One of the main reasons for global warming and progressive climate change is the increased volumes of carbon in the atmosphere. ecoLogicStudio, based in London, working alongside the EU initiative for climate innovations Climate-KIC, has developed a building sheath based on algae.
The algae pulls carbon out of the atmosphere, stores it and turns it into oxygen through photosynthesis. This innovation was presented at the Climate Innovation Summit 2018 in Dublin, where the front of the Printworks building was partially covered with the algae curtain. The structure consists of several two-by-seven-meter modules made from bioplastic, which are streaked with algae channels.
As soon as the unfiltered, dirty urban air enters the curtain from below, carbon molecules and other pollutants are absorbed, stored and filtered by the microalgae. The curved shape of the channels optimises the carbon separating process. Photosynthesis then creates glucose as well as oxygen and releases it back into the atmosphere. The algae can then be used as so-called biomass, e.g. to manufacture bioplastic – the basis of this special building sheath. Approximately one kilogram of carbon can be stored per day, which is about the same capacity of 20 trees.
The algae curtain should be applied to both new and existing buildings and simultaneously functions as sun protection, producing a weak glow due to the bioluminescence of the algae. In addition, the biomass cannot only be processed into bioplastic, but also into fuel, fertiliser or food additive.
Our answer to the rising amount of carbon in the atmosphere is our new mission Climate Take Back ™. We use carbon as a resource to give back to the world, and create a climate fit for life.
© A project by ecoLogicStudio: Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK)
© A project by ecoLogicStudio: Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK)
© A project by ecoLogicStudio: Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK)
The Printworks bulding in Dublin. © A project by ecoLogicStudio: Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK)
© A project by ecoLogicStudio: Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero (London, UK)
