Since the launch of Green City Solutions, we have already worked with numerous cities and companies across Europe and we are incredibly grateful for the support of these early customers! The first version of “CityTree“ was used in over 50 projects for several years. As expected, the novelty of the technology, the complexi - ty of linking hardware and software, and also the demands of the living creature moss far away from its usual terrain brought numerous challenges in the early years. Technical problems, special site requirements, complications with maintenance services, changing water qualities—to name just a few factors—all put a strain on the organisms. As a result, at the end of 2018, it was decided to develop a completely new product generation that would take into account all the findings of the past. To this end, we opened our production site in Bestensee near Berlin. Our interdisci - plinary team there includes experts from biology, enginee - ring and software development. The latest product generation was presented in Berlin in March 2020 as part of the European Commission‘s Horizon 2020 program for outstandingly innovative and sustainable projects. The CityTree focuses on keeping mosses healthy and is a low-maintenance, long-lasting system that rivals conventional, engineered filters in terms of performance. In cooperation with the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research Leipzig and the Institute for Air and Refrigeration Technology Dresden, the filter performance and filter effect were determined according to scientific guidelines and con - tinuously developed. How long did it take to develop CityTree and what was the process like?
So which is better or more effective: a normal tree or a CityTree?
This question is actually somewhat unfortunate, since both organisms provide different environmental services. We see our product as a complement to trees, not a replacement for them. Trees convert CO₂ into oxygen, provide shade and are important for the climate and biodiversity. Howe - ver, they can do little to combat air pollution caused by fine dust; in fact, they suffer massively from it. This is where our CityTree comes into play, because mosses can filter and digest fine dust in a natural way. In addition to this natural air purification, the CityTree also produces a noticeable cooling effect, right at the height of the people. Unlike trees, these environmental benefits can be monito - red, measured and controlled through the use of sensors. A CityTree can also be used where trees have a hard time thriving. The normal city tree and our CityTree are therefore not in competition with each other, but rather complement each other as solutions to different problems. As a measure, a tree tends to have a long-term effect, while the CityTree has a short- to medium-term effect. So together they form a perfect team!
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