Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: 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:
VerdeTerra developed a novel HVAC-compatible indoor air purification system using live Spirulina-based photobioreactors. The project addressed two main challenges in building air quality: (1) the need for indoor volatile organic compound (VOC) pollutant reduction and (2) HVAC integration between commercial building systems and photobioreactor.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
- CO₂ removal efficiency reached 71% at 3000 ppm; consistently reduced 5000 ppm CO₂ to under 1000 ppm in 15 minutes
- NO₂ removal efficiency ranged from 20–26%
- SO₂ caused algae chlorosis at 100 ppm, preventing further uptake
- Static CO₂ leak testing confirmed <5% loss over 23.6 hours
- Power draw remained stable at ~97 W, consuming 11.82 kWh over 122 hours
- Full BACnet/IP integration demonstrated, with MQTT-based controls triggering air damper actuators based on real time photobioreactor performance
VerdeTerra redesigned its sales strategy, expanded its online presence across social media platforms, and joined the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) accelerator in Atlanta, GA. Pilot deployment opportunities are being pursued in healthcare, real estate, and institutional markets, with Phase II targeting development of multi-VOC sensor pack deployments to enable broad commercial adoption and real-time indoor air monitoring. Integrating the VerdeTerra system in a safe, data-driven, and occupancy-focused manner to collect real-world pilot data.
Conclusions:
VerdeTerra's system achieved all major technical objectives, demonstrating significant pollutant reduction, stable energy efficiency, and HVAC commercial compatibility in lab environments. The Spirulina-based photobioreactor platform is now primed for real-world field trials. As building owners and facility managers place greater emphasis on occupant well-being, HVAC operational efficiency, and verifiable air quality improvements, VerdeTerra’s nature-based system offers a unique integration of pollutant reduction, energy savings, and system visibility. Phase II efforts will focus on scaling the technology for broader deployment, with an emphasis on data transparency, HVAC compatibility, and commercially viable implementation across priority sectors.
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.