At the H2O&Sustainability Summit, 2024 held at the University of Algarve in Faro, Algarve, CERIS researchers Inês Flores-Colen, Ana Paula Dias, and Jéssica Bersch achieved an impressive milestone, securing second place in the PhD and Researchers category for their project “OCEANS: Originating Coatings for Buildings Seeking Air Cleaning with Novel Sea-Based Materials.” This accolade, awarded in the 2nd Edition of the Call for Projects by H2O&Sustainability, includes a prize of €3,500—comprising €1,000 in cash and €2,500 in mentoring support for business and financial model development.
The OCEANS project aims to develop a patented, eco-friendly photocatalytic coating for building facades, using a unique formulation derived from calcined shells and a macroalgae matrix. Designed to enhance air quality, this sustainable coating represents a breakthrough in green building materials, combining environmental benefits with architectural innovation. The team’s success underscores the growing importance of sustainable materials in construction and the potential of ocean-derived resources in creating cleaner urban spaces.
