dioxide.
- The applied ultra fine titanium dioxide dispersion must be environmentally friendly and should be waterbased.
- The Building Material must be photocatalytic and tested according to the ISO standard 22197-1.
CONTACT US ON HOW TO IMPLEMENT IN YOUR TENDER
RECOMMENDED BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS
Together with our partners we promote a cleaner environment through active surfaces that reduce air pollution in homes and cities by using light. Photocat and its partners provide an effective, long lasting and cost-efficient technology to reduce NOx and other pollutants where we breathe.
