VersaTile (Top 30)

Mission

Take Your Footsteps To The Next Level Solution Ready. Set. Walk

The challenge

1. According to EMBER Dutch Electricity Prices, the cost of gas and electricity increased exponentially,with over 180 euros /MWh. 2. Increasing Sports Facilities According to a report by the Dutch government, the average energy consumption for asports center or gym in the Netherlands has increased to around 180 kWh/m2 per year. 3. The construction industry in the Netherlands has been experiencing growth in recent years. The country has been witnessing a steady increase in construction activities, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, infrastructure development, and the demand for housing. 4.Only 8% of materials used for construction come from materials that have been cycled back into use. In fact, Circular material usage in the EU has even decreased in 2022. 5. Lack of Energy Harvesting Opportunities for Indoor While outdoor energy generation systems have garnered significant attention and proven their effectiveness, the indoor realm remains largely untapped in terms of energy harvesting. A concerted effort to develop and implement dedicated indoor energy generation solutions is essential to optimize energy utilization, reduce dependence on external sources, and pave the way for sustainable building practices of the future. 6. The existing energy generating floors are not suitable for intense activities and are not made of sustainable materials.

The solution

VersaTile was developed as a modular energy-generating floor tile that is able to satisfy both thermal and acoustic requirements for indoor environments and sustainability. Since the pressure-based energy floor technology already exists, the aim was to develop further to make the product more circular and suitable for indoor occupants. The floor serves multiple functions: Thermal and acoustic performance improvement, complete disassembly, surface layer customization, height adjustments and DIY installations. The product is made of 100% recycled plastic in collaboration with material partners. The circular economy concept through recycling waste materials to transform into new floors is not enough. The aim of the business is to go beyond carbon neutral and achieve negative carbon emission to achieve “true” sustainability. The solid, customisable, disassemblable, floor tiles made of recycled and biobased materials will turn every footstep into electrical energy, contributing to reduced energy bills and climate-responsive design.