Press release
NanoSci, a Polish technology company specialising in advanced air purification solutions, will provide an innovative system combining air purification with heat recovery for Skanska Residential Development Poland’s buildings. The system has been trialled at one of Skanska’s flat sales offices in Kraków. According to the roadmap jointly adopted by both companies, the system is ultimately intended for use in residential developments.
NanoSci and Skanska Residential Development Poland are jointly developing a decentralised photocatalytic ventilation unit with heat recovery. The device acts as a built-in air exchange system, enabling effective ventilation. It alternately supplies outdoor air—purified of pollutants such as smog gases—whilst removing excess carbon dioxide from the room. The decentralised photocatalytic unit significantly improves air quality, which in Poland is still often heavily polluted by smog, whilst at the same time reducing heating costs and helping to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards for building energy efficiency.
An innovative solution for residents and developers
Until now, decentralised heat recovery units have mainly been used in single-family homes in Poland and Europe. NanoSci and Skanska aim to adapt these devices—following a series of necessary tests—for use in multi-family buildings, opening up new opportunities for the developer’s clients.
The devices have been trialled at Skanska’s sales office in Kraków, where they will undergo several months of intensive testing. Feedback from users—Skanska’s own employees—will be collected and incorporated on an ongoing basis to optimise the system’s performance. Following the trial period, a detailed report will summarise the system’s effectiveness. This analysis will inform the further development of the technology, which is intended for future Skanska residential developments.
‘The use of decentralised heat recovery units in Skanska’s multi-family buildings would benefit future residents above all. As well as improving indoor air quality, NanoSci’s system also enables the optimisation and modernisation of ventilation systems, whilst reducing the associated costs,’ says Artur Łeszczyński, Business Development Director at Skanska Residential Development Poland.
User benefits
The NanoSci unit not only purifies indoor air of pollutants commonly found in Polish smog—such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), viruses and bacteria—but also delivers significant energy savings. By recovering heat from exhaust air, rooms remain warm even during intensive ventilation.
‘Our collaboration with Skanska Residential Poland marks a breakthrough in the development of our technology. The pilot installation at Skanska’s Kraków sales office demonstrates how innovative solutions can meet the real needs of residents and developers. With our system, the estimated heat exchange efficiency can reach up to 90%. For example, with an indoor temperature of 20°C and an outdoor temperature of 0°C, the supplied air can reach approximately 18°C. Under current conditions, for a 60 m² flat, this translates into annual savings of up to 800 PLN,’ explains Adam Kądziela, CEO of NanoSci.
‘We continue to improve the performance of energy-efficient solutions across Skanska’s residential projects. By reducing consumption of increasingly costly energy, we enhance our customers’ living comfort whilst minimising human impact on the climate—delivering on Skanska’s ambitious net-zero carbon targets. Every new technology brings us closer to full climate neutrality, which we aim to achieve by 2045. That is, in reality, a short timeframe. We’re actively pursuing emerging technologies—including those not yet widely known. That’s why we encourage representatives of innovative solution providers to get in touch. We believe that through collaboration and synergy, we can transform the residential construction sector even more dynamically whilst growing our businesses together,’ adds Artur Łeszczyński of Skanska.
Advantages of the heat recovery unit
The system developed by NanoSci is characterised by low operating costs and minimal maintenance requirements. Whilst traditional purifiers require the replacement of carbon or HEPA filters every few months, the NanoSci unit requires its key components—such as the LED-enhanced photocatalytic layer—to be replaced only approximately every five years. The decentralised heat recovery system operates via continuous communication between units and incorporates various sensors, including those monitoring air quality and window opening.
Many city dwellers are exposed to high indoor concentrations of CO₂ and VOCs. According to the European Environment Agency, these pollutants—emitted by carpets, adhesives, wallpaper, cleaning products and other chemicals—can reach concentrations two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. At the same time, bringing in fresh, clean air is hampered by outdoor smog, exhaust fumes and heat loss during ventilation.
‘Our heat recovery units address these challenges by providing purified air without the need to open windows. Not only do we improve residents’ quality of life, but we also help reduce the spread of illness and support the body’s night-time recovery,’ adds Adam Kądziela.
***
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit the page: “The future of residential construction”.