UESG: The Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development (IERSD) of the National Observatory of Athens is active in the research fields of atmospheric environment, energy, climate, climate change, meteorology, and hydrology. The Urban Environmental Sustainability Group operates within IERSD, with Dr. Vasiliki Assimakopoulou serving as the scientific coordinator and head of research. The group possesses a substantial time series (over 10 years) of pollution emission data for the entire Greece and Attica region, with a comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis created exclusively by the team using data from official national and European sources following the EMEP/CORINAIR methodology. This dataset includes both conventional and greenhouse gas pollutants and is utilized in studies analyzing pollution episodes, assessing the impact of various sources (vehicles, shipping, etc.) on air quality, and scenarios for improvement. Participating in European projects focused on reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in objects and informing and raising awareness among citizens, the group has expertise in managing and guiding national and European projects. The group’s publications exceed 200, and its projects number over 50.

BESG: The Building Environmental Studies Group belongs to the Department of Physics, School of Science, at the University of Athens. The scientific coordinator and head of the group is Associate Professor Margarita Niki Assimakopoulou. The laboratories of the group are equipped with modern experimental tools primarily used for determining levels of atmospheric pollution (indoor and outdoor spaces), thermal comfort, durability, and performance of construction materials, as well as digital imaging of the energy performance of buildings. The ultimate goal is to improve the urban environment and address climate change. Participating in numerous Greek and international programs, in collaboration with universities and industries, the group has extensive experience in managing and coordinating national and EU projects. Specifically, the number of national and European programs has exceeded 500, while scientific publications surpass 400. Additionally, the group provides advanced-level courses and laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the department, who have the opportunity to actively participate in the group’s projects Read more.

Energy4Smart: Energy4Smart is a newly established enterprise characterized by its innovative constructions, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits to its users. Exclusively utilizing renewable energy sources, it can meet daily needs while simultaneously reducing the city’s energy footprint. Energy4Smart constructions provide public spaces with Wi-Fi, information, and advertising, emergency alerts, USB charging for electronic devices, and, above all, an aesthetically pleasing space for socializing, relaxation, work, and information. Its two members also participate in ARGIRO NAZIRI KAI SIA EE, the first and only Greek company specializing in the design and construction of smart benches and infokiosks. The two members transfer the technical knowledge and experience gained in this modern field from one company to another, advancing further through Energy4Smart Read more.

Record parameters (land use, emission sources, socio-economic characteristics of the population, etc.) for understanding the problems and specificities of pilot municipalities and supporting the assessment of the population’s exposure to pollution in conjunction with other air quality data.

Install autonomously powered sensors with continuous connection for real-time data transmission.

Expand the network for monitoring atmospheric pollution and meteorological parameters through high-precision, low-cost sensors.

Connect sensors to the infokiosk screens for the immediate information of citizens through the screens of “smart” air monitoring stations.

Raise awareness among citizens regarding air quality, exposure to polluting conditions, and their participation in environmental actions.

Send data to municipalities for immediate information, drawing conclusions, planning/adapting environmental policies, disseminating information to the general public, and taking timely measures to address pollution incidents.

Support the local economy with sustainable development actions by offering a range of “Smart City” services, such as using info kiosk benches for charging mobile phones and accessible vehicle charging for people with disabilities.