The EU-funded D^2EPC project is revolutionising building energy performance assessment and certification with dynamic Energy Performance Certificates that adapt to real data, empowering homeowners, building professionals and policymakers for a more sustainable future.
Mercury pollution presents a significant risk to environment and human health, in particular its accumulation in edible fish. The EU-funded Global Mercury Observation and Training network project (ITN GMOS-Train) helped model mercury’s chemical behaviour and fate in land, air and marine environments. The work will support public health initiatives and make more informed dietary choices possible.
Hydrogen produced with electricity is one of the most promising approaches for reducing carbon emissions, yet large-scale production has proven difficult. One problem lies in the need for rare metals to act as catalysts. The EU-funded CaBiS project has been exploring the possibility of adapting natural processes, with synthetic enzymes.
Agriculture accounts for 25 % of the world’s total carbon emissions. To help the sector reduce its carbon footprint, the EU-funded AgriCapture project is turning to a process that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in soil. Not only can this reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, it also improves soil quality.
Currently there are no therapy options available for those suffering acute radiation sickness. But hope is on the horizon. A combination of carbon and pectin developed by the EU-funded NanoMed project can absorb damaging molecules generated in the body after exposure to radiation. It’s the first step towards a simple pill that can be given to those exposed to high levels of radiation.
The unequal development of industry is a major challenge in Europe. The EU-funded EPIC project created a new Centre of Excellence in Hungary, focused on cutting-edge industrial technologies such as digitalisation, big data analytics, robotics and artificial intelligence. The facilities and training programmes will boost local industry and support a new generation of high-skilled workers.
Many of the precursor chemicals essential to our everyday products are derived from fossil fuels. A breakthrough in molecular engineering made by the EU-funded CATACOAT project could help industry transition towards renewable sources of carbon, such as plants. This could help to reduce our carbon footprint, and create new green business opportunities.
The intricate relationship between mental states and economic decisions has yet to be fully explored. The EU-funded IBEP project set out to bridge this gap with a fusion of economics, psychiatry and practical philosophy. Their objective was to inform policies that enhance individual well-being, productivity and overall socio-economic development.
A lack of interoperability can leave Europe’s first response teams relying on basic safety equipment and their wits. The EU-funded Search and Rescue project developed a communications platform to help disparate teams effectively collaborate, sharing information and resources. The consortium also produced a range of technologies, from radiation sensors to a robotic sniffer dog.
Our cities are home to the vast majority of Europeans, but they are under pressure from the complexities of climate change and rapid urbanisation. The EU-funded CURE project leveraged the power of Earth Observation satellites to address these issues, aiming to create safer, more sustainable cities for EU citizens.
