Airex have welcomed Julia Groves as their new Chair. With 20+ years dedicated to a sustainable economy, Julia brings immense expertise in renewable energy, democratizing finance, and responsible investments. Julia has formerly led the sustainability team at the British Business Bank, she's also on the Nesta Impact Investment Committee and advises Engine B. As a serial entrepreneur and successful angel investor, Airex are excited to work with Julia in their next stage of development and growth.
In addition, Agnes Czako, CEO of Airex Technologies, has been selected as one of 24 young climate innovators from 19 countries to showcase the groundbreaking smart air brick solution at COP28 in Dubai. This prestigious opportunity is part of UNICEF Innovation30, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between young climate innovators and investors while spotlighting sustainable solutions created by founders dedicated to making a difference.
In 2017, Agnes began the journey of designing and manufacturing the world's first Smart Air Brick solution, aimed at reducing heat loss and managing air quality in homes. This innovation is particularly critical, considering that heating buildings are responsible for 36% of CO2 emissions across Europe. The poorly insulated, leaky, and energy-inefficient buildings demand more energy for heating, resulting in higher carbon emissions.
Children, being particularly sensitive to the effects of air pollution and fuel poverty, stand to benefit significantly from Airex's solution. In a country facing a crisis of damp and mould, especially in low-income families residing in social housing, Airex's innovative solution has proven instrumental. Thousands of children in the UK are hospitalised annually due to the adverse effects of damp and mould, highlighting the urgency of such interventions.
This innovation is significantly impacting the lives of children and families grappling with fuel poverty within the UK. Now rolled out on a national level, Airex has successfully improved the well-being of thousands of families by providing access to healthier and more comfortable homes through more acceptable ventilation and reduced fuel costs.
Airex reduces the average home's annual energy bills by 12%, addressing heat loss and fuel poverty simultaneously. The holistic approach of Airex is contributing to a healthier and more sustainable living environment for vulnerable families, ensuring that children can thrive in homes free from the harmful effects of fuel poverty.
Airex's potential impact extends beyond individual UK homes, with the capability to save 370 million tonnes of carbon emissions in Europe alone and over a billion tonnes globally. This illustrates the importance of UNICEF's call at COP28 for critical investment in child-focused climate interventions, especially those led by young innovators.
The initiative, Innovation30, is part of UNICEF's Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP), collaborating with 14 climate accelerators and partners worldwide, including MIT, Cambridge University, and Imperial College London. Airex's participation in this state-of-the-art holographic exhibition at COP28 demonstrates the global importance of sourcing and scaling youth-led climate innovations.
About UNICEF Innovation30
The initiative, Innovation30 – Young Climate Innovators Shaping the Future aligned with Agenda 2030 for sustainable development was designed by a diverse collaborative network of UNICEF, global accelerators, and leading universities. The initiative aims to build a pipeline of scientifically vetted breakthrough climate innovations created by under 30s, placing them centre stage as stakeholders, technical experts, and designers driving climate solutions.