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The RE-BREATH project, funded by the European Commission’s LIFE Programme, has successfully addressed non-exhaust microparticle emissions from braking systems in local public transport. This initiative brought together leading partners from research, business, and public institutions to develop innovative solutions for more environmentally friendly urban mobility. By focusing on brake wear emissions, the project demonstrated practical advancements that contribute to cleaner air in cities.
Key Highlights
- Innovative Brake System: Developed by Brembo N.V., featuring low-wear cast iron discs and 100% copper-free pads for heavy-duty vehicles.
- Emission Reductions: Achieved a 10% decrease in PM10 emissions compared to original equipment systems.
- Extended Component Life: Brake discs showed a 50% increase in service life over original equipment and 100% over aftermarket systems.
- Green Mitigation Success: PM10 concentrations dropped by 40% to 70% at bus stops with green barriers.
- Real-World Testing: Conducted in Bergamo and Bratislava, cities noted for high PM10 levels by the European Environment Agency.
- Scalability and Replication: Systems are being adopted in light commercial vehicle fleets in Italy and Slovenia, ahead of Euro 7 standards.
Project Overview and Achievements
The RE-BREATH initiative targeted the reduction of brake wear emissions in the transport sector, emphasizing sustainable practices for public buses. Partners designed an advanced braking system that maintains high braking efficiency while significantly lowering particulate matter output. The brake discs, derived from Brembo’s expertise in private transport compliant with Euro 6 standards, pair with specially engineered pads set for market release by the end of 2025.
Road tests spanning 16 months in real urban environments validated the system’s performance. These demonstrations not only confirmed initial goals but also highlighted substantial improvements in durability. For instance, the new discs exhibited a remarkable extension in lifespan, outperforming traditional options and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Emission estimates, calculated using bench test factors and European Environment Agency methodologies, revealed a 10% reduction in PM10 emissions when comparing the RE-BREATH solution to standard original equipment. This progress is crucial for urban areas struggling with air quality issues.
Environmental Mitigation Strategies
Beyond hardware innovations, the project incorporated green infrastructure to combat pollution at source points. Bus stops in participating cities were equipped with green barriers, which effectively lowered PM10 concentrations by 40% to 70%. These interventions underscore the value of combining technological upgrades with nature-based solutions for holistic environmental benefits.
The data gathered has been shared with international bodies, including Task Force 5 of the UNECE, to inform future emission regulations. This collaboration positions the RE-BREATH model as a benchmark for scalable applications in high-demand urban settings.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Implications
Key contributors included Arriva Italia and Arriva Slovakia, which facilitated system replication across fleets in Bergamo, Rome, and Slovenia. The Municipality of Bergamo handled communication and local green initiatives, while the National Research Council—through its Institutes of Atmospheric Pollution and for the Study of Manufactured Materials—conducted pollutant analyses and developed dispersion models.
This partnership exemplifies how synergies between industry, academia, and government can drive low-impact mobility. The RE-BREATH framework offers a replicable blueprint for fostering greener, more resilient cities that balance citizen needs with environmental protection. As urban transport evolves, such innovations pave the way for widespread adoption of sustainable components, aligning with upcoming standards like Euro 7.
In summary, the RE-BREATH project marks a significant step toward minimizing brake-related pollution, promoting healthier urban environments through proven, collaborative strategies. Its outcomes encourage ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly technologies into public transport systems worldwide.
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