Grantee Research Project Results
VerdeTerra Algae-Based HVAC Project
EPA Contract Number: 68HERC25C0015Title: VerdeTerra Algae-Based HVAC Project
Investigators: Snyder, Mark S
Small Business: VerdeTerra LLC.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: December 16, 2024 through June 15, 2025
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2025) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
People spend 80-95% of their lives indoors , where air quality is often 2-5 times worse than outdoors. Indoor CO2 levels frequently reach unhealthy levels in occupied spaces like meeting rooms and classrooms, even with existing air quality technologies. Elevated CO2 can reduce cognitive performance by 10-15% and exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma. The climate crisis worsens these issues as HVAC systems become essential, yet they account for 38% of a building’s energy use and 12% of global energy consumption. VerdeTerra is addressing this challenge by expanding its Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies, focusing on CO2 and VOCs such as CO, NOx, and SOx, particularly in small and medium sources and integration with HVAC systems. The Albero, VerdeTerra’s innovative air purification system, uses cyanobacteria, specifically Spirulina, to absorb CO2, offering a more effective and sustainable solution than traditional air purifiers. Unlike conventional mechanical filtration, the Albero integrates a biologically-mediated process that reduces CO2 and other indoor pollutants more effectively.
Controlled experiments with the Albero prototype, which features six micro-tubular photobioreactors, have demonstrated its superior performance in reducing CO2 levels compared to traditional air purifiers and natural air-scrubbing plants. The Albero excels, particularly at higher CO2 concentrations, making it a reliable and viable solution for indoor air quality improvement. When compared to existing technologies, the Albero significantly outperforms HEPA/charcoal filters and natural bioremediators like Spathiphyllum plants by removing up to ten times more CO2. Its potential integration with HVAC systems could enhance energy efficiency by reducing the need for outside air intake, contributing to lower overall energy consumption in buildings. The Albero’s commercial potential spans a wide range of industries and environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It is especially suited for tightly sealed buildings where maintaining air quality is crucial for occupant health and productivity. End users, such as facility managers and operators of critical environments like laboratories and classrooms, can benefit from reduced energy use and improved air quality, contributing to efforts to combat climate change while enhancing indoor environments.
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.