Inside the Evolabs and Erasmus+ Collaboration Empowering Maritime Education and Environmental Intelligence in Albania
Vlora, May 2025
In a time when climate-smart education is more important than ever, EvoLabs has proudly contributed to a meaningful transformation at the University “Ismail Qemali” of Vlora. As part of the European Union–funded Erasmus+ “Zero C” Capacity Building Project, EvoLabs supplied and activated a complete set of environmental and simulation tools—placing the university on the map as a regional hub for green transport innovation and environmental awareness.
At the center of this effort is the installation of a state-of-the-art Air Quality Monitoring Station, now fully operational on campus. But that’s only one part of the story.
This collaboration is about more than devices—it's about helping institutions use real-time environmental intelligence to educate, prepare, and lead in the transition toward a cleaner, data-driven future.
What Is Zero C? And Why It Matters
The Zero C – Enhancing Knowledge and Skills at WB HEIs in Preparation for Zero Carbon Maritime Transport and Logistics Society project is an Erasmus+ initiative involving universities from across the Western Balkans and the EU. Its goal is to build academic capacity in sustainable maritime logistics through infrastructure, software, and human-centered learning.
As Albania’s designated technology integrator for this project, EvoLabs delivered three critical solutions:
- ✅ A real-time Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) integrated with a cloud platform
- ✅ An LNG bunkering simulation module for the university’s TechSim 5000 marine simulator
- ✅ A multimethod Port Logistics Simulation Software supporting agent-based and spatial modeling with GIS compatibility
These systems work together to make the university a pioneer in applied green education, blending environment, technology, and maritime learning.
Clean Air, Clear Insight — The AQMS at Work
The Air Quality Monitoring Station is more than a sensor—it's an educational engine. Installed at a strategic location on campus, it constantly measures:
- PM2.5 and PM10
- Temperature, humidity, wind, and other meteorological data
All data is transmitted to a cloud-based platform accessible to students, researchers, and faculty in real-time.
This tool allows the university to:
- Track pollution patterns in Vlora’s urban and port areas
- Compare seasonal data and generate trend reports
- Use live environmental data for assignments, lab work, and thesis projects
- Engage with public institutions through open data initiatives
From Equipment to Empowerment — Training for Impact
Technology without understanding is wasted potential. That’s why EvoLabs didn’t stop at installation—we delivered a dedicated training session to faculty and university staff focused on:
- Navigating the data dashboard
- Exporting historical datasets
- Setting thresholds and alerts
- Integrating the platform into coursework and research methods
This hands-on training ensures that the station becomes part of the academic DNA of the university—not just a device on the roof.
A Learning Ecosystem in Action
The station is already being embedded into academic life. With guidance from Prof. Kristofor Lapa, who has played a pivotal role in leading the project implementation at the university, the AQMS is now part of a wider academic and research ecosystem. It supports:
- Environmental science programs
- Engineering and public health courses
- Capstone projects and urban planning research
- Community engagement initiatives on air pollution awareness
It’s a bridge between theory and practice—where students learn how data informs real decisions in health, transport, and urban policy.
Smart Simulation — Building Maritime Readiness
Alongside air quality monitoring, the project also delivered high-impact simulation tools to advance maritime education:
- The LNG bunkering module adds next-gen green fuel scenarios to the university’s engine room simulator, preparing students for clean shipping operations
- The port logistics platform enables the modeling of transport flows, port layouts, and cargo optimization using dynamic and GIS-based simulations
These tools allow students to test real-world logistics challenges in virtual environments—helping them become future-ready professionals for Albania’s growing maritime and port sectors.
Education That Breathes With the City
What makes this project especially relevant is its connection to place. Vlora is a growing coastal city—its economic and ecological future depends on how well it balances development with environmental responsibility.
By embedding smart technologies within a public university, the Zero C project and EvoLabs are helping build:
- Local expertise in environmental science
- Long-term data for civic and urban planning
- Community-centered education
- A foundation for collaboration with municipalities and NGOs
This is education that doesn’t live in theory—it breathes with the city.
Looking Ahead — From One Campus to a National Network
The success of this installation opens the door to wider possibilities. With growing interest from other universities, municipalities, and NGOs, EvoLabs is exploring opportunities to build a national network of monitoring stations linked by cloud data and open access platforms.
The goal? To connect research, policy, and practice in a way that empowers real change—from coastal cities like Vlora to inland farming communities.
About EvoLabs
EvoLabs is an Albanian technology integrator specializing in air quality monitoring, smart agriculture, and environmental sensing systems. We provide infrastructure and consulting services for educational institutions, municipalities, and private organizations that want to turn environmental data into meaningful action.
🔗 Visit www.evolabs.al to explore our solutions or reach out for a consultation.