CO2 CAPTuring from nature-based building TILEs

ongoing

"The adoption of green roofs and vertical gardens is a growing practice, offering numerous environmental and aesthetic benefits. However, there are still several barriers that limit their widespread use, especially in residential and renovation contexts. The high initial cost and the difficulty in installing and maintaining such systems can discourage homeowners, restricting their application. To tackle these challenges, the LIFE CAPT-TILE project will develop affordable, easy-to-install, and low-maintenance solutions for green architectonic surfaces. The project will introduce new clay tiles capable of accommodating an ""artificial soil"" layer to support plant growth. The innovation lies in the integration of a clay tile with a cutting-edge design, enabling the growth of vegetation and to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The proposed construction system is simple and based on a modular design, making it suitable for any existing building. By using lightweight yet durable components and an adaptable installation system, the entire system becomes accessible, reducing installation and maintenance costs, making green roofs, facades, and floors affordable for residential buildings or low-income contexts. The LIFE CAPT-TILE project will scale up the technology to a pre-industrial level and demonstrate its feasibility through two real-case installations realizing CAPT-TILE roofs and green façade. LIFE CAPT-TILE will improve the quality of our cities and of our life: each m2 of CAPT-TILE surface has the potential to absorb 36kg/y of CO2 from the atmosphere and to filter pollutants from the air, leading to better air quality for citizens and can also have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Finally, green roofs and facades will provide habitats for pollinators and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation."