“Together with the innovative team at Green City Solutions, we are gradually implementing modern climate protection.”
“Learning at Schönefeld schools has now become even easier in a well-cooled environment”: As part of a joint project with the municipality of Schönefeld, innovative moss filters have been installed to improve the surrounding temperature, air quality, and the overall environment for learning and relaxation. “The project was realized in close cooperation with the Berlin Brandenburg Area Development Company GmbH (BADC), a managing member of the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Dialogue Forum, and is a pilot project of the Schönefeld municipality. The moss-based air filter and cooler is a forward-looking example of how nature and technology can be combined to make urban environments more climate-friendly.”
The ceremonial inauguration of the first installation phase, a “first moss tree”, took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Astrid Lindgren Elementary School (Astrid-Lindgren-Grundschule) in Schönefeld. The event was attended by, among others, Hilmar Ziegler (Deputy Mayor of Schönefeld), Lutz Kühn (Local Representative), Anja Schwuchow (Head of Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Schönefeld), Georg Balzer (CEO of BADC), and Markus Mücke (Mayor of Schulzendorf).
Photos: GCS
In the first phase, three moss-based fresh air filters called “CityTree” were installed at two schools and one daycare center in the municipality of Schönefeld, just in time for the end of the summer holidays. Thanks to the actively ventilated moss modules, these three installations collectively provide up to 15,000 m³ of air circulation per hour. Additionally, the CityTrees deliver a cooling capacity of approximately 19,500 watts, which is equivalent to more than 240 trees, all on just 9 m² of space each. The second installation phase, expected in fall 2024, will include additional moss modules in the form of 14 “WallBreeze” elements. These units will provide an additional 19,600 m³ per hour of air circulation with a cooling capacity of 23,100 watts.
Georg Balzer, CEO of BADC, stated: “We are pleased with the CityTrees being used in the school. They help alleviate the strain on heavily sealed and heated areas and improve the quality of life in these places, like here on the schoolyard. These air filters and coolers are well-suited for areas where space is limited and tree planting is not feasible, often due to existing underground infrastructure.
Photo: GCS
As mentioned in the January edition of the “Schönefeld Municipal Gazette” („Schönefelder Gemeindeanzeiger“), investments in the so-called “CityTree Moss Tree” pilot project were planned in the current fiscal year 2024. The innovative moss filters are intended to improve air quality and lower ambient temperatures on the outdoor play areas of the „Bienenschwarm“ daycare center and the courtyards of the Paul Maar and Astrid Lindgren elementary schools. Additionally, it may be possible to use the multifunctional, natural air filters “as compensatory areas in construction projects within the municipality”.
Mayor Christian Hentschel commented: “Within the framework of the pilot project, these three locations were initially selected to represent the numerous municipal facilities. We are very pleased to install the first moss trees. Besides the excellent climatic benefits, the installations at educational institutions also offer the opportunity for active learning through practical examples.” He added: “Our children and young people are very curious about the installations, and we hope to foster and expand their understanding of climate protection and its impact on people and the environment from an early age.
Together with the innovative team at Green City Solutions, we are gradually implementing modern climate protection.”
Photos: GCS
Peter Sänger, CEO and Co-Founder of Green City Solutions, added: “Green City Solutions has developed a way to combine moss with smart Internet-of-Things technology to provide fresh air for those particularly affected by heat and air pollution—especially in locations where many people can benefit from clean and cool air. The innovative and natural solution, the world’s first active moss-based air filter, provides the same benefits as 81 trees on just 9 m² of ground space and a cooling capacity of up to 6,500 W/h. This not only sustainably purifies the surrounding air from pollutants but also cools it by up to 4°C on warm summer days. We are therefore very pleased that the installations in front of the schools and daycare center in Schönefeld are contributing to improving the learning environment for a particularly vulnerable group.”
“Heat and air pollution affect everyone—and some more severely than others. In addition to people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly, young children and students are more sensitive to high temperatures and air pollutants and must be especially protected. We see these days what temperatures are becoming the new norm here in Brandenburg. Schoolyards are typically compacted, and traditional greening is difficult to implement and maintain,” explained the company founder. “We are looking forward to the project with the municipality and thank all those involved for their trust,” Peter Sänger continued. “From the beginning, it was our wish to use moss to cool and clean the air for educational institutions. Children want to be outside, especially during the lunch break when temperatures can be extreme. We are creating spaces where children can stay and relax outdoors—especially where tree planting is not a viable alternative.”
The European Environment Agency called for special protection for “our children, who cannot protect themselves.” Besides reducing pollution at its source, it is a good measure to “focus on improving air quality around schools and daycare centers.”
With experience from school-related projects in Germany and the UK, Green City Solutions has already received positive feedback from both parents and children on their fresh air concepts around school environments.
Photo: GCS