Metabolic architecture: Living systems design could out-perform conventional HVAC
Researchers have developed a biofilter system using plants and microbes to reduce indoor CO2 levels, potentially outperforming traditional HVAC systems. This technology is designed to improve indoor air quality as outdoor CO2 concentrations continue to rise due to climate change.
Why it matters
As climate change impacts air quality, this innovation offers a sustainable, nature-based solution for healthier indoor environments in urban settings.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Credit: Yale University A new study led by researchers at the Yale Center for Ecosystems and Architecture (Yale CEA), together with NYU, Purdue, YSE, Buro Happold and others, shows how plant-based biofilters could help reduce indoor CO 2 to levels below those found outdoors. Conventional HVAC systems cannot achieve this through ventilation alone, making this approach increasingly relevant as climate change drives higher CO 2 concentrations and greater demands on indoor environments. The findings are published in the journal Energy and Buildings .
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