At the end of February 2024, MPC Properties, in cooperation with the Mihajlo Pupin Institute in Belgrade and with the support of UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, installed an innovative system for reducing air pollution on the plateau in front of UŠĆE Shopping Center.
What makes this system unique is its complete energy neutrality – it relies solely on renewable energy sources from its immediate surroundings, such as wind and the kinetic energy generated by vehicle movement.
This project not only has an important ecological role but also broader significance, as it raises awareness about environmental protection, promotes the so-called Green Agenda, and contributes to creating a more sustainable urban environment.
The system uses two energy sources:
- wind turbines, powered by air currents in the UŠĆE business complex zone,
- and special floor panels installed in the center’s garage, which collect kinetic energy when cars drive over them.
The collected energy is used to power two air purification devices located in the open space in front of the center. The system automatically activates the devices when the concentration of PM10 particles exceeds the threshold value of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, with the threshold adjustable via software if needed.
For analysis, portable sensors were used to record data at different distances from the devices. The cleanest air quality was measured directly next to the system, while pollution levels gradually increased with distance.
The devices operated only during the day, and only when sensors detected elevated pollution levels. The longest uninterrupted runtime was as much as 9.5 hours. Since the system uses energy from wind and traffic without relying on the electrical grid, it is entirely ecological and does not generate additional energy costs.
Based on the results achieved, MPC Properties reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and announces continued investment in innovative solutions that rely on renewable energy sources and contribute to more sustainable urban living.