REPORT: Cleaner Air 4 Communities (2015)

Cleaner Air 4 Communities Final Evaluation Reporting to Trust for London September 2015

Contents 1.

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 6

1.1.

Key findings & Results .................................................................................................. 6

1.2.

Recommendations ....................................................................................................... 6

2.

London’s Air Quality ........................................................................................................ 7

2.1.

Current policy .............................................................................................................. 7

2.2.

Evaluating Action Plans ................................................................................................ 7

2.3.

Health ......................................................................................................................... 8

2.4.

Technology and data ................................................................................................... 9

3.

Aim of the project ......................................................................................................... 10

3.1.

Partnership working ................................................................................................... 10

3.2.

Theory of Change ...................................................................................................... 11

4.

Case Studies ................................................................................................................. 14

4.1. Case Study: Battersea Society, Wandsworth Living Streets, Wandsworth Society (Wandsworth) ...................................................................................................................... 14 4.2.

Case Study: Sustainable Merton (Merton) ................................................................... 15

4.3.

Case Study: Transition Town Tooting, South Thames College (Wandsworth)................ 16

4.4.

Case Study: Gascoigne Place Residents Association (Tower Hamlets) ........................... 17

4.5.

Case Study: Hackney Residents Group (Hackney) ........................................................ 19

4.6.

Case Study: Hornbeam (Waltham Forest) .................................................................... 20

4.7.

Case Study St. Matthew’s Church (Brent) ................................................................... 21

4.8.

Case Study: Save Swiss Cottage Action Group (Camden) ............................................ 22

5.

Activities, Outcomes and Recommendations .................................................................. 23 5.1

Policy and Planning ................................................................................................ 23

5.1.1

Activities and outcomes ...................................................................................... 24

5.1.1.1

Conferences & learning events with policy makers, NGOs & community groups 24

5.1.1.2

Policy development ......................................................................................... 25

5.1.2 5.2

Recommendations .............................................................................................. 26 Health and wellbeing ............................................................................................. 29

5.2.1

Activities and outcomes ...................................................................................... 29

5.2.1.1

Engaging with Public Heath ............................................................................. 29

5.2.1.2

Mystery Shopper ............................................................................................. 29

5.2.2

Recommendations .............................................................................................. 30

Supreme Court with ClientEarth – 16/04/2015 ............................................................... 30 5.3

Community awareness, engagement and understanding ......................................... 31

Awareness in the community, business and local authority is key with an understanding of the challenge through data essential. ................................................................................ 31 Page 2

5.3.1

Activities and outcomes ...................................................................................... 31

5.3.2

Recommendations .............................................................................................. 32

6.

Unexpected outcomes ............................................................................................... 33

7.

Spending ................................................................................................................... 33

8.

Gained Experience ..................................................................................................... 33

9.

Changes to delivery structure ..................................................................................... 33

10.

Appendices ............................................................................................................ 34

10.1

Summary of citizen science methods & data ............................................................ 34

10.2

Examples of educational materials produced ........................................................... 35

10.3

Examples of published articles / media attention ...................................................... 38

Table of figures Summary of project ................................................................................................................ 4 Our route map for making London’s air cleaner....................................................................... 5 Complete list of media coverage of the project and, air quality more widely ............................. 7 Table 2.1 Overview of AQAP................................................................................................... 8 Table 2.2 Area Overview......................................................................................................... 9 Table 3.1 Key partners .......................................................................................................... 10 Table 3.2 Steering group members and expertise .................................................................. 11 Diagram 2.1 Theory of Change ............................................................................................. 12 Diagram 2.2 Theory of Change (continued) ........................................................................... 13 Case study: The Urban Air Quality Hackathon, Blog by Hannah Gardiner ............................... 26 Table 5.1 Conference and learning events ............................................................................. 24 Figure 10.1 Citizen Science pollution map ............................................................................. 34 Figure 10.2.1 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Battersea ........................................ 35 Figure 10.2.2 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Tooting ........................................... 36 Figure 10.2.2 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Tooting (continued) ........................ 37 Figure 10.3.1 Wandsworth Guardian (Online) 4th February 2014 ........................................... 38 Figure 10.3.2 Wandsworth Guardian (print) 3rd February 2014 ............................................... 39

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Summary of project

London Sustainability Exchange (LSx) received £50,000 funding from Trust for London to deliver ‘Cleaner Air 4 Communities’ (CA4C)

CA4C is an innovative citizen science and engagement project to educate, activate and encourage communities involvement in air quality

88% of champions rated their level of new learning as “excellent”

in between July 2013 – June 2015

Increased understanding and involvement in air quality issues in eleven community groups

“Working with engaged and enthusiastic communities is vitally important as we work together to address and prioritise air pollution in the borough, and LSx are an essential part of this.” Gavin Stedman – Wandsworth

Identified a ‘critical mass of Londoners’ in air quality issues, engaging 820 people directly, and a further 431,000 people indirectly Influenced local policies, plans to improve air quality Engaged eight Borough Councils in discussions about air quality

Responded to

three

public consultations

Recruited 45 champions who participated in citizen science training sessions, mapping activities, workshops & conferences

“I was actually looking for a set of workshops like this. I was impressed with the community action groups. It was great to go to an event focused on solely on air quality. As a cycling campaigner, I want to use air pollution arguments as covers for better cycle infrastructure.” – Project Beneficiary

“Until today, I was not aware of the severe pollution around Clapham

Junction area. Now I feel I have been informed, and want to change things” – Shop keeper, Clapham Junction Page 4

Our route map for making London’s air cleaner – always engage local people!  Tackle diesel exhaust - make it cleaner o Outer London – ensure that the Ultra Low Emission Zones extends across all London o Support proper testing and the retrofitting or upgrade of the most polluting vehicles such as buses and taxis ( In London, having conversations with fleets and retailers years in advance got businesses ready and able to meet the challenge well in advance of the deadlines)  However not just the most polluting diesel, but all diesel is a problem and it does have to be phased out o Support business to have last mile zero emission deliveries – use planning policies and work with the infrastructure commission to deliver a network of logistic centres o Support transport planning and infrastructure development to bring electric and hydrogen vehicles to London  Work with your Health and Wellbeing Boards: o Include air quality data in Joint Strategic Needs Assessments o Prioritise air quality indicators in Health and Wellbeing Strategies o Influence key areas of responsibility such as transport and planning o Take a look at and implement the NICE guidance on walking and cycling and the emerging guidance on outdoor air quality o Ensure that those suffering from asthma COPD, heart attacks and strokes are supported in times of pollution through their GP services  At transport or planning committees o Support your planning team to develop guidance on air pollution, and permit only zero impact air quality neutral developments. Tall buildings can exacerbate the problem on busy roads - the so called ‘canyon effect’. o Ensure developers pay the appropriate costs o We need a comprehensive assessment of transport in pollution hot spots – who drives there and why? o Encourage lower speed limits (e.g.20 is plenty!), rat running, and configure traffic lights to reduce pollution.  Working with businesses o Encourage shops in polluted areas to ‘close the door’ to reduce indoor pollution o Discourage engine idling, taxis waiting, delivery vehicles and waiting at lights o Encourage small businesses to collaborate on deliveries to reduce idling of delivery vehicles o Create collaboration of deliveries with other local businesses o Invest in new technologies – using apps and data to rationalise their deliveries and support their drivers to drive in the most efficient way.  With your communities o Check out your alerting system to warn vulnerable populations of high pollution events o Work with schools businesses and communities to implement a Cleaner Air 4 Schools programme o Hold a ‘car free’ day and anti–idling sessions at ‘hot spot’ junctions o Local energy saving programme must include ultra low NOx boilers.

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1. Executive Summary According to a recent study by King’s College, an estimated 9,500 Londoners die prematurely each year from causes related to air pollution. Air pollution contributes to a myriad of health problems such as asthma, heart disease, dementia and lung cancer & heart failure, with those in deprived communities suffering disproportionately from the poorest air quality. The London Assembly report in 2012 estimated the health costs of air pollution in the UK are £20 billion a year – twice as much as obesity.

The importance of London’s air pollution challenge has increased drastically throughout the duration of the project both in the media and political discourse, it is vital to maintain the demand from the public which has lead to this increased attention. Improvements to the air we breathe can only be achieved with the enthusiasm, willingness and support of London’s myriad of communities, because improvements will cost money and require us all to do things differently. Expanding activities in to more communities throughout London will act to accelerate improvements in air quality, public health and life expectancy. The following specific areas have been identified to accelerate improvements in air quality through our work with:  11 community groups, with  45 Champions, in  8 london boroughs, responding to  3 public consultations  Reaching 431,000 people.

1.1. Key findings & Results The mass movement that has been created through this project is critical to retain momentum in implementing action to improve air quality. Some of the main results include:  Londoners are increasingly keen to engage and make changes regarding pollution in their area  Identified localised pollution ‘hotspots’ in the areas of Outer London equivalent to that of Inner London  Some areas were under considerable pollution stress as a result of tall buildings, railways bridges and local topography – the so called ‘canyon effect’  Determined NO2 concentrations from citizen science results that are considerably higher than both the EU limit and modelled data (up to four times higher in some cases!)  We have managed to work with policy makers to establish more detailed monitoring in busy streets  Attracted considerable press attention in our activities, and air quality more widely  Working with local community groups has contributed to developing a mass movement and interest in pollution.

1.2. Recommendations  Citizens are important – while many Local Authorities already acknowledge this, few are offering anything tangible or accessible, and need encouragement to work with their local residents.  Joined up working within and across London Boroughs (and beyond) is absolutely essential in tackling air pollution issues  Infrastructure is key – many of the air pollution ‘hot spots’ we encountered are due to inherited infrastructure (tall buildings, topography) and lack of planning (number of buses, bus stops) Page 6

Complete list of media coverage of the project and, air quality more widely    

 

Local coverage in the in the Wandsworth Guardian (Feb – April 2014) LSx appeared on London Live taking live pollution readings during a smog epidemic (April 2014) Published in the Observer (August, 2014) and online Worked with Health Air Campaign Partner Client Earth to get local people to contribute to Supreme Court ruling campaign and received National and International press coverage (April 2015) Evening Standard launches air quality campaign (May 2015) Letter published on the Guardian online in response to emissions-gate as part of the Health Air Campaign (September 2015)

2. London’s Air Quality 2.1. Current policy th We approach the 60 anniversary of the Clean Air Act (1956) passed in response to London’s Great Smog of 1952. However, following on from the Year of Air (2013) London is still failing to meet European Union (EU) air quality limit values for air pollution.

The two pollutants that cause the most concern due to their impact on health are:  Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)  Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) When pollutants are found to exceed the EU limits, an Air Quality Management Zone (AQMZ) must be declared and an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) must be developed by the Borough.

Under the EU Air Quality Directive which came into force in 2010, London as a region has failed to meet NO2 target levels. In April 2015 the UK Supreme Court ordered the UK Government to take immediate action on air pollution following a five year law suit by ClientEarth. The Supreme Court ruling means the Government must start work on a comprehensive plan to meet pollution limits as soon as possible. Some of the measures that must be considered are low emission zones, congestion charging and other economic incentives.

2.2. Evaluating Action Plans We evaluated the Air Quality Action Plans (AQAP) of the Boroughs we worked in through a desktop analysis (using information readily available on public facing WebPages - as of August 2015) using three broad criteria: 1) Ambition and continuity to determine the commitment of the borough in improving air quality  Little or no deviation from DEFRA’s template  Development / demonstration of some independence in approach  Creative and independent approach 2) Transparency and communication to determine how accessible the information on air quality was on their websites Page 7

 None / few additional documents available / out of date, office contact details hard

to find  Assessment or Progress reports available - no current air quality action plan  Additional documents and officer contacts readily available 3) Management to determine how regularly the air quality action plan was updated.  Never updated  Updated 5>10 years  Updated <5 years We undertook this exercise for the purpose of collaborative and holistic working (i.e. where could community activities complement borough plans or where were particular activities lacking) as well as a providing a basis for discussions with borough councils.

An overview of our review of Borough AQAP is provided in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Overview of AQAP Ambition & London continuity Borough     Brent  Camden  Hackney  Hounslow  Merton  Tower Hamlets  Waltham Forest  Wandsworth

Transparency & communication           

Management           

Overall Rating        

2.3. Health Many of London’s policymakers, planners and health professionals understand that London’s air pollution is contributing to ill health and fatalities. However, they are still unclear about the kind of changes or activities that can be undertaken and what kinds of impacts these might have.

Over the last two years, a number of articles have highlighted health impacts of poor air quality: 

 

In 2013, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded “air pollution is carcinogenic to humans, with the particulate matter component of air pollution most closely associated with increased cancer incidence, especially cancer of the lung” Research published in the Lancet demonstrated a causal link between exposure to particulate matter in air pollution (diesel fumes) and lung cancer In 2014, air pollution was linked to dementia and may increase the risk of memory loss:

“Exposure to polluted air contributed to the equivalent of about a two-year decline in brain function, which might lead to an earlier onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.” 

In 2015, research published by Kings College London (KCL) quantified that long-term airborne pollution is responsible for the deaths of more than 9,500 Londoners.

Previously, this was thought to be 4,267 deaths.

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The health impact of air pollution in London has attracted increased media attention over the last two years. The London Evening Standard in July 2015 wrote eleven articles on the subject. Television channels such as ITV and the BBC have also broadcasted on air pollution.

Table 2.2 gives an overview of the extent of air quality in the main areas the project operated.

Table 2.2 Area Overview â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This table provides an overview of the extent the main Boroughs in which the project operated.

Borough Performance Mortality Deaths (number of main attributable to attributable to roads as a % over long term long term the European legal exposure to exposure PM2.5 limit) Kings College PM2.5 (%) 2008 London Brent 82% over European 7.2% 133 deaths legal limit Camden 100% over 7.7% 107 deaths European legal limit Hackney 98% over European 7.8% 96 deaths legal limit Merton 74% over European 6.9% 107 deaths legal limit Hounslow 84% over European 7.1% 116 deaths legal limit Tower 97% over European 8.1% 102 deaths Hamlets legal limit Wandsworth Waltham Forest

95% over European legal limit 75% over European legal limit

of air pollution in Deaths attributable to long term exposure (PM & NO2) 2015 193 deaths 173 deaths 148 deaths 141 deaths 174 deaths 158 deaths

7.3%

148 deaths

210 deaths

7.3%

129 deaths

165 deaths

2.4. Technology and data With new developments in the accuracy, size and affordability of air quality sensors, and connectivity innovations (the Internet of Things) there exists a new opportunity for policy makers and other stakeholders to invest in tools which will allow them to access more up-todate and accurate data than ever before. If properly engaged this could allow for more effective decision making and interventions. At the same time the production and consumption of this big data presents a challenge. There is a need to balance privacy (where the data is being generated by individual users) with making the data accessible to stakeholders such as developers so it can reach its full potential as a resource.

London Sustainability Exchange provided advice at various Hackathon events with partner Future Cities Catapult and were pleased to form part of the winning team at a Climathon organised by Climate-Kic. We are now assisting new start-up Air Public in developing innovative technology for a mobile air quality sensor network.

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3. Aim of the project London Sustainability Exchange received funding of £50,000 from Trust for London to deliver the Cleaner Air 4 Communities project which ran from July 2013 – June 2015. The project overall aimed to create a mass movement of community action to improve air quality in London.

Specifically its purpose was to:   

Increase understanding of air quality issues amongst London based communities, opinion formers, decision makers and the actions that can be taken Local communities successfully influence local policies and plans to improve air quality in London Identify ‘critical mass’ of Londoners who are actively engaged in air quality issues.

These aims would be achieved through the following objectives:   

Community organisations/air quality champions recruited and supported Community champion training sessions Share learning and expertise across London

Critically the project aimed to develop clear action plans. This is because many efforts to tackle air quality are not specific enough in what they hope to achieve. Our project has focused on asking specific questions to the right people and in doing so has been able to develop a route map.

3.1. Partnership working Partnership working is a key aspect of our approach. For this project we sought collobrations with community groups, NGOs, elected representatives and governmental bodies. Key partners involved in this project are summaried in Table 3.1 Table 3.1 Key partners Community Groups

Local Authorities

NGOs

Govermental bodies

Battersea Society

LB Wandsworth

Client Earth

Public Health

Transition Town Tooting Sustainable Merton

LB Waltham Forest

Breathe Easy

GLA

LB Merton

Sustrans

St Mathew’s Church

LB Brent

Hornbeam Centre

LB Waltham Forest

Hackney Residents Group Gascoigne Place Residents Association Save Swiss Cottage Action Group

Academics Kings College London University College London

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In addition, the project benefited from an expereinced steering group comprised of a number of subject experts who met annually to discuss the project (see Table 3.2).

Table 3.2 Steering group members and expertise Name, Organisation Fiona Adshead (chair), Bupa

Benjamin Barratt, Kings College London Stephen Skippon, Shell Elliot Treharne, GLA Andrea Lee / Maria Arnold, Client Earth

Bio / Experience Fiona is Director of Wellbeing and Public Health at Bupa. In the past she has acted as Director of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion at the World Health Organisation and as Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director General in the UK Government.

Ben is one of the leading researchers in the air quality field and lectures in air quality science at Kings College London.

Stephen is the principal Scientist at Shell with an interest in driver behaviour and the behavioural aspects of sustainable mobility.

Elliot is the Air Quality Manager at the GLA and works to effectively implement the Mayor’s air quality plan Andrea works for Client Earth as the outreach officer for the Healthy Air Campaign.

LSx are an active partner in the Healthy Air Campaign: a coalition of health, transport and environmental organisations who are working to tackle the public air crisis caused by air pollution. We are routinely engaging with other partners working on this agenda such as Clean Air in London and Client Earth. The Network draws support from Clean Air for London, local authorities,the GLA and Transport for London and pro bono business support.

3.2. Theory of Change CA4C takes a vital step in improving air quality in London. It will also generate significant learning in relation to activating and enabling communities to achieve their potential through political action.

Initally it was intended that we would work with two or three communities, however thoughout the course of the project we worked with eight community organisations across four stages: 1. Training & Support aimed at increasing knowledge & understanding of air pollution and citizen science methods of measurement (such as Diffusion Tubes for the monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)) and particulate monitors for the monitoring of fine particles (Particulate Matter, PM). Citizen Science activities are summaries in the Appendix.

2. Action Plan development to help communities reduce exposure to and emission of air pollution. Strategies to engage policy and decision makers were also developed with community groups with the aim of addressing specific pollution issues and implementing specific solutions in the area.

3. Influence local communities / decision makers & polIcies planners – putting action plans into practice to engage decision makers & influence the local community – examples can be found in Section 4 Case Studies and Appendix 10.3 4. Sharing learning & expertise – occurred through public forums, conferences and bulletins with a number resources being developed The theory of change is displayed in Diagram 2.1 below.

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Diagram 2.1 Theory of Change

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Outcomes

Outputs &

Overall Objectives

Diagram 2.2 Theory of Change (continued) Identify a “critical mass” of Londoners who are actively engaged in air quality.

Increase awareness, knowledge and actions of air quality issues.

Local community groups successfully influence local policies and plans to improve air quality.

Activities and workshops engaging community groups

Community groups develop action plans

Individuals are better connected and they influence communities and decision makers

Increase knowledge and understanding of air quality issues.

Understanding of actions that can be taken to improve air quality

Communities & individuals enabled to work together, access key information, policies & create collaborative change

Indicators of Outputs  Number of workshops and training sessions  Number of action plans

Indicators of Outputs  No. Of training sessions  Blogs, social media impact  Projects are developed.

Indicators of Outcomes

Indicators of Outcomes

Groups investigate air quality locally

Indicators

Indicators of Outputs  Number of action plans  Champions trained  Activity programme

Indicators of Outcomes  Number of people who say their awareness, knowledge of air quality has increased

 Number of people who say they better understand actins that can be taken to tackle air quality

 Number of decision makers/opinion formers engaged  Number of decision makers/opinion formers who agree their knowledge and understanding has been influenced

 Exit Surveys

 Record of events  Community & social marketing activities

 Number of times

Methods & Techniques

information is communicated to opinion formers and decision makers

 Exit surveys  Case studies  Records of events & meetings  Photographs

 Case studies  Community Action Plans  Records of events & meetings

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4. Case Studies 4.1. Case Study: Battersea Society, Wandsworth Living Streets, Wandsworth Society (Wandsworth) Areas covered  Clapham junction, Nine Elms Champions  10 Community Champions trained Training sessions  Four training sessions delivered (1 introduction, 3 science) to 35 society members  After a training session 56% of the attendees said they would talk to their councillors or MPS, and 44% said they would take part in changing the planning process.

Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles in the Battersea / Clapham Junction area.

Key findings  Several sites exceeded EU legal limits of pollutant concentration and in some locations appeared higher than modelled data  High traffic volumes are likely responsible for the concentrations observed Action planning  Three action planning workshops with 25 society members, with 100% excellent/ very good in participant understanding of issues and understanding of actions to improve air quality.

Key achievements  Public meeting hosted by Battersea Society: 35 attendees  Took the issue to other civic societies including local rotary clubs.  Meetings with policy makers including Jane Ellison (MP BatterseaMinister for public health).  Meeting with the local authority. Local authority agreed to monitor the area with a permanent station.  Responded to planning applications ensuring that pollution was properly considered  Close the door campaign with Clapham Junction businesses reaching 25 businesses  Undertook a mystery shopper campaign with local health services to identify whether pollution was talked about with asthma patients  Started a campaign discouraging idling at Clapham Junction  Petition to move bus stops to less polluted streets  Contributed by presenting findings at two pan London events and at least 8 local events  Total direct outreach 500 people  Indirect outreach 100,600 Recommendations  Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ, especially Clapham Junction  Ensure that air quality is considered properly in planning  Continue community pollution monitoring or become Lichen observers  Work with schools, businesses and communities together to create a truly local campaign hitting boilers, deliveries and car driving  Create car pool club and hold events to raise awareness  Implement guidance on walking and cycling  Distribute leaflets about air pollution risks in health institutions  Promote a text alert system

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4.2. Case Study: Sustainable Merton (Merton) Areas covered  Merton, Wimbledon Champions  9 Community Champions trained Training sessions  Four training session delivered to 7 attendees  After a training session, 43% of the attendees rated their level of understanding of air quality issues as excellent, and 29% as very good  71% said that following the training session they would talk to their councillors and MP Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles in the South Wimbledon and Merton area Key findings  Several sites exceeded EU legal limits of pollutant concentration and in some locations appeared higher than modelled data Action planning  Three action planning workshops with 8 attendees, with 100% excellent/ very good in participants understanding of issues and understanding of actions to improve air quality  Introduced the topic to the wider environmental forum – 35 other community groups and charities Key achievements  Meetings with the Merton Environmental sub-group policy makers including Kay Eilbert (Director of Public Health, London Borough of Merton)  Brought their own pollution monitoring to support local residents to establish their own pollution hotspots  Presented their findings at two events including assisting in the delivery of air quality Hackathon (June 2015)  Total outreach 50 people Recommendations  A public display of local pollution hot-spots so our residents know where to avoid going if they don't need to  Change traffic signals at certain locations in order to reduce pollution  A rolling programme of car electric charging points across the borough (increasingly providing 'clean energy')  A long term plan to phase out all internal combustion engines in all London Boroughs Page 15

4.3. Case Study: Transition Town Tooting, South Thames College (Wandsworth) Areas covered  Collier’s Wood, Grosvenor Way and Upper Tooting.

Champions  5 Community Champions trained.

Training sessions  Two training session delivered to 12 society members Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles along Tooting High Street and around the area during the summer of 2014 for NO2 and November 2014 for PM10.

Key findings  Pollutant concentrations exceeded EU legal limits at several sites and in some locations appeared higher than modelled data.  High traffic volumes are likely responsible for the concentrations observed.

Action planning  3 action planning workshops with 5 society members, with 100% excellent/ very good in participants understanding of issues and understanding of actions to improve air quality.

Key achievements  Public meetings for 30 local residents were hosted by the Battersea Society and Transition Town Tooting which raised awareness of air pollution Wandsworth and brought attention to the air quality action plan (AQAP) which is currently under consultation.

Community members were given the opportunity to make recommendations and suggestions which should be included in the AQAP.  Meetings with policy makers including Sadiq Khan (Labour, MP, Tooting), Ed Davey (MP Kingston and Surbiton – Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) and Maria Eagle (Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) served Page 16

  Recommendations

    

to discuss ways in which air quality can be improved and exposure reduced in Wandsworth and across London.

The results were presented to Wandsworth Council in December 2015.

In June 2015, a new monitoring site was installed at the Northern End of Tooting High Street.

Total outreach 58 people.

An early transition to cleaner buses in Tooting Broadway Tooting to be included in the Ultra Low Emission Zone Lobby the local authority to change traffic timings in order to reduce pollution Engagement with the education sector to develop education for sustainability initiatives linked to public health.

4.4. Case Study: Gascoigne Place Residents Association (Tower Hamlets) Areas covered  Old Street, Arden Estate, Haggerston and Bethnal Green.

Champions  8 Community Champions trained.

Training sessions  2 training sessions delivered 8 society members.

Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles in the Battersea / Clapham Junction area.

Key findings  Several sites exceeded EU legal limits of pollutant concentration and in some locations appeared higher than modelled data  High traffic volumes are likely responsible for the concentrations observed.

Action planning  2 action planning workshops with 8 society members, with 100% excellent/ very good in participants understanding of issues and understanding of actions to improve air quality.

Key achievements  Meetings with policy makers including Tim Madelin (Senior Public Health Strategist, LB Tower Hamlets.  Presented findings at a pan London event to encourage others  Total outreach 28.

Recommendations  Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ.  Make the impact that high buildings have on level of air pollution an element to be considered in planning  Remove bus stops from under bridges and other spots where Page 17

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pollution is particularly high Encourage green walls to form a barrier against worst polluted traffic Encourage local surveys and publicise the results in particular via schools (parents groups) and health centres.

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4.5. Case Study: Hackney Residents Group (Hackney) Areas covered  Canonbury, Kingsland and Dalston.

Champions  3 Community Champions trained.

Training sessions  One training session delivered to 4 society members.

Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles in the Battersea / Clapham Junction area.

Key findings  Several sites exceeded EU legal limits of pollutant concentration and in some locations appeared higher than modelled data.  High traffic volumes are likely responsible for the concentrations observed.  Major concern was rat running – use citizen science data to inform local authority support for road layout  Total outreach 48  Assisting in the delivery of air quality Hackathon (June 2015 - 45 people reached).

Recommendations  Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ.  Ensure that pollution monitoring informs local transport planning decisions and

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4.6. Case Study: Hornbeam (Waltham Forest) Areas covered  Walthamstow, High Road near White Hart Lane.

Champions  5 Community Champions trained.

Training sessions  One training session delivered, 5 attendees.

Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles.

Key findings  All sites measured were either equal to, or exceeding the EU limits on NO2, with results ranging from 40-90 µg/m3. The reading near Blackhorse Road train station was 90 µg/m3 .  Total outreach 15.

Key achievements  Awareness-raising stand at The Winns Primary School reaching parents and teachers.  Met with Waltham Forest Council to discuss Air Quality Action Plan.

Recommendations  Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ.  Support for local cycle schemes such as Mini Holland in Waltham Forest so that people can get about by bike more easily.  Ensure that pollution monitoring informs local transport and planning decisions .

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4.7. Case Study St. Matthew’s Church (Brent) Areas covered  A404 near Stonebridge Park railway station Champions  3 Community Champions trained Training sessions  One training session delivered to 3 champions Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes placed to measure NO2 concentrations and a Particulate Monitor used to measure the concentration of fine particles Key findings  All sites measured were either equal to, or exceeding the EU limits on NO2, with results ranging from 40-70 µg/m3 Key achievements  The vicar spoke about air quality at the Sunday service  Met with Brent council and other West London Boroughs including Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hillingdon, Kensington, Chelsea, Westminster and Multi-borough transport planner, Westtrans.  Developed funding proposals for the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund in partnership with Westtrans.  Contributed findings to pan London events  Total outreach 23 people Recommendations  Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ.  Ensure that pollution monitoring informs local transport and planning decisions.

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4.8. Case Study: Save Swiss Cottage Action Group (Camden) Areas covered  Swiss Cottage, Camden Champions  2 Community Champions Training sessions  One training sessions Citizen science  Diffusion Tubes were placed around the proposed site of the Swiss Cottage Development to measure NO2 concentrations Key findings  NO2 concentrations were found to exceed EU legal limits at all sites, even those in open and green space.  High traffic volumes and presence of large buildings are likely responsible for the concentrations observed.

Action planning  Air Quality Monitoring was undertaken by residents opposed the Swiss Cottage development to collect evidence that could be used to fight the planning application.

Key achievements  The Swiss Cottage Action Group have attracted significant media and political attention with the issue being discussed by MP Zac Goldsmith on BBC Daily Politics.

Recommendations

 

Bring the whole of London under the ULEZ. Air pollution monitoring supports the objection to Swiss Cottage development – further development of the area would contribute to even greater concentrations of those observed.

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5. Activities, Outcomes and Recommendations The project undertook activities across three key areas: policy and planning, health and wellbeing and community engagement awareness & understanding. This section summarises work across those three strands including activities & outcomes and recommendations.

5.1 Policy and Planning Strategic frameworks are key to delivering better air quality; our project provided the opportunity to influence.

Air Quality conference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14/10/2013 Introductory presentation by Murad Qureshi (London Assembly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee)

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5.1.1

Activities and outcomes

5.1.1.1 Conferences & learning events with policy makers, NGOs & community groups Conferences and learning events are summaries in table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Conference and learning events Event

No.

Aim

Outcome

1st Air quality conference (October 2013 – Manor House Development Centre)

60

Project inception event; community groups Policy makers , and businesses

Community groups signed up to the project, pollution concepts explored

Community groups and developers

Consultation response to the Alterations of the London Plan

Planning conference 42 London Plan Conference (March 2014 – Lend Lease)

Level of new learning for participants: 89% good to excellent Opportunity to meet new people for participants: 93% good to excellent

Level of new learning for participants: 80% good to excellent Opportunity to meet new people for participants: 80% good to excellent

Infrastructure plan meeting Nov 2014

60

Young Londoners

Consultation response to the Infrastructure Plan

Planning officers Public meetings  Battersea society  Transition Town Tooting  Merton

Behaviour change technology Future Cities Catapult 13th June Hackathon 2nd Air quality Conference – Hosted in

40 25 25

30

100

community groups Policy makers councillors, public health specialists and

Community groups, technical experts and data specialists Project celebration and sharing event

Local action plans explored and consultation reviewed 100% excellent, very good or good increase in understanding of issues of Air quality 100% excellent, very good or good increase in understanding of actions that can be taken in area to tackle air quality Support for at least three new pollution busting technologies

Lessons from the project shared, communities able to support improved local campaigns

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partnership with ClientEarth – July 2015 – St Bride Foundation

UCL Transport pollution and data event

community groups Policy makers , and businesses

40

Community groups and academic partners

Level of new learning for participants: 94% good to excellent Opportunity to meet new people for particpants: 91% good to excellent 5 legacy projects explored with academics 98% of the participants find the event informative 80% of people reported an increase in their understanding of issues relating to air quality

5.1.1.2 Policy development Air Quality & Further Alterations to the London Plan Conference This conference in 2013 focused on the Mayor’s Further Alterations to the London Plan, and the role NGOs, developers and communities could have in contributing to changes to the plan which would result in improved air quality. This event attracted 42 attendees and submissions made encompassing a number of groups.

Developing infrastructure In 2014 we held two infrastructure development events aimed specifically at young Londoners and another identifying transport options particularly at how the green economy could be supported. Young Londoners considered how a successful infrastructure plan could support a reduction in the need to travel, by improving Londoners access to broadband for instance.

Behaviour change Data and pollution New technologies have a huge role to play in supporting people to reduce pollution in their area. LSx worked with communities to support the development using big data such as apps and measurement devices to support change in travel behaviours.

London Plan conference - 26/03/2014 Workgroups discuss various aspects of the London plan which can be altered to effect air quality. Opening presentations by Samantha Heath (LSx), Elliot Treharne (GLA), Jenny Bates (Friends of the Earth), and Hannah Kershaw (Lendlease).

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“A partnership with LSx and communities fit very well with the high priority we give to our work on air quality.” Cllr Jonathan Cook – Wandsworth

5.1.2 Recommendations As a result of our activities it was found that increased guidance for developers is needed on methods to planning air quality neutral developments.

This includes:  Implementing Living Streets: Street Review Guidance (an evaluation of the quality of local streets and spaces) on the high street.  Ensuring public transport connections within walking distance  Avoiding the creation of an urban canyon effect (a street with high building either side)  Design to be walking friendly with well lit, safe pavements  Buffer zones between roads and living spaces  Cycle storage  Low NO2 heating Case study: The Urban Air Quality Hackathon, The word hackathon was first coined in 1999 by OpenBDS and Sun Microsystem and has since become a popular format to bring together bright minds to intensively 'hack' a problem. As the name would imply some hackathons are completely code focused, Yahoo has run an open hack day since 2006 and other well known companies, such as Facebook, regularly engage with the format.

Although the term has widened over the years most still have a strong technology focus. And that’s where I came in!

The Urban Air Quality Hackathon brought together some really interesting people software designers, technologists, air quality experts, sustainability experts, and data scientists to create protypes and tackle London’s air quality issue. Fresh-faced participants arrived eager to get going, receiving a series of inspirational talks, including from Tim Brooke – from Future Cities Catapult, Professor Frank Kelly Jo Barnes. LSx supported the event by providing information by being a ‘domain expert’ and supporting Cleaner Air 4 Communities groups to attend the event.

After 48 hours of discussion, data crunching and code ripping, each team had come up with a creative new idea. This included: a prototype app to capture air pollution data that shows the potential impacts of pollution on health, and an app concept focussed on increasing cycling to school and reducing the number of buses. After much deliberation, ‘TrackAir’ were announced as the winners. ‘TrackAir’ created an app that generates pollution emissions of personal city journeys and exposes your carbon footprint.

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“By far the best aspect of the hackathon was the range and

depth of industry knowledge available. The organisers assumed, quite correctly, that the participants would bring their own unique technical skills to the table. So although there were software and design experts on hand, there were also civil engineers, business owners, environmental scientists and policy advisors who brought with them many years of expertise in their respective fields. Translating their feedback and ideas into a workable demo was a hugely challenging an exhilarating experience” Rob Lyndon – participant.

We then attended the 'Climathon' which was held simultaneously in 18 major cities on the 18th June 2015, hosted by Climate-Kic. Climathon’s are slightly different - “combining hackathon events models and environment activist events models” The ‘Climathon aimed to help cities find solutions to climate change, with a focus towards COP21. The aim of this event was not so much to create a finished app or piece of code, but to create a concept to help tackle climate change at local city level that will go on to be incubated by Climate-Kic and ideas will be presented in Paris at COP21.

Michael Liebreich, founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance was a member of the judging panel, he said “It has been inspirational to see collaboration between government, businesses and academic institutions providing the opportunity for innovators to more rapidly match their skills to solving environmental challenges.”

After 24 hours of discussion, brain storming and problem solving LSx contributed to the winning idea – attaching mobile sensors to bikes to capture better quality air quality data. As the judgements fell it was nail biting to say the least but I am thrilled to bits to say that our team won. - I look forward to working with; Andrea Casalotti, James Moulding (From Open Sensors), and Tom Hartley (Inventor of Air Pi).

Cleaner Air 4 London conference – 07/07/2015 Opening presentation by Samantha Heath (LSx).

Discussions amongst participants.

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Overview of the Conference

‘Air Quality Neutral’ planning guidance should also be actively promoted, with planning teams endorsing and ensuring that all developers understand what it means.

Infrastructure improvements and expansion is required to improve air quality. Community infrastructure levies and local development framework could be used to fund infrastructure such as:        

Improved/expanded cycle routes (more cycle routes/better maintained) The enforcement of ‘no idling’ with signs e.g. around town centres and schools ’20 is plenty’ road signs across Boroughs for a smoother journey Photocatalytic paint under bridges The support of electric car points and development Fund and support ‘last mile carbon free’ logistic centres Identification of hotspots throughout London where developers are actively supported to reduce pollution Air quality infrastructures such as logistics centres outside and in outer London Boroughs where goods are delivered and transferred onto emission free vehicles

A reduction in the number of vehicles in central London is required:  London should be a diesel free zone – buses, taxis and delivery fleets - for this we’ll need hydrogen and electric vehicle fleets  The Ultra Low Emission Zone across inner and outer London  Outside London – a number of authorities have received funding to review their Low Emission Zones.  Investment and grants so that small businesses can comply

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Key Recommendations – Policy and planning  Increased guidance for developers  Improved and expanded infrastructure – logistics centres  More efficient and cleaner transport

5.2 Health and wellbeing With such as large impact on health, activities to ensure air quality is considered were key.

5.2.1

Activities and outcomes

5.2.1.1 Engaging with Public Heath Evidence has been presented by LSx and the Battersea Society to Jane Ellison (MP for Battersea Minister for Public Health) and Kay Eilbert (Director of Public Health, London Borough of Merton) to discuss ways in which air quality can be improved and exposure reduced in Wandsworth and across London.

5.2.1.2 Mystery Shopper During the project ‘Mystery Shopper’ activities were undertaken at Doctor Surgeries to check if guidance was made available to the public.

Elliot Treharne (GLA, Air Quality Manager)

“The LSx conference was extremely helpful, and there was a wide educational benefit for many who attended. Putting air quality higher up the agenda is very important.”

Elliot Terharne, GLA Air Quality Manager

“Excellently prepared analysis and presentation. Wide range of people came to the meeting” – Event participant

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5.2.2 Recommendations Our project found that air quality must be considered and included in health guidance. In making links with health professionals it was recommended to:  Implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance ‘Walking and cycling: local measures to promote walking and cycling as forms of travel or recreation’ (PH41) November 2012.  Actively promote and support development of the forthcoming NICE guidance on air quality  Monitor the impact of air quality and develop an equalities study relating to poor air quality to health  Support awareness campaigns, additional monitoring of projects and bike scheme expansion  Include air quality data in Joint Strategic Needs Assessments  Actively support pollution reduction programmes and use powers to object on grounds of health where programmes increase pollution.  Prioritise air quality indicators in Health and Wellbeing Strategies and support expenditure on air quality improvement projects through the Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Let people know the risks and effects of air pollution  Distribute leaflets about air pollution risks in doctors surgeries, libraries and other community hubs (e.g. leaflets in petrol stations)  Ensure GPs and other health professionals give clear guidance to those most vulnerable from pollution. Doctors can explain the effect of air pollution to vulnerable people (young people, people with existing respiratory problems such as asthma) and how they can reduce their risk by letting them know the most polluted routes  Promote text alert system to provide live pollution warnings to those most at risk Supreme Court with ClientEarth – 16/04/2015 Sustainable Merton Community members interviewed by ITV London Tonight

Community members and clean air supporters in front of the Supreme Court

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5.3 Community awareness, engagement and understanding Awareness in the community, business and local authority is key with an understanding of the challenge through data essential.

5.3.1 Activities and outcomes LSx engaged eleven core community groups in seven Boroughs with a total of 45 champions recruited. These groups were involved in public engagement events and undertook citizen science training, air quality mapping, and developed community action plans.

LSx provided assistance in the delivery of an air quality Hackathon, giving budding Inventors the chance to develop an app which can help people reduce their air pollution exposure.

Communities have attended events with Health Air Campaign partners (Client Earth, Sustrans, Kings College London, and Age UK) linking their work with other groups.

In consultation with the Battersea Society LSx produced a toolkit which communities can use to help build an action plan of how to improve air quality in their local area. The Cleaner Air 4 Communities Action Planning Toolkit contains:  

Background information on the problem and actions that be undertaken by communities Guidance and template to produce an action plan

LSx also promoted ‘Close the door’ campaigns.

Power to the people workshop led by Ben Hudson, LSx. How can communities make a difference?

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5.3.2 Recommendations Current data sets were found to be incomplete and therefore continued monitoring and data collection is required to build a bigger data set using diffusion tubes, lichen studies and particulate monitors. Increased awareness and knowledge about local air quality with communities taking part in lichen observations & lichen study teams.

Ongoing awareness activities for schools, businesses and communities should be undertaken with action plans developed to include activities such as:  





   

Creating a car pool club in a Battersea Society: Citizen Science training – community or school 09/11/2013 Holding an event to raise awareness of the effects of air pollution and simple steps that people can take to reduce their exposure and emissions.

Holding events such as Car Free Days, 'Walk to school Weeks' that enable people to permanently change how they get about our city such as cycling programmes walking buses and car shares.

Checking alert system to warn vulnerable populations of high pollution events Joining up programmes e.g.

Ensuring Energy saving programme includes ultra low NOx boiler improvement Linking up with other local groups to measure air quality using citizen science techniques.

Staying informed, signing up to air quality bulletins such as the LSx. Supporting activities such as ‘Close the door’ campaigns to protect workers.

Key recommendations – Awareness, engagement and understanding  Continued citizen science activities to improve local data  Ongoing awareness required to maintain momentum of the critical mass movement

“LSx has greatly influenced how we prioritise pollution in our work” Siobhain McDonagh MP Mitcham

“It made me much more aware of the pollution problems and I am grateful for this.” – Event participant

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Workshops and discussions on air quality, its issues and solutions within London

“I was actually looking for a set of workshops like this. I was impressed with the community action groups. It was great to go to an event focused on solely on air quality. As a cycling campaigner, I want to use air pollution arguments as covers for better cycle infrastructure”

6. Unexpected outcomes There have not been any truly unexpected outcomes, either negative or positive.

7. Spending The budget was spent as planned.

8. Gained Experience Delivery of this project has seen experience gained:   

It is important to work as closely as possible with councillors, Health and wellbeing boards and planners / developers Working with communities with existing connections to decision makers is the most effective way of creating changes to factors which affect local air quality High resolution air quality monitoring has revealed hotspots not previously identified by air quality modelling

9. Changes to delivery structure There have been permanent and temporary staff changes.

Permanent staff changes: Tannith Cattermole has resigned from LSx and the role on the project has now been reassigned to Sam Jelliman (Project Assistant) and Ben Hudson (Project Officer).

Temporary staff changes: Samantha Heath (CEO) had to take a leave of absence (commencing th June 11 ) for health reasons and returned in September. Two interim directors fulfilled Samantha’s role for the duration of this period. Elizabeth Balgobin (Freelance Consultant) and David Fell (Director / Brook Lyndhurst) acted as Interim Directors.

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10. Appendices 10.1

Summary of citizen science methods & data

Diffusion Tubes Diffusion tubes can be used to measure the average concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in the local atmosphere. The diffusion tube has a steel mesh which is coated with a chemical and hidden under the grey cap. When gases pass over this mesh NO2 reacts with this chemical. This chemical change tells us the average concentration of NO2 in the air.

Particulate Monitor A particulate monitor is used to measure levels of Particulate Matter PM10 or PM2.5 in the air. The monitor is equipped with a plastic tube that takes air in, and a very fine filter allows calculating the number of particulates in the air.

The air is then taken out of the monitor via a small opening on the side.

Figure 10.1 Citizen Science pollution m ap

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10.2

Examples of educational materials produced

Collaborative materials have been produced by LSx and the Battersea society to help publicise the issue of air pollution to the public and give advice on the kinds of actions people can take to avoid air pollution exposure. The materials clarify the kinds of asks the community is making from local planners, councillors and developers.

Figure 10.2.1 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Battersea

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Figure 10.2.2 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Tooting

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Figure 10.2.2 Examples of draft Air Quality Action Plan: Tooting (continued)

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10.3

Examples of published articles / media attention

Figure 10.3.1 Wandsworth Guardian (Online) 4th February 2014

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rd

Figure 10.3.2 Wandsworth Guardian (print) 3 February 2014

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