Backed by EPFL’s Startup Launchpad, Malcolm Onifadé and his R.Unit project focus on the thermal comfort of pedestrians in urban environments during heat waves. In practice, R.Unit relies on an urban structure that takes advantage of rainwater to cool the ambient air in pedestrian zones, public spaces and transport hubs.
By optimizing water resource management, R.Unit reduces dependence on drinking water and alleviates urban water run-off problems. In addition, this approach encourages the industry to adopt environmentally-friendly practices, which could lead to an overhaul of standards, and ultimately create a transformative precedent for the entire heating, ventilation and air-conditioning sector.
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