On Tuesday 2 July 2024, the UMONS hosted the first working meeting for the partners in the CleanAirBouw project, funded under the European Interreg VI France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen programme. The aim of the project, which is supported by UCEIV, is to improve environmental and health protection by reducing urban air pollution through the development of innovative processes.
Drawing on their experience under the previous Interreg programme (DepollutAir, TEXACOV and Et’Air projects), 8 cross-border partners: Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (UCEIV TCEP and CTEA + CCM/PFT), Universiteit Gent, Université de Lille, Université de Mons, Materia Nova, Université de Namur, Cluster Eco-Construction and CEREMA + 4 associated partners: Builtwise, CD2E, Espace Environnement, Octopus lab, have decided to pool their skills in order to develop new, effective systems for treating not only indoor air but also emissions of pollutants from biomass (wood) combustion. The project will also provide scientific support to help draw up standards in France and Belgium, in particular by developing a monitoring system based on innovative sensors.
Particular attention will be paid to raising awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution, especially among students, local authorities through schools and building professionals through training courses. This will provide residents and local authorities with the keys to dealing with indoor air pollution, particularly in terms of choosing the most appropriate technique.
The consortium will focus on developing (i) a complete indoor air treatment system that will be toxicologically validated and (ii) a treatment process for pollutant emissions from biomass (wood) combustion. The applicability of these processes will be verified by carrying out both technical and economic assessments in parallel with life cycle analyses.