Air Quality News Procurement Guide - 3rd Edition

3rd Edition

AIR QUALITY PROCUREMENT GUIDE Special Report

CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS FOR FUTURE CITIES www.airqualitynews.com

MCERTS approved gas analysers MCERTS approved particulate monitors Indicative MCERTS approved products Professionally built roadside enclosures Tailor made service contracts

www.et.co.uk

Air Quality Monitoring products, systems & support

Experts in our field

Far more than just equipment suppliers

Specialists in providing local authorities with the measurement tools, back-up and support they need to accurately and reliably measure and report air quality in accordance with legislation.

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+44 (0) 1453 733200 l info@et.co.uk l www.et.co.uk

Working with local authorities since 1983

Editorial Comment and Contacts

Welcome to the Procurement Guide Contacts Publisher: David Harrison d.harrison@spacehouse.co.uk 01625 614 000 Editor: Paul Day paul@spacehouse.co.uk 01625 614 000 Business Development Manager: Jason Coward jason@spacehouse.co.uk 07889 212414 Finance Manager: Jenny Leach jenny@spacehouse.co.uk 01625 614 000 Administration: Jules Pointon admin@spacehouse.co.uk 01625 614 000

Air Quality News Procurement Guidepublished by Spacehouse Ltd, Pierce House, Pierce Street, Macclesfield.

SK11 6EX. Tel: 01625 614 000

Welcome to the third edition of the Air Quality News Procurement Guide, where we aim to provide local authorities with effective tools to address the multiple issues inherent in tackling air pollution.

Whether it is facilitating cleaner transport, installing air monitoring systems or involving the public in meaningful dialogue there are multiple mechanisms to fit different approaches and we try to present a broad array of them, both on our website and in this guide.

In the public sphere, air quality debate is currently focused on the ULEZ expansion and, by extension, the introduction of Clean Air Zones in other areas of the country.

Unfortunately, not all the dialogue has been civilised. The UK is very locked into car dependency and addressing this issue is going to be one of the greatest challenges in the future.

And ‘the future’ is an ongoing theme in this guide.

A recent report from property investment trust LandSec, speculated that in a worst-case scenario, cities could become unliveable in as little as ten years ‘if urban planning and construction do not effectively and urgently address environmental issues, or social inequality.’

Slightly unnerved I wonder how we might avoid such a dystopian fate.

Martin Gutteridge-Hewitt begins his article with the observation that by 2050, 70% of the World will live in a city. He explores the benefits of green infrastructure, from its aesthetic benefit to all members of society to the biological impact of different species of flora.

In her quest to learn more about ‘smart cities’ Georgie Hughes headed to Scotland where the 8th City Programme has spawned a variety of intriguing initiatives, such as Dundee’s the Mobility Innovation Living Laboratory. She also speaks to Peter Griffiths, Global Urban Futures Expert at BABLE who discusses using technology to understand how a city works.

Stephen Cirell, an authority in the field of solar projects in Local Government considers how councils who once viewed solar farm as an income stream are now promoting them for the carbon benefits.

All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Paul Day

Tel: 01625 614000 paul@spacehouse.co.uk

Printed on FSC certified paper stock, using vegetable oil inks.

Fulfilment and distribution using 100% recycled envelopes.

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Contents

Features Contents Page 6-7: Investing in your future: Local authority procurement for a net zero world Page 8-9: Vortex: Better air quality - safer school streets Page 10-11: Aiming for the best case scenario for clean air in our Future Cities.

Pages 6-7: Investing in your future: Local authority procurement for a net zero world.

Pages 14-16: Solar comes into its own.

Page 12-13: Yunex: Delivering solutions for cleaner air.

Page 14-16: Solar comes into its own.

Page 18-19: Cambustion: Identify the reasons behind air pollution “hotspots” Page 20-21: EarthSense: Accellerating the Transition to Clean Air.

Pages 10-11: Aiming for the best case scenario for clean air in our Future Cities

Pages 22-24: Green and pleasant towns: Saving lives and slashing pollution through urban planning.

Page 22-24: Green and pleasant towns: Saving lives and slashing pollution through urban planning.

Page 26-27: Bosch: Air Quality Solutions.

Page 28-29: Airly: Five ways councils can use air quality sensor networks to help their communities.

Page 30-31: How smart city innovation can achieve net zero Page 32-33: Turnkey: two new market-leading monitors Page 36-37: Marketplace.

Thanks to our contributors: Stephen Cirell Peter Sänger Pages 30-31: How smart city innovation can achieve net zero airqualitynews.com

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Feature

Investing in your future: Local authority procurement for a net zero world Tasked with balancing environmental action and weak economic conditions, local authorities face tough decisions in 2023-24. Martin Guttridge-Hewitt considers the importance of circular green investment, and citizen-led routes to financing these essential projects.

W

hen Jeremy Hunt presented the UK’s Spring Budget this month, he outlined spending for the fiscal year ahead and, as expected, revealed which purses would be tightened to steer us back towards economic stability after a tumultuous half decade. Brexit, the pandemic, cost of living and energy crises have hit hard. The signs are everywhere.

One thing is for certain, though – reining spending in cannot be at the expense of green investment, whether insulating housing stock or expanding air quality measurement infrastructure.

By 2050, Britain must reach net zero emissions, an impossible task without

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improvements in energy efficiency, transport and food production. But an in-depth picture of pollution levels is also essential, because without that we’ll never properly understand the air we’re dealing with, or what’s necessary to clean it up.

Those who saw UK100’s recent report, End the Wait, Insulate will understand there are fundamental flaws in how some challenges are addressed and financed. The Government approach to boosting energy efficiency in social housing currently involves a competitive funding process, pitting local authorities against each other for grants.

This means areas are missing out on investment at a time when

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investment is needed across the country. Meanwhile, low uptake of the public-facing Boiler Upgrade Scheme – largely blamed on poor communication from Downing Street and relevant skills shortage - is also a concern. But some councils are making inroads.

‘Local authorities across the country are taking important steps to retrofit social housing and to support others to retrofit their own homes,’ says Matthew Ahluwalia, Programme Officer at climate change charity Ashden, citing North East Derbyshire District Council and Wiltshire Council as good examples, explaining that UK housing stock remains one of the least energy efficient in Europe, a reality that is harming the climate, fuelling the

Feature energy crisis, and creating unhealthy living conditions.

‘In Spring 2022 Ashden published our Retrofit: Creating Warmer Homes report to address the challenges facing local and national government in implementing a national retrofit programme to transform our housing stock. Through this report, we also highlighted the best practice that is taking place to make housing more sustainable in the UK in order to equip local government officers with the long-term solutions to tackle the energy crisis,’ he adds.

City of York Council is another regional power lauded for its efforts.

The Retrofit Action Plan aims to bring all social housing in the borough up to a C rating on the Energy Performance Certificate scale within the next five years. £5m in central Government funding has been secured, with 590 installations scheduled to complete by the start of the forthcoming financial calendar. For Cllr Denise Craghill, it’s crucial that we start looking at this expenditure differently.

‘Stop thinking in terms of setting zero carbon against affordability. We are the midst of a climate emergency and overall, we have to achieve zero CO2 emissions from buildings – the Government should be subsidising the scaling up of energy saving retrofit programmes to a far higher level than it is at the moment. There has been a slight improvement recently with funding programmes lasting a little longer, but we need to move away from one scheme after another, still on relatively short timescales, and see large scale, long term and consistent Government investment,’ she tells us.

In its report, Local Decarbonisation Opportunities and Barriers: UK Public Procurement Legislation, the academic journal Buildings and Cities identifies various problems and potential routes to funding for public green projects.

The section on ‘place-based finance’, Community Municipal Investments (CMIs), or as they are often called, Local Climate Bonds (LCBs), is particularly relevant to local authorities facing tough economic decisions.

Developed by Dr Mark Davis at the University of Leeds, as part of a wider 2019 project, Financing for Society, the idea is straightforward.

Local authorities use the crowdfunding platform Abundance Investment to grow and organise revenue for climaterelated projects. Residents can pay as little as £5 towards a scheme. The more

successful promotion of that scheme is, the more people get involved, and the greater the overall investment level is.

This framework has proved successful, with authorities in Eastbourne, Westminster, the Cotswolds, Gwent, Camden, Islington, Lewisham, Warrington, and Telford among those listed as ‘Committed Councils’ using LCBs. Common examples of projects include building solar farms, improving social housing energy efficiency, and installing electric vehicle charge points. It’s also worth noting that the crowdsharing platform creates all documents covering legal and technical aspects of

becoming directly involved – in this case by donating money – significantly increases.

If one mantra has risen to the top of the climate agenda, it’s the idea of circular thinking and connectivity.

For example, we cannot hope to tackle air pollution without simultaneously looking at waste, recycling, energy use, transport, how we build, and our approach to retrofitting. These issues may have once been seen separately, but today they must be addressed in tandem with a raft of other challenges or our efforts will be redundant.

A similar mindset needs to be adopted for investment and finance

how LCB financing works, so council staff hours can be focused on other tasks – another efficiency saving.

Earlier research by the Local Government Association into public communication offers more evidence to support the Local Climate Bonds model. By providing in-depth breakdowns of what a project is and expected results, residents feel more involved and understand what’s being undertaken on their behalf. In turn, they are more likely to see council efforts and use of public money favourably. So, the chances of them

for green projects. By opening new revenue streams there is more opportunity to launch projects together, and in order to maximise return on investment, and impact, it’s now essential for us to approach things in this way.

That means a drive to decarbonise local authority buildings must tie in with a comprehensive expansion of air quality measurement tools around those sites. Simply put, procurement for a net zero world cannot be piecemeal – plurality and longevity offer the only real value for money.

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Improve air quality and road safety with end-to-end School Streets programme!

School streets are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more than 500 across London alone.

Road traffic policies are getting stricter, technology is getting more intelligent, and we, as humans, are always looking at ways to improve our environment, infrastructure, and daily lives.

This has been the case with school streets, where we have witnessed an evolution in how they operate around the country. In a nutshell, school streets are a temporary road closure for certain motor vehicles outside the school gates during pick-up and drop-off periods. This is to help children access the school safely, promote active travel, reduce air pollution, and improve health.

Our solution to School Streets School Streets have traditionally been implemented with street signs and physical barriers to prevent motor vehicles from entering the car-free zone. Although, it is resource-intensive, unsightly and adds no value regarding health, infrastructure, and traffic congestion.

Together with our sister brands, we can provide either a partial or whole School Streets programme, from initial design and public engagement (Project Centre) to air quality measurement (Vortex) and control traffic contraventions with unattended CCTV technology (Videalert).

Unattended CCTV technology provides actionable data regarding the number of cars removed from the zone, vehicle type, co2 emission vehicle band, and much more. This can be coupled with a hyperlocal air quality monitoring solution to collect real-time localised air quality readings to support data-driven decisions and validate its environmental impact.

Case Study: Lewisham Council Lewisham Council’s Transport team undertook an ambitious venture to deliver a School Streets programme across the most traffic-congested locations in the borough. Using our unattended CCTV enforcement technology, the Council aimed to reduce traffic volume outside the schools with zero vehicle control and instead favour pedestrians and cyclists during morning and afternoon periods.

The process Providing clear and consistent engagement and communication with the community through consultation maps, online survey and face-to-face conversations Promoting a diverse and inclusive communication strategy Writing to teachers to help them communicate the value and importance of the programme Installing 45 ANPR cameras Introducing vehicle controls to reduce traffic volume and vehicle speed outside 22 schools

Benefits of School Streets Improved road safety The safety of children is essential around school roads, and we have seen significant progress in the last decade in ensuring we limit traffic-related accidents. However, road collisions remain one of the leading causes of premature death among children and young people aged 0-15, with 35% of child pedestrians killed or seriously injured during what is typically classified as the ‘school run’.

Using our CCTV technology to control the closure of school roads at particular times, children can actively go to school without fear of being involved in a dangerous accident.

Improved air quality Approximately 50% of London's emissions come from road vehicles. Toxic air causes thousands of early deaths each year, slowing young lung growth and increasing respiratory illness. Also, children walk closer to the exhausts of idle vehicles on their way to school, particularly in densely populated places. By removing these vehicles from our school gates, children will benefit from cleaner air and associated health implications

Encourage active travel Since School Streets rolled out, we have seen a significant behaviour change in how people travel to school. Every person should have the right to clean air and be able to walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school with the enjoyment of fresh air and the company of their friends.

We recognise that good behaviour change is challenging. Therefore, we carefully develop a programme that consults with the affected individuals to deliver to ensure each party agrees with the intervention.

CCTV clip reviews and back-office processing

Outcome In total, the interventions reduced 862,500 vehicle movements around school pick-up and drop-off times across the 22 schools. At Holbeach Primary School alone, vehicle movement decreased by 75%. Meanwhile, at Rushey Green Primary School, there was a 32% reduction in vehicle movements.

“It’s been transformative. Much less traffic, many more kids riding to school, and you can walk on the road.

It’s been great.”

Emmet Ruxton, a parent at Thorpewood Primary School.

Feature

Aiming for the best case scenario for clean air in our Future Cities Following the publication of a report which suggested that in a worst-case scenario, our cities could become unliveable within ten years, Paul Day goes in search of a more positive outcome.

T

he trope of futuristic citiscapes in the cinematic world tends towards one in which environmental contempt has won the day. People live in towering buildings and worrying gasses belch into the atmosphere. Why would people live in such places? Well, they probably have no choice.

Perhaps in those imaginary civilisations there was a moment such the one we are having here and now, where people questioned the direction they were heading and began to consider alternatives. But realising there is a problem does not mean it is easy to solve.

In their recent report ‘Shaping Successful Future Cities’ British property investment trust LandSec, speculated that in a worst case scenario, cities could become

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unliveable in as little as ten years.

Landsec’s Strategy Manager, Alex Beale told us: ‘This could happen if urban planning and construction do not effectively and urgently address environmental issues, or social inequality - deepening community divisions. This is a stark, but possible, reality that could come to fruition if those involved in shaping cities make the wrong decisions today.’

The report lists four possible future city scenarios, from Worst Case, through Probable and Possible, to Best case: ‘A city which acknowledges that in order for people to flourish, the environment around them must be protected to flourish as well.’

Ensuring that future cities are clean and safe is the point on the path we are now but doing this empathetically and inclusively is the challenge. London

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was quick off the mark in this respect by launching the world’s first ULEZ in 2016 but, despite its success in reducing air pollution, the rollout of the concept has stuttered slightly.

The Clean Cities Campaign, hosted by Transport & Environment is a European coalition of NGOs and grassroots groups which champions shared and electric mobility for a more sustainable urban future. Oliver Lord is their UK head: ‘In the UK we’ve still got a patchwork approach: some cities have introduced a clean air zone, some haven’t and some have delayed the process. I worry at the minute that there isn’t necessarily a national strategy on where we go next with CAZs.’ The innovation of the original ULEZ has not given the UK the impetus one would hope. Spain have

Feature passed a law decreeing that more than 100 cities have to introduce low emissions zones based on their size while in Manchester, £120,000 was spent putting ‘under review’ stickers on 1,200 CAZ signs.

The soundtrack to the UK’s CAZ rollout is one of vocal opposition from motorists, businesses, politicians and the media. Historically, also, positive moves to improve public safety or the environment have often drawn ire from some quarter – there is an incredible video on YouTube of drivers complaining about the introduction of the breathalyser in the 1960s– so how can this reluctance to accept necessary change be addressed?

Oliver Lord: ‘I think the most important thing is that we give people the notice and the timeline on how things will change. We know from research that the UK is very locked into car dependency which is a real problem and it is going to take us quite a while to undo it.’

This car dependency is a critical point. Of course, if everyone switched to EVs over the next decade that would be great news but it doesn’t reduce the number of cars on the road, which is something future cities will want to do.

Will need to do.

The number of cars in Manchester has risen by 30% over the last ten years while the amount of road space has actually shrunk. There’s simply not enough space for cars, especially if we want to bring public transport up the standard it needs to be. And we are a long way off.

Oliver Lord again: ‘‘The cost of public transport in this country is outrageous. There’s been an increase in fares on trains across the country but at the same time they’re talking about freezing fuel duty. How does that give the right message? How does it give people affordable and convenient alternatives to using their cars?’

Shared transport infrastructure schemes (e-bikes, e-scooters etc) seem to be eternally locked into trial periods, vulnerable to cancellation at a moment’s notice when the wind of political expediency changes direction.

They need to be targeted towards younger generations who, we are learning, feel less inclined to own cars in the first place.

Public transport needs to be driven by the cities themselves and despite the criticism aimed at Manchester mayor Andy Burnham following the delay in the Manchester CAZ scheme, this is an

area he is targeting.

Another question is what comes after the ULEZ or CAZs. Oliver Lord worries about this: ‘The Government have already suggested that the Clean Air Zones currently in place, might be removed once the target for nitrogen dioxide is achieved, but the WHO targets are very different to legal targets, so we would argue for retaining clean air zones and then start to adapt and transition them to account for carbon emissions as well as air pollutants.’

Putting the UK’s state of affairs into European context, The Clean Cities Campaign scores major cities in five categories that they hold to be of the greatest importance: Space for People, Safe Roads, Access to ClimateFriendly Mobility, Policies and Clean Air.

decision to be made about whether to adopt an own-and-operate model or a concession one. Own and operating is a simpler procurement route and allows the placement of chargepoints in areas that aren’t commercially lucrative but charging technology is evolving rapidly so it might be prudent to leave that responsibility to a commercial partner.

However, back in Olso, having achieved the first objective of filling the country with EVs, the second objective is to reduce the number of them Norwegian Transport Minister JonIvar Nygard said: ‘Electric cars give us greener transport, but they also have a clear intermodal competition with public transport in urban areas. We must make it more attractive to travel by public transport, cycle, and walk.’

And of course, people are up in arms.

A safe, clean city needs to score well in all of them.

Oslo’s presence at the top of the table is little surprise given that Norway is in a league of its own in terms of EV adoption. Their enviable record in ridding the streets of combustion engines is down to policies that rewarded those going electric with free tolls, free parking and tax breaks.

They also have a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure in place, with one charge-station per 267 people, compared with the UK’s one per 1,837.

In the UK, local authorities have been finding that the procurement of public chargepoints is not a straightforward process, with a

Finishing with Landsec, whose ‘worst case scenario’ began this discussion: How do cities achieve best case scenario?

Alex Beale again: ‘Predicting, understanding, and managing human impact on the environment is a huge and complex challenge but there is much that can be done today placing the ‘unknown’ risks at the heart of creating places will help us account for the complexity of the climate challenge. Cities must continue to explore potential future scenarios to prepare different routes of action and strive for the best possible climate outcomes and create places that are truly desirable.’

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authorities are increasingly deploying targeted clean air and low emissions zones, with our infrastructure and technology behind London’s expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone as well as clean air zones (CAZs) in Birmingham, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Targeted and effective, Clean Air Zones drive behavioural change, discouraging the use of older, higherpolluting vehicles in towns and cities, with technology and enforcement solutions helping to accelerate the changes required to achieve air quality improvements.

Well-designed solutions help ease congestion, improve air quality, and maintain road safety. They also gather data-rich information from on-street assets, enabling cities to better plan,

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manage and evolve to meet their changing priorities.

Working with Transport for London (TfL), we are also developing FUSION, a new approach to the intelligent adaptive control of traffic signals. The system ensures traffic management decisions and target outcomes are policy-driven, so for example traffic signal timing can be optimized to ensure active travel modes and cleaner air outcomes are prioritised.

FUSION is currently being trialled at live sites across London and Hampshire, with initial results indicating the system’s impact on congestion is particularly significant. By optimising signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings based on all road users’ needs and traffic policy priorities, FUSION has reduced congestion by between 20% and 60% compared to SCOOT - the system which has been operating in London for 30 years.

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Feature

Solar comes into its own Stephen Cirell examines the state of the solar PV market in relation to local government.

A

s yet another energy ‘crisis’ endures, local authorities are at last grasping the nettle of renewable energy, particularly solar PV projects. At a time when the international targets for global warming are under threat, renewable energy is a key part of the transition away from fossil fuels. Solar PV has enjoyed strong growth in the private sector, but the public sector has lagged behind. This article considers the growth of solar PV in local authority projects, which illustrates a strong push forwards.

It is now 15 years since the targets set by the Climate Change Act 2008 were written into law in the UK. They seemed revolutionary at the time but have since been strengthened from an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases to a position of net zero carbon by 2050. However, the scientists continue

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to predict doom if the world does not change course. The level of 1.1 degrees C of global warming since industrial times has already been passed and if the international community’s new target of limiting warming to below 1.5 degrees is to be met, radical action is necessary. As Greta Thunberg constantly reminds us, action is currently just too slow. Whilst focus inevitably needs to be on behaviour change and the more difficult areas of changing lifestyles, there are easier ways to help the transition.

Chief amongst these is the transition to renewable energy from fossil fuels.

There are many different types of renewable energy projects that a local authority could consider’ from solar PV, to onshore wind, biomass boilers or anaerobic digestion of food waste.

But solar PV is the favourite. Aside from enjoying the highest level of

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support from the public, this is the easiest of the technologies.

Solar power in the UK has gone from virtually nothing in terms of capacity in 2010 to 15 GW by today (that is 15,000 MW). Even more impressive is that there are now around 35 GW of new solar PV projects in the pipeline. Many of these are giant, privately financed projects promoted by an ever stronger UK solar industry.

Such progress has led to suggestions in Government that the UK’s cumulative target, under its Net Zero strategy, for solar PV should now be 70 GW. There can also be no doubt that the emergence of large-scale battery storage has been a game changer for solar PV. One of the problems that solar farm projects laboured under is that the sun shines predominantly through the day, when electricity prices are at their lowest. The ability

Feature

to ‘time shift’ the power to peak hours was significant and offered flexibility in commercial arrangements. So the electricity is stored as generated (when prices are low) and then discharged into the grid at peak hours (when prices are significantly higher).

This improved the business cases (as seen below) and helped shatter the moratorium on new projects that followed the removal of Government financial incentives around 2018.

Suddenly, ground based solar was back and now that projects can survive - and indeed thrive - subsidy free it seems there is no stopping the momentum.

But are local authorities sufficiently in this game?

Over the course of the last ten years there has been a noticeable change in purpose. Almost exclusively, the local government projects that I have been involved in since 2009 were motivated

by the creation of an income stream from a capital investment. Yes, there were of course environmental benefits, but no scheme went forward without a robust business case in support.

Over the past year, however, a change has been evident. Councils are now promoting solar farms for the carbon benefits, particularly the ability to offset the carbon value of new renewable energy from stubbornly high carbon footprints subject to challenging net zero targets.

Business cases, however, remain strong and so a well-planned scheme will inevitably make a healthy surplus.

Internal rates of return of over 5% are possible from schemes without battery storage. Those with battery storage can exceed 10%. Another high value can be achieved by a private wire connection to a nearby off taker. In a recent example, a district council is

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looking at a return of 12% from selling the power from a relatively small solar farm to a nearby water / sewerage plant. Compared with other investment opportunities, this is undoubtedly spurring more councils on to look at their land holdings.

So what is the position in local government? Well, despite the idea of civic owned and operated solar farms emerging in Cornwall Council way back in 2009, few local authorities have taken the plunge and only around 20 fully developed civic solar farms currently exist. Bearing in mind that a commercially sized solar farm starts at 5 MW and there are now 15,000 MW of solar in the UK (not all land based but mainly land based) this illustrates how much more secure the private sector was in believing in this type of opportunity.

This is very surprising bearing in

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Feature

mind the unique position local councils are in to develop such assets.

Firstly, most have either declared a climate emergency or have a climate change strategy and action plan. These normally pledge to reach a position of net zero by a defined date and there is huge pressure to meet these targets. Aside from the climate change strategies, there are parallel policies on biodiversity and air quality which are also interlinked.

Secondly, local government owns lots of land across the country.

Leaving aside the situation with buildings (which is equally positive) there are many areas of land in council ownership that would be suitable for a solar installation. You just have to know where to look.

Thirdly, and perhaps most important, is that local authorities have access to inexpensive capital, via the Public Works Loans Board.

Advice clearly confirms that this source of funding is available for solar farm development, which is promoted primarily for climate change reasons.

As finance in general gets tighter and tighter, councils need new sources of funding and I once commented that a solar farm is a ‘sausage machine’ that turns freely available capital into vitally needed revenue which is in ever

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short supply.

The usual way to develop a solar farm is to identify land, procure consultants and then proceed with a design, build and operate contract.

However, there are other ways.

Forest Heath DC purchased a fully operational solar farm for £14m in 2016 and has been very satisfied with its buy.

Warrington has really gone big and now owns three huge solar farms totalling nearly 90 MW in York, East Riding and Cirencester (including battery storage). Its business cases have delivered considerable benefit, both financially and more widely to the Warrington area.

For most authorities, though, it will be a case of analysing land holdings and drawing up a shortlist of sites.

Then consultants will indicate whether they are developable and financially model the business case. Planning and grid will be big issues that need to addressed. One consequence of local government standing by and watching the private sector steam forwards on solar farm development is the difficulty now in getting grid connections.

The reason that most authorities approach solar farms this way is that this ensures that all of the financial value of the transaction is secured

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within the civic envelope. Talk to any of those councils who have already developed a solar farm and you will not hear many complaints. Most simply regret they didn't start earlier or had not been more ambitious and gone for more than one site.

But there is a wider point here, returning to the Government’s solar PV targets and the decarbonisation of the entire electricity system in the UK. This is that local authorities are key to the development of more solar PV in the UK at local level.

A ‘place based’ approach is necessary to ensure that we don’t just get the massive commercially developed schemes, but a wider coverage for both buildings and land to benefit authorities and communities alike. Such action would go a long way towards ameliorating the current energy crisis and improving energy security at the same time.

Momentum is definitely growing now in the public sector area and notwithstanding that progress has been slower than anticipated, the public sector will now reach a mature position very quickly.

Stephen Cirell is an independent consultant on climate change, low carbon and renewable energy.

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SmogStop is the most effective air quality barrier for highways and road in the UK

SmogStop is the most effective air quality barrier in the world. Below are some of the key attributes of our system.

• 10 years development with unique technology & design IP Protected • Unique Aerodynamic design and Photo Catalytic coating developed from Ground Up (Due to failure of other photocatalysts) • Coating works in UV & Visible Light • Full Lab Test Results in Solar & Wind Tunnels

• In Field Results comparable with Lab results • Handles NOx & VOCS • 1 Km of barrier reducing approx. 16 ton of NOx per annum.

That’s like 200,000 cars removed from that 1 km road per DAY!!

SmogStop Trial on the M1 working with National Highways

T: +44 (0) 1323 872243

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Cambustion urban hotspot survey - London

Advertorial

EarthSense: Accellerating the Transition to Clean Air at important traffic corridors, and the insights needed to hit Net Zero targets.

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illions of people around the world are still breathing unhealthy air, and it’s the responsibility of local authorities to take charge of how cities live and breathe. As high emitters come from a wide range of sources, from transport to community living, to construction, it’s pivotal that air quality services have flexibility to provide insights for various applications. EarthSense’s comprehensive service ensures all angles can be covered - here’s a few examples.

TRIALLING SCHOOL STREETS London is known for being one of the most polluted cities in the UK, affecting the health and wellbeing of younger generations. Taking steps towards a safer and greener city, Westminster City Council used twenty of EarthSense’s low cost, indicative Zephyr® monitors to trial School Streets across a 12-month period, so it could determine whether the schemes should be rolled out permanently to minimise the levels of toxic pollution reaching the air that children breathe.

Following the trial period, Westminster City Council could access historic NO2 and PM2.5 Zephyr® measurements through the MyAir® web app, which was compared with baseline and traffic data to assess the relationship

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between traffic count, pedestrian movements, and air quality. These insights provided quantitative evidence about changes in air quality that could be attributed to School Streets and found an impressive 20% reduction in the number of children travelling to school by car.

REDUCING CONGESTION AND VEHICLE EMISSIONS With deadlines for Net Zero slowly inching closer, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority have set its own targets for zero emissions by 2040.

To meet this goal, Zephyr® monitors have been installed on to traffic lights across major routes in Liverpool and real-time measurements have been integrated with Yunex Traffic’s urban traffic controls via API, providing live data for vehicle emissions across the city.

Using intelligent transport systems with integrated air quality data, traffic can be dynamically managed to reduce congestion as it occurs across the city. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are using combined solutions to identify live hotspots and reroute traffic, consequently minimising congestion and the associated health and environmental implications of exposure to unsafe air quality.

Intelligent traffic management is allowing for a complete understanding of traffic movement

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MONITORING AIR QUALITY, NOISE AND VIBRATION AT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES Monitoring the impact of environmental noise, air quality and vibration across densely populated urban locations is becoming of heightened importance. To better protect surrounding residents from ongoing construction at a shopping centre in London, EarthSense’s partner, KP Acoustics Group were tasked with carrying out noise, vibration, and dust monitoring (PM10 and NO2) at a mixed brownfield and greenfield development site in the area.

To meet this goal, KP Acoustics Group split the site into two key monitoring sections, using hightech noise and vibration monitoring equipment and EarthSense’s Zephyr® monitors to determine disruption.

All devices used solar panels to power the monitoring equipment to overcome the issue of limited power on the site.

To ensure construction work adhered to noise limits and air quality levels set by conversations from the local council, monitoring was set up from September 2021.

Since, ongoing monitoring at the development site has successfully worked to minimise the associated health and environmental implications of exposure to unsafe air quality and noise pollution for surrounding residents.

Clean air is a right for everyone, everywhere and managing exposure shouldn’t be limited to the capability of the offering. EarthSense’s full service comes with a host of capabilities such as air quality reports, source apportionment and bespoke modelling for visualising woodburning smoke emissions, tailpipe emissions and much more.

So, whether it’s for diverting traffic, receiving air pollution alerts, or for managing children’s exposure.

Find out more by visiting the website: www.earthsense.co.uk

Revolutionary Air Quality Data Services Generate city wide insights for air quality challenges, helping to develop air quality action plans to reduce air pollution and minimise exposure Improve visibility of particulate distribution with iMCERTS compliant PM2.5 and PM10 Zephyr® measurements Identify high emitters such as transport and domestic burning emissions using bespoke, high resolution models with source apportionment Educate the public about air quality and encourage active travel decisions by providing public facing portals Rapid evaluation and hotspot identification utilising precalculated basemaps Evidence the effectiveness of intervention studies to help with policy evaluations

www.earthsense.co.uk

Feature

Green and pleasant towns: Saving lives and slashing pollution through urban planning With more emphasis than ever on planting trees and parkland to make metropolitan areas more liveable, Martin Guttridge Hewitt explores guidance to help local authorities bring nature into the concrete jungle, and the biotech tackling air pollution and heat islands.

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y 2014, 54% of the world had moved to a city. By 2050, that figure will stand at 70%. To accommodate the shift, our built environment is predicted to have expanded by two-thirds once this decade is done compared with the last, setting pace for the next 20 years.

This raises some profound concerns among those fighting to bring emissions down, improve air quality and mitigate the worst threats of climate change. Construction and building materials alone account for 13% of total global carbon emissions each year. Depressingly, that figure is rising. Meanwhile, the prioritisation of biodiversity through the 30x30 target - which calls for 30% of the Earth’s landmass to be protected

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from development by 2030 - further draws attention to the uneasy balance between growth and ecology.

City planning also faces another challenge. While new places must be built in climate-positive ways, falling livability scores and health risks linked to environmental factors in urban areas that already exist also need to be addressed. So-called ‘greening’ creating parkland, designating nature reserves, introducing vegetation - is often seen as the solution. But while these practices have a proven impact on wellbeing and health, as a means of tackling pollution things aren’t so simple. Those who think planting en masse is the best idea are barking up the wrong tree.

Mike Henderson has worked in

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‘greening’ for 21 years. During that time, he’s led on green infrastructure strategy for the London 2012 Olympic Games and post-Olympic Legacy Communities Scheme, delivered support to the Greater London Authority to refresh the All London Green Grid, and spearheaded Green Infrastructure Guidance for London’s boroughs. As Director for Regenerative Cities at Ramboll, he runs a team focused on ‘developing places that go beyond net zero to deliver selfreinforcing ecological, built and social systems’. Suffice to say, he’s clear on what won’t work.

‘With regards to air pollution, the most important action we must prioritise is to remove the pollutant in the first place; that is, reduce vehicle

Feature whereby pollution and particulate matter get trapped and can funnel air pollution through cities.’

Henderson says research into more advanced ‘nature-based solutions’ to air pollution is underway, for example paint that ‘eats’ particulate matter or building materials containing microbes. However, much of this is in the early stages, and development is likely to be resource-heavy, reinforcing the idea that reduction must be the primary goal.

Nevertheless, he points out that guidance on the use of green infrastructure to bring trafficrelated emissions down, produced by the Mayor of London, is very useful. Similar information is found in the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport’s (ADEPT) Value of Trees Toolkit, a free resource developed with the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund. And for those looking to better understand ideal

emissions. And it’s worth noting that not all greening is equal. For example, some plant species are more resilient to urban conditions, better at redirecting air flow and encouraging pollutant deposition than others,’ Henderson explains. ‘We know that by appropriate selection and arrangement of green infrastructure, people’s exposure to pollution can be reduced.

‘However the Government’s Air Quality Expert Group reported where vegetation acts as a barrier close to a pollution source, concentrations immediately behind the barrier are halved, whereas on the sourceside of that barrier, concentrations increase,’ he continues. ‘We need to be careful with ‘canyoning’, whether with buildings or trees and vegetation,

Initiative at ISGlobal, shows the impact on residents is huge. Using data from 93 European cities - a combined population of 57m - the study found around 6,700 premature deaths could be attributed to heightened urban temperatures. That’s 4.3% of total summertime mortality in the region.

‘Previous studies have shown that when ambient temperatures get out of an optimal range - become too hot or too cold - we see more people dying,’ Nieuwenhuijsen replies when we ask how his latest work began, explaining that reducing asphalt and road use in cities, which also tackles air pollution at source, is key to bringing thermometers down. ‘85% or so of the petrol in cars is emitted as heat, only 15% is used to move the car.

Time to change. Replacing asphalt with trees and other greenery would be excellent to change an environment currently detrimental to health into something health-promoting with

Peter Sänger - co-founder & CEO Green City Solutions

built-to-natural environment ratios, the gold standard comes from Natural England and Defra’s biodiversity net gain metric, compliance with which will soon be mandatory for all new developments.

If greening has a complex relationship with air pollution, its effect on ‘urban heat islands’ is easier to understand. In 2022, UK cities were an average of 1.2C warmer than nearby rural areas, rising to 1.5C for Europe. Research conducted by Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health

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less air pollution, noise, and lower temperatures.

‘The more distributed trees are throughout the city the more benefits are expected in terms of cooling. But this is also important for equity issues, whereby a good distribution of trees through a city means everyone can benefit, rich and poor,’ he continues.

This echoes a report by the University of Leeds and United Bank of Carbon suggesting that socioeconomic factors surrounding the location of green space do not impact frequency of use.

As such, introducing more parkland

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can help address health inequalities between low and high income demographics, of which air quality is already a major contributor.

While words like ‘greening’ are usually associated with planting trees and protecting natural assets, in Germany another type of organism is yielding impressive results in terms of air quality when combined with cutting

the kit adds to existing smart city infrastructure.

Raised in a family whose business has been selling plants since the late-1800s, horticulturist, co-founder and CEO of Green City Solutions, Peter Sänger, tells us the company has worked with a range of local authorities. Reeling off a list of locations, these range from the firm’s

edge technology. Established in 2014, it took six years of development before Green City Solutions unveiled its first product - the CityTree.

This Internet of Things device essentially acts as an outdoor filter.

Moss modules on the exterior, controlled by computer algorithms, are capable of removing 82% of fine dust from the atmosphere. This is also cooled, by up to 2.5C. The result is enough clean air for 10,000 people per hour. And as this is connected,

hometown, Berlin, to Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels and Vienna. In the UK, Hereford already has a functioning CityTree, with projects in London boroughs such as Fulham and Hammersmith underway.

‘We should think not about a standalone CityTree, but a network of biotech solutions,’ says Sänger, explaining two other products play a key part in this vision. One, CityBreeze, offers the same air filtration, while providing display

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advertising opportunities by splitting surface area between moss wall and a 75 inch LCD screen, helping secure revenue for authorities while they tackle heat and pollution.

The WallBreeze, currently in development, has the potential to significantly scale up this impact. This modular moss filter can be attached to any wall, transforming existing and new building facades without expensive retrofitting, up to an area between 100 and 200m2. Through ongoing consultation with university departments and property developers, it is hoped that maximum size will eventually increase significantly.

‘The comparison to trees is obvious, and often used, but we think that’s an unfair advantage on our side. Moss can be actively ventilated, regulated, it is a machine-like organism. That’s why it is so important. A tree is a natural thing, and hard to predict the impact,’ Sänger continues, revealing that the CityTree uses 10% of the energy a conventional filter would. ‘We can see here in our cities that trees are suffering from droughts, soil degradation, things like this. And the effectiveness of a tree planted one or two years ago is quite small, maybe insignificant. That's why we try to bridge this ecologically friendly, natural feeling with technical, measurable impact,’ he adds.

Thanks to complex algorithms working behind the scenes, a CityTree can also be adjusted and fine-tuned, so maximum output can occur as local emissions peak. Unlike a tree, which can require 10 years of plantation growth before it is ready to be introduced to a city, the moss modules are good to go within 12 to 14 weeks, and recycled at the end of their life span, helping Green City Solutions with its own zero waste aims.

All of which means significant value for money, not least when smart functionality is taken into account.

A city tree can form a WiFi hotspot, reducing the need to spend on this separately. And, with the equivalent environmental impact of up to 67 natural trees, the five-digit price tag - variable depending on location and order size - looks even more affordable. Ultimately, though, even this reflects an outmoded view.

In reality, inaction on emissions, pollution and other environmental issues becomes less cost-effective by the day. And that’s before we consider the huge long-term, baked-in price tag of failing to invest now.

DELIVERING YOUR AQAP Ricardo’s team has extensive experience in preparing AQAPs for UK local authorities. This includes delivering plans for Tower Hamlets, Derby, Wakefield, Oxford and Mid Devon Councils, all in line with the relevant Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) process. Ricardo can prepare a technical AQAP on behalf of your organisation taking

account of existing measures, in addition to proposing additional measures, as required by Defra’s updated LAQM, Technical Guidance (LAQM.TG22). As part of this process, we assess the progress of measures in recent annual status reports (ASR), as well as existing polices in local plans and/or initiatives that will contribute to the improvement of local air quality.

Source apportionment Identify principal sources of emissions. Potential scenario assessment. Review conclusions and recommendations.

Notify Air Quality Partners/Inception Steering Group meeting Attend core steering group meeting to provide a background on air quality.

Core AQAP Steering Group meeting Review the list of provisional measures for inclusion in the draft AQAP.

Preparation of draft AQAP Identify timeframes for implementation of proposed measures and how these will be monitored. Submit to steering group for comment.

Public consultation Ricardo’s energy & environment division can provide support and personnel to prepare and attend meetings.

Review of relevant plans and policies Policies with potential to influence AQAPs, including local air quality management (LAQM), planning, transport, environmental, climate change.

Prepare provisional list of measures For consideration by the core steering group.

Assessment of shortlisted measures Assessment against the following criteria: emissions benefit, implementation costs, cost effectiveness, potential coenvironmental benefits, risk factors, social and economic impacts, feasibility and acceptability.

Steering Group meeting Involving all key stakeholders.

Review and assess the provisional short list of measures. Collation of final agreed shortlist measures to be included in the AQAP.

Finalisation of AQAP In light of consultation feedback, prepare additional chapter summarising the consultation process.

OUR SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AS EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE BY DEFRA AND THE DEVOLVED ADMINISTRATIONS.

CONTACT US | ENQUIRY-EE@RICARDO.COM | + 44 ( 0 ) 1235 753114

Advertorial

Bosch Air Quality Solutions

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osch has been operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland for 125 years and in that time our business has changed and developed enormously.

Bosch constantly adapts to the needs of people and businesses and as we celebrate this significant milestone we know that the environment is at the front of most people’s minds.

Around the world, Air Quality is playing an increasingly important role in making urban areas liveable and sustainable. Bosch’s motto “Invented for life” involves an extensive commitment to improving Air Quality. Bosch is contributing to the sustainable and eco-friendly mobility of tomorrow with an innovative portfolio of accurate products for zero-emission driving from its Mobility Solutions business sector.

As part of that, the Bosch solutions are focused on providing highly precise data to measure, understand and improve Air Quality and identify pollution sources on a broad scale. Our expertise is broad and is based on three main pillars:

❶ Air Quality Monitoring Boxes: Bosch has developed

two real-time generations of “Indicative-level” sensors

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to perform reliable monitoring campaigns. The units can be configured to different use cases, depending on area of study, sensor size and city-specific conditions or requirements and desired parameters, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, and SO2, temperature, humidity, and pressure, among others. From our perspective, “Indicative-level” accurate data, in accordance with the EU 2008/50/EC guidelines is essential for deriving and implementing specific and robust measures to improve Air Quality.

❷ Environmentally Sensitive Traffic Management (ESTM): a microscopic model of traffic related emissions. ESTM generates highly accurate traffic emissions data in real time. This data evaluates the contribution made by moving traffic to the overall emissions situation.

This contribution can be reduced through specific interventions in traffic management. For example, traffic flow can be facilitated by adjusting traffic light controls.

The model is ideal to understand emissions related impact before and after every traffic intervention, like implementing a Clean Air Zone, street closures or any other traffic modification.

Advertorial ❸ Air Quality Dispersion Modelling: as the name indicates, this is a high precision and cloud-based Air Quality Dispersion Model (AQDM) that generates tailored and sustainable measures at hotspots subject to increased emissions.

This 3D simulation makes it possible to incorporate local emission sources, such as those resulting from traffic, wind, dust related particulates, and other sources, in a very fine-grained holistic resolution model. AQDM takes into consideration the local urban development as well as current weather, and the dispersion calculation model can also be used for an entire urban area. This is also an ideal tool for a real time overview or a before and after intervention assessment.

Multiple positive results In one of the most recognised Air Quality projects performed by Bosch (in partnership with Transport for London) we were able to demonstrate a marked improvement in localised Air Quality in Brixton, London. The project had other positive outcomes, including reduced traffic congestion and smoother traffic flow, and a greater understanding of how wind and the weather affect the dispersion of pollutants across the inner-city area.

To put it in numbers, a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) of nearly 20 percent was recorded. Average vehicle speed increased from 8.7mph to 10.6mph. Therefore, the traffic light signalling strategy will continue to be used in Brixton to improve traffic flow and Air Quality.

In summary Bosch offers a highly precise portfolio of solutions to monitor and improve Air Quality in towns and cities. We can configure our Air Quality products and find the most effective balance between hardware and software, suitable to support the need and requirements on a project-specific basis.

Bosch can also support an easy integration into existing traffic management systems or by API with any customer desired interface.

In addition, the system is entirely scalable. It can cover from a small corridor to an entire city area.

Air Quality Dispersion Model (AQDM)

Bosch has integrated the management and overview of the three products through a self-developed digital cloud interface, enabling the interaction between our Air Quality modular solutions and facilitating a comprehensive view of an area’s Air Quality ecosystem.

Pilot projects We have concluded several projects across the UK, Europe and globally to test and demonstrate the importance and the relevant results that can be obtained with our portfolio.

We can highlight our participation in two different Air Quality monitoring campaigns in Scotland, one of which is a long-term co-location evaluation in Glasgow, Hope Street and another is a campaign with a school in Perth and Kinross.

There have been further research related projects in Manchester and London, plus industry specific campaigns with manufacturing organisations, ports and harbours, and airports. In addition, there are many more activities in Germany, Spain and France as well. Feel free to reach out via our contact details below for further information.

For further information please: • S ee www.bosch-mobility-solutions.com/en/solutions/airquality-solutions/air-quality-solutions •C ontact Agustin Arguello at agustin.arguello@uk.bosch.com.

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Advertorial

Five ways councils can use air quality sensor networks to help their communities

T Dimal Luta Sales Manager for Public Sector T: +447840141588 E: d.luta@airly.org

he air we breathe is essential to our health, but the quality of air in many UK communities falls far short.

With air pollution linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, it's no wonder that local councils with their people at the top of their agenda are taking the issue seriously. Air quality is a growing concern across the UK, with many local councils facing increasing pressure to address this critical issue.

However, tackling air pollution can be a complex and overwhelming task, especially without the right tools and information. That's where Airly comes in. Airly's air quality sensor network provides real-time hyper-local data, enabling councils to identify the impact of different pollution sources, track progress, and make informed decisions that lead to healthier and happier communities.

Let’s explore 5 initiatives that local councils can undertake using Airly's air quality network to tackle air pollution in their communities. From promoting active transport to supporting the adoption of clean energy, we'll showcase how Airly can help councils implement effective solutions that not only benefit the health and well-being of their communities but also create public awareness and improve council PR.

❶ Implementing Clean Air Zones As a council, you're committed to ensuring the air quality in your community is safe and healthy for all. But with air pollution being such a complex issue, it's challenging to know where to start. That's where Airly's air quality sensor network can help.

One of the top ways for UK councils to address air pollution is by implementing Clean Air Zones. These zones aim to reduce emissions from vehicles by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles, especially public transport, and by enforcing restrictions on heavily polluting vehicles.

For example, the London Ultra Low Emission Zone 28

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(ULEZ) is a prime example of the impact that Clean Air Zones can have. By charging heavily polluting vehicles to enter central London, the ULEZ has reduced emissions and improved air quality in the city.

However, it's important to understand that Clean Air Zones are only effective if they're informed by accurate, real-time hyper-local data. That's where Airly's solution comes in. With its air quality sensor network, you'll be able to identify the impact of different pollution sources and track progress to win public support.

Having real-time data on air quality levels in your community will not only help you create and enforce effective Clean Air Zones, but it will also give you the tools you need to make informed decisions and measure the impact of your initiatives. With Airly, you can be confident that your Clean Air Zones will be effective in reducing emissions and improving air quality.

❷ Green School Streets When it comes to protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities, air quality is a critical issue, especially around schools. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, and exposure to toxic air during their formative years can have long-lasting impacts on their health. That's why initiatives like the "Liveable Streets" in the London Borough of Hackney are so important. This innovative program aims to reduce traffic and air pollution around schools by closing roads to through-traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a safer and cleaner environment for children.

But how can councils make sure these types of initiatives are actually effective in reducing air pollution? The answer lies in real-time hyper-local data. That's where Airly's solution comes in. By using Airly's air quality network, councils can monitor the impact of the "Liveable Streets"

Advertorial initiative and ensure that it is making a real difference.

With Airly's data, councils can identify the pollution sources and track progress, providing the transparency and accountability that communities expect.

With the ability to track progress and demonstrate results, councils can win public support for the initiative and show that they are serious about tackling air pollution. This is not just good for public relations - it's good for the health and wellbeing of our communities. By launching an Airly air quality network, councils can ensure that the "Liveable Streets" initiative and similar programs are effective, sustainable, and supported by the community.

❸ Smoke Control Areas Smoke control areas are a crucial component of any local authority's efforts to improve air quality. By restricting the use of open fires and certain types of fuel-burning appliances, smoke control areas help to reduce the levels of harmful particulate matter in the air. However, without proper monitoring and enforcement, the effectiveness of these measures can be limited.

That's where Airly's air quality network comes in. With real-time, hyper-local air quality data, councils can identify the impact of smoke control areas on air quality and track their progress in reducing air pollution. This data also helps councils to better understand which areas are most affected by smoke pollution, allowing them to target their efforts and resources more effectively.

Moreover, by using Airly's solution to monitor the impact of smoke control areas, councils can build public support and demonstrate their commitment to improving air quality. With real-time data at their fingertips, councils can engage with the public, show them the benefits of smoke control areas, and help them understand how their actions can contribute to cleaner, healthier air.

By working with Airly, councils can ensure that their smoke control areas are as effective as possible and that they are doing everything in their power to promote clean air and improve the health of their communities. ❹ Anti-Idling Campaigns Air pollution is a growing concern in many cities, with idling engines being a significant contributor. Councils everywhere are looking for ways to reduce this harmful emission and create healthier communities. An anti-idling initiative is one such initiative that can help in this regard.

By encouraging drivers to switch off their engines when stationary, this campaign can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly around schools and other high-traffic areas.

For example, the London Borough of Islington's "No Idling" campaign is a great example of how anti-idling initiatives can be successful. The campaign raises awareness about the environmental and health impacts of idling engines, encouraging drivers to be more mindful of the impact they have on the environment.

However, to ensure the success of such campaigns, councils need real-time hyper-local data that Airly's solution provides. This data can help identify the impact of different pollution sources, allowing the council to target their efforts more effectively. Moreover, tracking progress with Airly's solution can help to win public support, creating a positive cycle of success and public engagement.

So, if you're looking to launch an anti-idling campaign in your community, Airly can provide the data you need to

ensure your campaign is a success. With the ability to track progress and identify the sources of pollution, you can create a healthier, cleaner community and show the public the tangible benefits of your efforts.

❺ Public Awareness Creating a public awareness campaign is an important step in addressing air pollution and engaging the community in making a difference. By launching an Airly air quality network, councils can provide the public with accurate, real-time data on air pollution levels, allowing communities to take informed decisions to protect their health. The data can also help identify the sources of pollution so that initiatives can be targeted effectively and efficiently.

Moreover, by tracking progress over time, councils can demonstrate the positive impact of their initiatives to the public and win public support. With Airly's realtime hyper-local data, councils can ensure that their public awareness campaigns are effective and make a real difference in improving the air quality in their communities.

Let’s breathe easier. Together, let’s #RepairTheAir. Air pollution is a serious and growing problem that affects the health and wellbeing of communities. However, local councils have the power to make a difference and improve the air quality in their areas through initiatives like the ones we've outlined above. With the help of Airly's air quality sensor network, councils can access real-time, hyper-local data to identify the impact of different pollution sources and track the progress of their initiatives, which can lead to greater public awareness and support.

Airly offers a solution that provides tangible benefits to local councils, and can be used to facilitate these initiatives and more to create healthier and happier communities. Our network is designed to provide the real-time data needed to make informed decisions and drive positive change.

So if your council is looking for a way to tackle air pollution and improve the health and wellbeing of your community, get in touch with Airly today. Let's work together to make some of these initiatives a reality and create a brighter future for everyone.

Set up an online call with Air Quality Expert - Wiktor Warchałowski - to discuss different ways councils can use air quality sensor networks to help their communities.

Visit: Airly.org for more information

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Feature

How smart city innovation can achie

Georgie Hughes investigates the smart city concept and explains how this can be used to realise net zero ambit

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s the race to reach net zero continues, cities across the world are stepping up, filling gaps where national government’s may be coming up short.

The need to do so couldn’t be more clear and local authorities are aware of this – three-quarters have declared a climate emergency since 2018. How cities go about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling air quality is a different ball game which requires innovation and imagination. Could the concept of smart cities be the answer?

Thought to be rooted in the 1990’s Smart Growth movement which advocated for a new approach to urban planning, the concept is about integrating technology into city infrastructure and services. Peter Griffiths, Global Urban Futures Expert at innovation platform BABLE, says the concept was formed ‘to create interest in the adoption

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of technologies in places around the world.’ He adds: ‘But increasingly, it's grown into something much bigger than smart cities. A lot of people talk about “smart places”, with the idea being that technological benefits should be something that anybody can enjoy regardless of where they live.’

When it comes to environmental challenges, there are several ways in which smart cities are using technological advances to restructure the daily workings of a city. As data suggests that car journeys need to reduce by around 25% to reach net zero, one of the clearest ways smart cities can make a difference is by transforming the future of mobility.

This is where key questions arise, says Griffiths: ‘How do we track the impact of each journey? How do we make journeys more convenient? And how do we remove the need for journeys?’

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eve net zero

tions.

In Scotland, the 8th City Programme set to end this year, is using the smart city model to address issues like this. The project is rather unique as it’s not just focused on improving individual cities, but it strives to achieve joint initiatives, acting as a network that shares benefits evenly across the country.

One city, Dundee, is changing the way we think about cars and mobility through a variety of different schemes run by the Mobility Innovation Living Laboratory (MILL). The lab is working on a range of smart mobility projects, like an electric bike sharing scheme and corporate fleet sharing to reduce emissions and improve air quality. So far, results are looking promising.

By using six low-emission vehicles from the MILL’s ‘back to area’ car club, meaning users don’t have to drop off cars in designated bays, Dundee City Council eliminated

732 car journeys within three months in 2020. The economic benefits are also clear, as car club members who drive less than 6-8,000 miles a year could save up to £3,500 a year.

However, it's not just physically changing our travel networks which can revolutionise mobility, says Griffiths.

Changing attitudes to how we live and move about a city could also have an impact. For example, as remote work has become more common since the pandemic, it's possible this could create large scale change.

‘The future of work will enable people to work from anywhere,’ he explains. ‘Maybe they don't have to travel as much or they don't have to travel during peak times, so you can reduce peak travel demand and the infrastructure that you need.’

Transport is just one part of the picture though, with opportunities to innovate various parts of city services, including energy systems. Stirling, another member of Scotland’s smart city programme, is doing this by identifying and mitigating energy wastage.

The city council has captured energy data through a centralised management platform – The Energy Hub – to monitor and review peak energy use in its buildings and track real time renewable energy generation.

Not only has this helped to improve energy consumption predictions, but it’s also reduced energy costs and decreased emissions. Efforts can be much more localised too, with local power generation boosting energy resilience and increasing affordability and accessibility.

‘With local power generation, even if you just think about solar panels on rooves, that's an element where people are shifting the mix,’ says Griffiths. ‘In many ways the transition towards producing power more locally has already happened.’

City improvements can be difficult to achieve, as sprawling urban environments already have so much infrastructure in place. One benefit of the smart city model is that it encourages innovation and delivers city improvements without huge, costly construction works.

‘In Europe, cities are largely built,’ Griffiths remarks.

‘It's not like we can rebuild them. And so, some of the reconfiguration comes from putting a layer on top, and that layer can be technological.’

With the concept heavily tied to digitalisation, this offers an opportunity to see cities in a new light and to reform processes, so city data is more visible. ‘In the UK, there's absolutely no understanding of who owns the land,’ adds Griffiths. ‘It’s astonishing that this data isn't digitised and it's not consistent across different data sources. And so actually, one of the big benefits of the smart transition is it's trying to resolve this and get a much better sense of how the city works, how it performs, and where the opportunities are for interventions that can deliver maximum impact.’

The concept has grown in recent years, as shown by Scotland’s ground-breaking programme, with some saying the smart city market doubles every year.

The sector has grown to not only consider how technology can be used within cities but also how to make them work better for people. ‘From my point of view, I would say the smart transition is about unlocking places which are just generally better for people to live in,’ says Griffiths.

Where smart cities will go in the future is yet to be discovered, but what’s clear is that the concept can help local authorities to amplify and realise ambitions for cleaner air.

airqualitynews.com

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Turnkey Instruments Ltd Over recent years Turnkey Instruments research & development team have been busy designing, developing and manufacturing two new market leading air pollution monitors. The newest Monitor to the range is the iPM Particle Monitor, specifically designed for use within local authorities for measuring and reporting Diesel fume pollution.

This Monitor can be permanently mounted and is Ideal for contamination control, through its leading edge technology the monitor offers independent online data management. To further support the monitors market recognition we have applied for MCERTS for PM10 & PM2.5 which is pending.

The next generation of iGASair is a new internet gas Monitor. Its multiple gas sensors are housed within a shielded manifold and aspirated with an ultra-quiet pump, making the instrument equally suitable for both outdoor and indoor air pollution monitoring. Typical sensitivities are given below. Carbon dioxide is detected by means of

a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) detector, VOCs (isobutylene) by a 10.6 eV photoionization detector (PID), and the other gas species by means of 4-electrode electrochemical cells. A proprietary zero gas generation scheme is employed to eliminate zero drift in all of the gas sensor cells.

Our gas monitors allow easy recording and reporting of multiple gas species, viewed remotely through AirQWeb. Like particulates, pollutant gases significantly affect the quality of the air we breathe, and are often present in the same environments, these can be generated by mobile sources e.g. traffic & congestion, h b h stationary sources including Manufacturing plants, Oil & Gas Refineries, factories and area sources from Agriculture.

Both Monitors offer data via pushed and polled technology which delivers data instantly. The Monitors also utilise Turnkey unique Power Portal for mains power, WiFi and 4G/5G cellular connectivity.

Why Turnkey Instruments?

All of the Instrumentation is designed & developed by our highly skilled and dedicated UK based in house team of engineers & support team. Our service is unique in that we understand fully the technology we deliver, our R&D team developed the technology, our design team created and manufactured the Monitors whilst our trainers and service engineers help our customers to get the best out of their investment.

Customer support is our top priority, calibration and technical advice is always on hand. Once you have invested in our Monitors our service engineers are available to carry out prompt repairs, on going servicing and product updates. At Turnkey Instruments we understand and prioritise Data Management as this is critical to managing the environments.

Our Monitoring and testing equipment is used with our AirQ Software and associated Apps. This software has also been designed and developed in house, its focus is client centric with functionality and use-ability at its core.

iGASair

iPM The iPM Particle Monitor Key Features include;

The iGASair Internet Gas Monitor Key Features include;

•

•

• • • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Measure PM10, PM2.5 & PM1 simultaneously in doors or outdoors.

Particle spectrometer to measure particle size distribution between 0.2 and 10 . micron Measures down below 0.2 micron diameter.

Ideal for measuring diesel fume pollution Inlet heating, adjustable control point for inlet temperature or sample relative humidity when used outdoors Ideal for measuring wood smoke Upper particle size 15 micron diameter Internet-of-Things, pushed or polled readings Control and monitor with www.airQweb.com Interchangeable GF/B filter capsule Ultra-quiet (<30dBA) ultrasonic pump Calibrated with mono-disperse spheres 150 mm x 150 mm x 90 mm excluding inlets +12V DC power with internal battery Turnkey Power Portal for mains power, WiFi and 4G/5G cellular connectivity “Off-grid” operability

• • • • • • • • • •

Manifolds to measure and record up to 6 gas species simultaneously.

Automatic zeroing by internal zero gas generation virtually eliminates drift.

Also records atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity.

RS-485, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Internal data storage.

Battery, mains or solar powered.

Compatible with Turnkey’s AirQWeb for live internet air pollution monitoring.

Android app available.

Operating temperature range -20 °C to +50 °C. 12 V DC supply. Internal 6 V, 2 Ah NiMH battery.

Can be used alongside Turnkey’s range of continuous dust monitors.

To view our range of Instruments and Air Pollution Monitors visit our website; www.turnkey-instruments.com or call our team on +44 (0)1606 330020.

1-2 Dalby Court, Gadbrook Business Centre, Northwich, Cheshire. CW9 7TN.

RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS WITH ADVERTISE YOUR JOB VACANCY WITH THE LEADING TITLES IN THE ENVIRONMENT SPACE As the UK’s leading print & digital publication dedicated to issues of Air Quality, Pollution, Net Zero, Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability

Air Quality News aims to highlight cutting-edge practice from across the globe, champion innovation and lead the debate on key issues facing local government and it’s partners in the UK to provide a cleaner greener future We specialise in the following areas of recruitment advertising: ●

Air Quality

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Pollution

STANDARD ONLINE LISTING •1 Standard listing on Air Quality News and on Environment Journal •Inclusion in the AQN & EJ newsletters

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Net Zero

The cost of this package is £595 Per Job

●

Climate Change

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Traffic Management

COMBINED MONTHLY STATS Views: 64,727 Users: 42,025 Newsletter recipients: 13,468 Social media: 12,675

FEATURED ONLINE LISTING •1 Featured listing on Air Quality News and on Environment Journal •Promotion across our LinkedIn & Twitter pages •A rotating MPU or Banner advert •Inclusion in the AQN & EJ newsletters •Programmatic advertising – your job listing appears adjacent to relevant news articles The cost of this package is £795 Per Job

For a bespoke advertising campaign please call: Alex Lawrence 07518 900097 alex@spacehouse.co.uk

www.airqualitynews.com/jobs www.environmentjournal.online/jobs

Marketplace AS Modelling & Data Ltd

Alphasense supplies high-quality gas and particulate sensors to many of the world’s leading industrial OEMs in the air quality, industrial and gas safety industries.

With over 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of high-accuracy sensors, the Alphasense brand is synonymous with quality and innovation, particularly in the fields of gas detection, industrial gas analysis and environmental monitoring

T: +44 (0) 1376 556700 https://www.alphasense.com/

With decades of experience and high levels of expertise, including a UK-wide network of highly trained and equipped service engineers; Acoem UK is able to select the best instruments from leading global manufacturers.

These include Ecotech, AQMesh, Palas, Aethlabs, Thermo, 2B Technologies, Lufft and others Part of the ACOEM Group, we are committed to sustainable development and helping companies and public authorities limit their environmental impact.

We offer products and services that prevent and control air, noise and vibration pollution, increase the productivity and reliability of industrial machinery & contribute to the development of effective, robust & noiseless products.

Acoem UK T:01684 857530 https://www.acoem.co.uk/

AQMesh is the proven small sensor outdoor air quality monitor manufactured in the UK by Environmental Instruments Ltd and supported worldwide through a global network of distributors. It has been designed to offer a robust and easy-to-use air quality monitoring system that can deliver localised real-time readings, improving the accuracy and scope of gathering air quality data in order to support initiatives to reduce air pollution and its risk to human health.

T: +44 (0)1789 777703 www.aqmesh.com

AS Modelling & Data provides dispersion and deposition modelling using the latest version of ADMS for a wide range of clients including farms, the waste water industry, waste management, general manufacturing and Local Authorities. Our team can provide the expertise, modelling, data and reports for odour, ammonia and air quality assessments including detailed modelling of emissions from ammonia scrubbers and innovative ventilation systems.

AS Modelling & Data can also provide meteorological station data and site-specific Numerical Weather Prediction data for any site location in the world, which can be converted for use within ADMS. We can provide data for meteorological parameters on request and data can be provided quickly at affordable prices. stevesmith@asmodata.co.uk

T: 01952 462500 www.asmodata.co.uk

Bosch Air Quality Solutions

The Bosch air quality portfolio is focused on providing highly precise data with the expertise to improve the air quality around us.

Offering a tool to local authorities to understand source emissions and model the implications on air quality. Highly beneficial for current advanced traffic management including assessing the effect on air quality for planned infrastructure projects.

We measure pollutants using our Certified Air Quality Monitoring Box (AQMB) measuring Ambient Gases and Indicative PM (Optical Particle Counter) and track these pollutants independently or in combination with our Air Quality Software solutions; Environmentally Sensitive Traffic Management (ESTM) and Air Quality Dispersion Model (AQDM).

E: Ian.Larbey@uk.bosch.com https://www.bosch-mobilitysolutions.com/en/solutions/airquality-solutions/air-qualitysolutions/

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Cambustion is an independent, privately owned company with headquarters in Cambridge, UK. The company was founded in 1987 by a research group at Cambridge University Engineering Department, to produce a fast response Flame Ionisation Detector for hydrocarbon measurement. This analyzer had immediate applications in engine and catalyst development and found users at OEMs and universities, since the rapid time response allowed new insights into engine behaviour.

Today the company has two groups, the Products group and the Engineering Services group.

Data Monitoring Systems Ltd are a complete data solutions provider From your single analyser, right through to your complete network, our Data Gateway has the ability to connect to 20 analysers simultaneously. Major analysers, for example, Thermo, Palas, Ecotech, Vaisala, and more may be connected to our Data Gateways with automatic calibrations also being carried out.

Data ratification, and reports may be carried using our Reports package.

Coming soon: Indoor Air Monitoring system measuring: • TVOC, • Particles • CO2 • Temperature • Humidity with display, mobile phone and WiFi connectivity.

W: Web portal for displaying your data.

T: 01223 210 250 https://www.cambustion.com/

T: Mobile phone application.

T: 01382 524916 enquiries@datamonitoring. co.uk www.datamonitoring.co.uk

airqualitynews.com

EarthSense is a leading air quality specialist, providing expert services in air pollution monitoring, modelling and data provision.

EarthSense deliver innovative solutions, enabling the world to visualise and manage its air quality issues with the mantra: Measure.

Model. Act. Offering a complete data solution to air pollution from inception to implementation, EarthSense’s modelling and monitoring products highlight a reputation for technical excellence in air quality services in the UK and abroad.

Products include the Zephyr air quality monitor and versatile modelling programme MappAir, carefully validated against the government standard Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) for gaseous pollutants including Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and Particulate Matter.

T: 0116 296 7460 www.earthsense.co.uk

Marketplace Enviro Technology Services (ET)

Straightforward, modern, cloudbased environmental monitoring solutions. High quality, with exceptional value for money.

EEMC Monitors, sole UK distributors for Omnidots, offer Mcerts certified particulate monitoring. This cloud-based solution, using Omnidots intuitive, Honeycomb cloudplatform, provides real-time data visualisation, email/SMS alerts and remote system configuration and updates.

We also provide industry-leading vibration monitoring using the SWARM Vibration Monitor, a compact device, quick and easy to deploy and designed with construction applications in mind.

EEMC Monitors offer a complete solution for monitoring of both dust and vibration ensuring all your data is accessible on one cloudbased platform.

EEMC Monitors T: 0208 012 7933 https://www.eemc-monitors. co.uk/

Turnkey Instruments Ltd. design and manufacture a range of easyto-use dust monitors, created to continuously measure and record the concentration of airborne particles. Our instruments feature two modes; in environmental mode they can simultaneously monitor the concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 particles, while their workplace mode monitors the inhalable, thoracic and respirable fractions.

In addition, they all include a data logging feature.

Every product includes a proprietary nephelometer, designed and produced by ourselves, that analyses the individual particles of an air sample as they pass through a laser beam; the particles are then collected on the reference filter. This advanced technology allows fractions to be determined at concentrations up to several mg/m³.

Enviro Technology Services (ET) was founded in 1983. Now active in over 60 countries with a multimillion pound turnover, ET has evolved over 37 years to become a global provider of air quality and emissions monitoring systems and servicing.

The UK-based company sell and lease equipment, systems and services covering the monitoring of ambient air quality (AQM), continuous emissions (CEM) and indoor air quality. ET also supplies cutting-edge analytical equipment for scientific, process and research monitoring including the monitoring of greenhouse and toxic gases.

The company has the UK’s largest network of field-based service engineers in the industry. The team service air monitoring equipment on some 500 sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as work on global installation projects.

T: 01453 733200 https://www.et.co.uk/

Compelled by worsening levels of air pollution in the UK, Evotech launched its specialist air quality division to help customers create safer working environments and is currently supporting clients to improve confidence in returning to the workplace during and after the pandemic.

We help UK businesses and organisations create healthier and safer working environments by monitoring and transforming their indoor air quality.

T: 0333 207 4245 www.evotechairquality.co.uk/

At Marston Holdings we understand the current challenges our local authority clients are facing whether they be social, economic or environmental.

We work collaboratively with our 500+ clients in the UK and EU to develop, refine and execute a wide range of end to end transport and enforcement solutions to meet their local and combined air quality and environmental targets and objectives.

We provide complete design, build and enforce services for clean air zones and low emission zones and are working with many cities and regions on their bespoke solutions.

GRAMM is the UK leading specialist in the design, supply & installation of environmental acoustic barriers with over 20 years of experience. We have constructed literally 1,000’s of Km’s of acoustic barriers of all types of materials throughout the UK and Europe.

GRAMM SmogStop Barrier reduces air and noise pollution levels in surrounding neighbourhoods, and takes a two-pronged approach to reducing air pollution from major roads, highways and railways.

The patented aerodynamic design reduces pollution levels by enhancing dispersion so that neighbouring residents can breathe easier. At the same time, a proprietary coating on the barrier actually breaks down the NOx and VOCs that produce smog, transforming them into harmless by-products.

HORIBA offers cutomer oriented tailor-made system solutions with its state-of-the-art analytical technologies and more than 50 years experience in ambient air market. As your true partner in environmental preservation, we deliver air quality monitoring, indoor air quality monitoring , clean room airborne molecular contamination monitoring , quality control and stationary emission monitoring by diluted stack gas monitoring.

T: 01604548500 https://www.horiba.com/int/ process-and-environmental/

Vortex IoT offers a suite of cleantech air quality monitoring solutions that help organisations deliver greater environmental impact at an affordable price.

Vortex IoT SalixAir sensors and our ultra-low mesh network help drive down carbon footprint by removing the need to visit the device location for any maintenance or servicing needs.

The result is that organisations can say goodbye to time consuming maintenance schedules as the sensors are managed remotely, lowering the cost of ownership and further supporting carbon reduction. In addition, we increase environmental impact by planting a tree with each device sold.

GRAMM is the exclusive UK partner for SmogStop.

T: +44 (0)1606 330020 https://turnkey-instruments. com/

T: 07767 833034 www.marstonholdings.co.uk/ airquality/

GRAMM SmogStop T: 01323 872243 https://www.smogstop.co.uk/

airqualitynews.com

T: +44 (0)1792 73205 E: info@vortexiot.com W: https://vortexiot.com/

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2023 South West and Wales Air Quality Conference Brought to you by:

FIRST SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

Joseph Carter Asthma & Lung UK

Tessa Bartholomew-Good Global Action Plan

Cllr Don Alexander Bristol City Council

The Air Quality News team are proud to announce we are hosting our inaugural South West and Wales Air Quality Conference, to be held at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel on June 21st.

This event will bring together key policy makers in local authorities, as well as academia, and environmental focused private companies, to hear from our expert speakers to see how we can tackle air quality in the regions.

June 21st - Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Delegate tickets start at £95 +VAT for local authorities

www.airqualitynews.com/events

WORKABLE SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PLANNING ISSUES Understanding the relationships between people and the built and natural environments is more important than ever.

At RPS we provide robust environmental advice across a range of services and sectors to support local authority clients even with the most intricate projects.

Combining decades of multidisciplinary expertise, we advise on air quality (including dust and odour), acoustics, ecology, ground conditions, sustainability, climate resilience and many other areas.

Do you require environmental assessment, monitoring, mitigation advice or expert witness support? Contact RPS if so.

Absolute delivery is our promise.

For more information visit: www.rpsgroup.com/services/environment or scan below.

Combining the very best for a brighter, cleaner future!

Whatever your air quality or transport decarbonisation plans, Marston Holdings can help at every step with market leading solutions incorporating: Hyperlocal AQ data monitoring and visualisation Design and planning of AQ interventions Technology solutions to support AQ schemes On street and digital enforcement services We provide unrivalled services for local authorities to achieve long-term air quality improvements.

Speak to a member of the team to find out more.

www.marstonholdings.co.uk/airquality airquality@marstonholdings.co.uk