Air pollution is a growing issue that’s only getting worse. While it's an invisible threat, its detrimental effects aren't as inconspicuous as we might think. According to the World Health Organization, poor air quality causes seven million premature deaths every year. To help mitigate these tragic consequences, Green City Solutions has created CityTree, a hi-tech green wall that has the regenerative power of a forest.
Within the four-meters-tall, three-meters-wide frame is the equivalent of 275 urban trees. Although it packs an incredible power, the CityTree isn't a tree at all; rather, it's a moss culture. And it turns out, it's more beneficial for the cityscape, since space is at a premium. “Moss cultures have a much larger surface area than any other plant,” Zhengliang Wu, co-founder of Green City Solutions, explained to CNN. “That means we can capture more pollutants.” As a result, CityTree absorbs 250 grams of dust, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone gases daily; which “contributes to the capture of greenhouse gases by removing 240 metric tons of CO2 a year.”
So, how does the CityTree sustain itself? Thanks to solar panels, they generate electricity and collect rainwater that's then pumped into the soil and feeds the moss. Wi-fi sensors measure its well being, including soil humidity as well as temperature. “We also have pollution sensors inside the installation, which help monitor the local air quality and tell us how efficient the tree is.” Wu said.
In addition to its environment-saving efforts, there is an optional sitting bench available. This allows passersby a momentary respite among the concrete jungle. Advertising can also go along the part of the facade.
The goal is to install CityTrees in major cities across the globe. Currently, you can find them in 20 metropolitan areas. Green City Solutions is paying special attention to India, which has some of the worst pollution in the world.
CityTrees is an hi-tech green moss wall that's the equivalent of 275 urban trees. It absorbs 250 grams of dust, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone gases daily.
It's sustained through solar electricity that monitors its health and the local air quality.
So far, the CityTree is in 20 metropolitan areas around the world. Its inventors, Green City Solutions, is paying special attention to India, which has dangerous levels of pollution.
Green City Solutions: Website
h/t: [Inhabitat]
All images via Green City Solutions.
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