At the end of February 2024, MPC Properties, in collaboration with the “Mihajlo Pupin” Institute Ltd. Belgrade, and with the support of UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, enabled the installation of an innovative energy-neutral system for reducing air pollution on the plaza in front of one of its portfolio properties, Ušće Shopping Center.
This project, in addition to its environmental benefits, has broader social significance, as it contributes to raising awareness about the importance of preserving our environment. Furthermore, it helps build a sustainable environment, promotes the Green Agenda, and encourages the use of energy from surrounding alternative sources as much as possible.
How Does the Built Energy-Neutral System Work?
Installed to harness energy from alternative sources—kinetic energy from traffic and wind energy—this system enables the operation of two outdoor air purification units within the Ušće business complex.
Since the end of February, preliminary results have indicated that the installed system has strong potential for generating positive outcomes in the coming years.
When evaluating the performance indicators of the air pollution reduction system, which consists of two purification units installed on the plaza in front of the entrance to UŠĆE Shopping Center, measurements taken in March confirmed that the system is delivering the expected effects. However, a more comprehensive analysis of its positive impact is anticipated in the upcoming period—between November 2024 and March 2025.
At the time of installation, climatic conditions were such that average daily temperatures were above the long-term seasonal average. This resulted in minimal heating activity in the city, meaning that boiler houses—the primary sources of urban air pollution—operated at a reduced capacity. Additionally, strong winds during that period helped maintain air pollution levels at the threshold of acceptable impact on public health.
Under these circumstances, the air purification system did not need to operate at full capacity. It is therefore expected that during the upcoming heating season, a much deeper analysis and long-term impact projection will be possible.
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On the other hand, the energy devices installed in the underground garage of UŠĆE and outside, near the Ušće business building, have provided more concrete indicators. The radial air turbine, at its designated location, has generated nine times more energy than what was measured in the first month after its installation.
The results would likely be even more compelling if the turbine were connected to actual consumers as originally planned (such as a charging station for electric bicycles and personal devices). This implementation is expected to be realized in the near future in collaboration with the “Mihajlo Pupin” Institute in Belgrade, which designed and manufactured the turbine.
The floor transition plates installed on the first level (-1) of the underground garage have demonstrated impressive durability over the past seven months of use. By walking over these plates, visitors to UŠĆE have been generating electrical energy.
Some minor issues caused by the mechanical installation of the transition plates have been observed, and improvements are planned in the coming months. There is also consideration of installing additional transition plates to ensure that all entrance routes are equipped with these devices for harnessing an alternative energy source—kinetic energy from moving vehicles.
Additionally, future plans include connecting the control electrical cabinet of the floor transition plates to real energy consumers in the garage, such as signaling, lighting, and ventilation. This would enhance the system’s efficiency and further raise public awareness of alternative energy sources.
Considering the previous review of the project’s results, we emphasize that MPC Properties is dedicated to and enthusiastically supports the use of alternative, green energy and innovative applications to achieve a higher level of environmental sustainability.
We look forward to all the next steps, both within this project and in all future initiatives to which we remain fully committed.