AQN Procurement Guide 5th Edition

AIR QUALITY

5th Edition – October 2024

PROCUREMENT GUIDE I N ASSOCIAT IO N W ITH

CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS

FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES airqualitynews.com

We are proud to be the UK distributor for the bettair® node Award-winning indicative air quality monitor Accurate monitoring of up to 12 air quality indicators, ambient noise levels and other environmental parameters.

No calibration required

THE NODE IP65

Custom visualisation tools Cloud-based data & reporting

MEASUREMENTS

Compact, dust tight and water resistant

MCERTS pending - PM10 & PM2.5

Customised low-power electronics

NO2 NO SO2 CO H2S CO2 O2 NH3 VOC

Low-power wireless network

Temperature

Relative humidity

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS Advanced post-processing

ºC

Operating temperature range with full accuracy -10 to 40°C Operating Relative Humidity up to 95% non-condensing

Contact us: 01453 733 200

www.et.co.uk

info@et.co.uk

Ambient noise Atmospheric pressure

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Welcome to the Air Quality News Procurement Guide – 5th Edition.

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

In this Guide, we cover a wide range of mechanisms through which air quality can be improved: electrifying your fleet, installing solar on your buildings, improving facilities to promote active travel to name but three.

Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office, recently announced a four month delay in the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. The delay will allow the new government time to produce a new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) to be produced.

In this issue we print an abridged version of a report written by Ben Paxton and Nick Davies at the Institute for Government, on improving accountability in government procurement. The report explores how accountability in public procurement works, how this will change under the Procurement Act, and sets out opportunities for the new government to improve practice.

Contacts Publisher: David Harrison E: d.harrison@spacehouse.co.uk T: 01625 614 000

Justin Coetzee outlines five steps that fleet managers can incorporate to ensure the smooth transition to an exclusively electric fleet. As you might imagine, this involves data management, route planning and investing in EVs themselves but Justin also emphasises the significance of investing in solar to help power that fleet. …And to that end, Sue Welland from Electron Green looks at how local authorities can successfully integrate solar into public buildings and infrastructure.

Editor: Paul Day E: paul@spacehouse.co.uk T: 01625 614 000

Imogen Player is a consultant at the Supply Chain Sustainability School and leads their Plant and Equipment Leadership Group. The Group was established to reduce the tailpipe air quality and greenhouse gas emissions of plant, through its procurement, rental and use.

Design & Layout: Oli Bowden E: design@spacehouse.co.uk T: 01625 614 000

Active travel is a key mechanic for reducing the number of car journeys made but recently research has highlighted two main impediments that are preventing people taking up cycling. One is cost, the other is lack of suitable storage.

Here we look at some ways councils can help

Business Development Manager: Andy Lees E: a.lees@spacehouse.co.uk T: 07843 632609

As we head into winter, Alan Siggins looks at the legislation around indoor air quality in the UK. Alan has represented BEAMA, the industry body for ventilation, when helping to design and implement compliance and competency schemes for ventilation.

Air Quality News Magazine published by Spacehouse Ltd

Paul Day | Editor

Pierce House Pierce Street Macclesfield SK11 6EX

Contact

T: 01625 614 000 E: hello@spacehouse.co.uk All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

3

CONTENTS

Features FULL CONTENTS PAGES 6-7 Feature Improving accountability in government procurement.

PAGES 8-9 Yunex Traffic Advertorial Helping authorities measure, model, manage and control air quality in real time.

PAGES 6-7 Feature

PAGES 10-11 Feature

Improving accountability in government procurement.

Five steps to decarbonise and digitise your fleet.

PAGES 10-11 Feature Five steps to decarbonise and digitise your fleet.

PAGES 12-13 Vortex How Vortex are helping Cardiff Council monitor the city’s air.

PAGES 14-15 Feature Decarbonising the built environment through procurement.

PAGE 16-17 Earth Sense Addressing domestic woodburning in Southampton.

PAGES 14-15 Feature

PAGES 18-20 Feature

Decarbonising the built environment through procurement

Promoting active travel through secure cycle parking.

PAGES 18-20 Feature Promoting active travel through secure cycle parking.

PAGES 22-23 Alphasense A game changer in Photoionisation Detector (PID) sensor technology.

PAGES 24-25 Feature A ventilation expert’s guide to Indoor Air Quality legislation in the UK PAGES 26-27 SKC Europe Two systems for detection and protection.

PAGES 28-30 Feature How councils can successfully integrate solar energy on public buildings.

PAGES 24-25 Feature

PAGES 28-30 Feature

A ventilation expert’s guide to Indoor Air Quality legislation in the UK.

How councils can successfully integrate solar energy on public buildings.

PAGE 31 Air QualityNews The announcement of the 2025 Northern Air Quality Conference.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

5

6

FEATURE

Improving accountability in government procurement

By Ben Paxton and Nick Davies at the Institute for Government

The PPE and Horizon scandals show recent governments have not always spent public money well: With the Procurement Act 2023 the new government has a chance to change that.

The government spends more than £350 billion each year buying goods, works and services from businesses and charities. This spending – grouped under ‘procurement’ – makes up almost a third of all public expenditure and plays an essential role in public services, national security and infrastructure. But government procurement has been beset by scandals in recent years, most recently with the wrongful prosecution of Post Office workers due to the faulty Horizon computer system and, before that, accusations of cronyism around the Conservative government’s ‘VIP-lane’ for PPE procurement during the pandemic.

The difficult fiscal inheritance facing the new government means it is especially important that public spending – including procurement – is aligned with government priorities and delivers good value for money. Government needs the strategy, systems and capability to hold suppliers and contracting authorities to account for this, and create incentives for effective procurement.

It is clear these have not always been present under recent administrations.

The Procurement Act will bring in a new public sector procurement regime. This is an important opportunity for the new government. Simplified regulations, greater transparency and enhanced exclusion criteria could all help improve accountability.

But there are also risks. The Act is not a panacea – new requirements could impose more demands on already stretched resource and add further complexity to a governance system that can already be difficult to navigate. Some long-standing problems are not covered. The government – from the Cabinet Office and central government departments, through small contracting authorities in the wider public sector – must ensure it is ready to adapt to the new regime. With the new government delaying implementation of the Procurement Act to 24 February 2025, it now has a perfect opportunity to strengthen accountability.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

At this critical juncture, a joint Institute for Government, Tussell and AutogenAI report first sets out the scale of public procurement, and potential opportunities for insourcing in the IT and management consultancy sectors. It then looks at how accountability in procurement works in practice, how the Procurement Act will change this, and the opportunities and risks for the new government to grasp in the months ahead.

The report is based on contract and spending data collated

by Tussell, desk research and a private roundtable with senior procurement experts from government, suppliers and beyond, and its headline findings are outlined below.

HEADLINE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN BRIEF

External scrutiny Reviews of procurement by the National Audit Office (NAO) and Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) do improve behaviour, but their benefits can be limited by government taking a tick-box approach to compliance and not always addressing the root causes of issues highlighted.

• The NAO and PAC should continue to follow up on whether recommendations are followed.

• As the Procurement Act 2023 comes into force, the PAC should ask for regular updates on progress towards meeting the new transparency requirements.

Policies and controls

Contracting authorities at all levels of government should be investing in the capacity and capability needed to effectively set performance metrics and monitor performance against them under the new procurement regime.

• The Government Commercial Function should ensure there is appropriate training and support on monitoring and setting KPIs for both central government and the wider public sector.

Labour’s mission-led approach could provide more effective strategic direction for the whole of government, including procurement.

• The Mission Delivery Unit should work with the Government Commercial Function to develop guidance on how missions should be reflected in contracts.

Policies and controls help ensure procurement is aligned with the government’s priorities and is done through appropriate processes; at the same time, more governance can muddy accountability and make government a less attractive client.

These trade-offs are not always recognised. In addition, ministerial involvement often comes at a late stage, which limits their ability to add value and creates avoidable delays.

The Procurement Act improves clarity over national priorities and oversight, but risks creating additional layers of process and policy to navigate.

•T he Cabinet Office should update the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) to reflect Labour’s missions to set clear strategic direction for procurement across the public sector.

• The new government should conduct a review of procurement policies and controls to ensure that collectively they help enable clarity of accountability and are aligned with government priorities.

• Each minister should have a clear and consistent approach to involvement in procurement decisions. For all ministers this should include a clear understanding of which contracts they will be involved in, set decision points for their input and timelines for response.

Consequences for poor performance

Capability and capacity

The consequences for poor performance are unclear, with current grounds for excluding underperforming suppliers virtually unused. While the Procurement Act widens the grounds for exclusion, their implementation may be limited by dependence on particular suppliers across the public sector, particularly where there is limited market competition.

• The Cabinet Office should conduct targeted reviews into the suppliers the public sector is most exposed to, and clarify how they could be feasibly added to the debarment list.

• Ministers should commission ‘deep dive’ reviews into public sector markets where a lack of competition would make exclusions difficult.

There have been substantial improvements in the commercial function in government in recent years, but there are still capacity problems, particularly in the wider public sector. This needs to be addressed.

• The Government Commercial Function should set out in more detail the additional resource it expects will be needed to meet the new requirements under the Procurement Act, maintain and strengthen the commercial profession and ensure that high-quality training is available to the wider public sector.

• This is particularly important for contract management, where there should be an expectation that all staff managing contracts should be commercial specialists.

Performance metrics and monitoring Performance metrics are often poorly aligned with government objectives, lack clarity and can be outside of the supplier’s control, with monitoring regularly carried out by more junior staff who lack commercial expertise. The Procurement Act introduces new requirements for publishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and how suppliers perform against them.

Transparency The poor quality of procurement data limits oversight of what government is spending and reduces competition. This means government gets a worse deal. The Act is an opportunity to improve transparency and therefore accountability through increased reporting requirements and a new central digital platform. But its success will depend on public organisations collecting and providing this information.

• The Treasury should update the Managing Public Money guidance to make accounting officers responsible for their organisation maintaining and publishing high-quality procurement data.

This article is an abridgement of an Institute for Government report, written by Ben Paxton and Nick Davies, and financially supported

by Tussell and AutogenAI. Scan or click the QR code or visit: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/ accountability-government-procurement

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

7

8

ADVERTORIAL

As the UK leader in intelligent traffic systems (ITS), Yunex Traffic has a proven track record designing, developing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining a wide range of traffic management solutions.

Our product portfolio enables transport authorities worldwide to optimise their road networks, and provide a more efficient, cleaner, healthier and safer network for road users and residents alike.

Solutions, ranging from turnkey, fully integrated traffic management and control suites to single-site tactical solutions, play an important role in supporting local, regional, and national transport authorities to reduce vehicle emissions, improve air quality and keep our towns and cities functioning.

Our intelligent Clean Air and Low Emission Zone enforcement systems are proven to drive behavioural change, discouraging the use of older, higher-polluting vehicles in towns and cities.

To help authorities to better measure, model, manage and control air quality in their cities in real time, we are also able to harness the power of predictive modelling, working in partnership with our sister company Aimsum to combine our traffic management and control solutions with Aimsun’s modelling software systems.

Our FUSION adaptive network control solution allows traffic management decisions to be policy-driven, such that traffic signal timing can be optimized to prioritise active travel modes and clean air outcomes. Already live in London and Hampshire, FUSION makes walking and cycling easier and safer and supports reliable and sustainable public transport systems. This in turn leads to reduced congestion and improved air quality, making roads and communities healthier, more sustainable, and more attractive.

We have also developed ACTIS, an all-new sustainable traffic signal. Manufactured from recycled materials and consuming 50% less energy than any other traffic signal on the market, this next generation signal also has the option of integrating sensors to enable authorities to better manage air quality, both locally and network-wide.

Our Stratos traffic management and control system also allows transport authorities to manage their networks based on both air quality and meteorological data, all of which is drawn from a range of monitoring equipment and external sources. And newly developed Bus Analytics software allows bus movements across their network to be closely analysed in real time, using rich data to deliver reliable, sustainable and attractive bus services.

We are also supporting the rapidly growing UK fleet of electric vehicles, supplying and maintaining rapid EV chargers to deliver

the levels of availability and reliability that authorities, operators and drivers demand.

With this broad portfolio of solutions, underpinned by our unrivalled vision, experience and expertise, we are helping transport authorities worldwide meet their traffic, carbon and air quality targets, including the need to balance transport efficiency with emissions and road safety.

We look forward to continuing to work in close collaboration with our customers and partners to create a safer and more efficient transport network, reducing accidents, congestion and harmful emissions in our towns and cities, and building a cleaner, healthier and more attractive environment.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

Stratos and FUSION

Clean Air Zones

Air quality driven traffic management strategies and adaptive control

Proven, scalable and secure ANPR-based solutions

Air Quality Monitoring Cycling and Walking

Real-time information on pollution levels

Solutions for detecting and prioritising active travel

EV Charging Unrivalled nationwide service support for EV charging infrastructure

Uniting what’s next in traffic.

We are connecting the dots of a new mobility revolution that is transforming our towns and cities.

operators to make their road networks and fleets intelligent, enhance road safety and improve air quality.

With the broadest end-to-end portfolio of intelligent traffic management solutions, we work with cities, highway authorities and mobility

It’s time to make the world a better place. We are ready. Are you?

www.yunextraffic.com/uk

10

FEATURE

Five steps to decarbonise and digitise your fleet

By Justin Coetzee, CEO and Founder of GoMetro

As the supply of fossil fuels declines, coupled with global acknowledgement of the associated environmental risks, the haulage industry has refocused its efforts on decarbonisation. If fleet managers are to end their reliance on oil and natural gas, they must look at alternative energy sources that are less harmful to the environment.

Fortunately, clean, renewable energy, by virtue of wind, water, and solar power, is becoming more accessible. Modes of transportation that rely on fossil fuels like cars, trucks, and aeroplanes are now being developed to run on renewable fuel sources.

The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) technology has been successful in the UK, with ZapMap reporting the existence of over 1,145,000 passenger and commercial EV’s on domestic roads as of June 2024.

A fully electric delivery fleet isn’t feasible just yet, but now is the time to plan and prepare for this future. Here are five steps that fleet managers can incorporate to ensure the smooth transition to an exclusively EV fleet.

01. Analyse your existing data Start by examining your company’s existing operations. Gather information from your fleet telematics system on current routes, vehicle load capacity, typical cargo, and available drivers. Next, look at the quality of the road network around your premises and your vehicle replacement schedule. In-house telematics data will provide months of very rich operational insights to form the foundation of your transition strategy.

It can take some effort to pull all of this information together, but once it has been compiled and analysed, you will have a detailed overview of your operations. This will significantly assist you in the remaining steps of the process.

Although it is possible to complete this analysis in-house, getting help from experts will produce far more accurate results and an in-depth plan of action for the next steps.

02. Invest in solar Despite the stereotype that the UK suffers from a distinct lack of sun across all seasons, solar power represents a renewable energy source that UK fleet operators should be looking to adopt on-site.

There has been a huge push in the UK for solar panel installations, with the incoming Labour government revealing ambitious plans to invest £8.3 billion into state-owned power company Great British Energy (GBE). This investment is set to transform the energy landscape, which includes the expansion of solar power. One of the biggest incentives for businesses to invest in solar panels is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows them to deduct a percentage of their installation costs from their taxable income.

This reduces the overall costs of going solar.

While there are appealing tax breaks, decision makers at haulage companies must apply strategic thinking to solar power adoption.

Instead of investing in just enough roof panels to overcome power outages, entire roofs should be covered. Yes, it will produce more power than you can use right now, but that won’t be the case for long as later down the line, you’ll replace your fossil fuel costs with green, renewable ‘fuel’ to operate your fleet.

Your solar investment will pay off in the long run, when highway electrification becomes more feasible for toll companies, and you can invest in larger trucks that can travel longer distances with more cargo.

03. Invest in your first electric vehicles With the fleet telematics gathered in Step 1, investigate which electric trucks and vans will best suit your business. There are affordable entry-level EVs for most categories of commercial vehicle.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

04. Identify suitable routes With a good understanding of your new vehicles’ capabilities, it is time to look at the most suitable routes to send them on. The first routes to be serviced by EVs will likely be loops of around 74 miles from the depot, and likely in Greater London, which has more than 20 000 EV charging points already. This will allow for two passes a day, with a fast charge after the first loop while the vehicle is being reloaded, and a full charge overnight on low-power charging.

Longer routes won’t be viable for some time as they will require charging infrastructure along major national routes, which will undoubtedly take a while to complete. However, shorter routes can reduce your fuel spend from the outset.

When the first tranche of your routes have gone electric and you’ve got new data to analyse - which routes work best, what the best charging schedule is for your business, your largest expenses and biggest savings, and so on - you can revisit your initial plan and make improvements for the next wave EVs you acquire.

05. Data management Data management and analytics are even more important for EV fleets than ICE fleets. EV fleets require careful management of resources since you won’t be able to pop into a nearby fuelling station if a vehicle runs out of power.

“ Data management and analytics are even more important for EV fleets than ICE fleets. EV fleets require careful management of resources since you won’t be able to pop into a nearby fuelling station if a vehicle runs out of power.”

Justin Coetzee

CEO and Founder of GoMetro

The initial analysis will identify the optimal balance of internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV vehicles in your fleet as an initial step towards transition. Then you need to decide which EVs are the most suitable replacements for the ICE vehicles nearing retirement.

Look at battery size, range, and charging times. Analyse how much solar power you are producing and compare those numbers to the energy requirements of various EVs. Match up your supply with potential demand for the best investment.

Your EV fleet may look a little different from your ICE fleet, but it should ultimately produce the same results.

By the time you are ready to start replacing your ICE fleet, most likely with smaller delivery vehicles in the one-to fourtonne range, there will be a greater range of options to select from, as EV manufacturers are regularly launching new models and producing increasingly superior vehicles. Furthermore, import tariffs and duties could be adjusted in future government budget announcements, which will go a long way to the affordability of these eco-friendly vehicles.

One of the key benefits of data management and analytics for EV fleets is the ability to optimise charging infrastructure.

Fleet managers who analyse data on vehicle usage patterns, charging times, and energy consumption, can identify the optimal locations for charging stations. This ensures that vehicles have convenient access to charging points and reduces the risk of downtime due to lack of power.

Monitoring battery health, energy consumption, and vehicle performance also lets fleet managers identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Thankfully, electric vehicles generate vast amounts of data that, with the assistance of a reliable electric vehicle fleet management system, will set your company up for a successful future in the EV era.

Anticipate further emissions regulations The UK is currently aligned with the EU’s 2019/631 legislation, which introduced a zero and low emission benchmark of 15% of the vehicles in a manufacturers fleet for 2025. It’s only a matter of time before the government tightens these regulations even further, meaning fleet operators need to be proactive in introducing structural changes to ensure they are compliant with new laws.

The UK is currently aligned with the EU’s 2019/631 legislation, which introduced a zero and low emission benchmark of 15% of the vehicles in a manufacturers fleet for 2025. It’s only a matter of time before the government tightens these regulations even further, meaning fleet operators need to be proactive in introducing structural changes to ensure they are compliant with new laws.

An EV fleet is a neat solution to satisfying the developing standards of emissions control. Not only does it show commitment to a greener planet, but you can also take advantage of economic benefits, such as reduced fuel and maintenance costs, improved efficiency, and vehicle longevity, all of which are good for your business.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

11

Know your air quality, everywhere.

A hyperlocal view of air pollution for targeted interventions

Measure. Monitor. Act. We make reducing air pollution simple.

Automated 24/7 monitoring ‘Always up’ self-healing wireless mesh network Web based UI dashboards with analytics Fit & forget - no site visits Lifetime warranty Priced for scalable & high density deployments Sensing-as-a-Service SIM card free

Make the invisible, visible.

Start Monitoring today

www.vortexiot.com

Vortex supports Cardiff Council with city-wide VTX Air network

Client. Cardiff City Council Cardiff Council and Vortex have launched an ambitious project with forty-seven air quality monitors installed across four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) and twenty-six school locations in the Welsh capital.

The Welsh capital is committed to improving air quality for its 350,000+ residents, focussing on vulnerable areas like schools to protect children’s health.

Challenge. Lack of localised data Like many UK cities, Cardiff faces significant air pollution issues, particularly Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from road transport. Additionally, Public Health Wales estimates over 220 annual deaths in the region due to NO2 pollution. Legacy legal challenges have driven the Council to intensify efforts against air pollution in recent years.

legal action: Client Earth sued the Welsh and UK Governments over illegal NO2 levels, • 2017 pushing for accountability.

Council was instructed to find ways to reduce NO2 quickly. Initial findings showed • Cardiff Castle Street and other areas breaching EU limits by 2021. the Council relied on diffusion tubes, offering only average readings and • Traditionally, limiting real-time assessment on a street-by-street basis.

Solution. VTX Air Monitors In response to these challenges, Cardiff Council sought innovative solutions to enhance its air quality monitoring capabilities. Recognising the need for a holistic approach, the Council preferred noncharging measures over clean air zones, aligning with government guidance and emphasising the broader air quality benefits associated with such solutions. Vortex provided:

Air monitors across nearly every School and four Air Quality Management Areas: • VTX Llandaff, Ely Bridge, Stephenson-Court, Cardiff City Centre data on multiple pollutants: VTX Air Monitors provide street-level accuracy, • Real-time measuring air particulates and gas pollutants every 5 minutes. network: Devices are SIM Card-free and connected wirelessly, enabling reliable • Wireless end-to-end communication.

Outcome. Hyperlocal data on-demand Vortex’s advanced tools allow Cardiff to compare local air pollution levels with AURN stations, offering deeper insights into pollution patterns. By deploying Vortex’s VTX Air monitors, Cardiff has been able to achieve the following:

NO2 concentration peaks around schools during peak traffic times, highlighting • Identify areas needing intervention. awareness using real-time data to help policymakers, parents, and teachers • Raise understand and address air pollution risks.

By monitoring air quality around schools, the Council can validate the success of future projects, like enforced school streets, and encourage healthier, more sustainable transportation choices.

14

FEATURE

Industry minimum standards: Decarbonising the built environment through procurement

By Imogen Player, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Action Sustainability and the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and lead for the School’s Plant Leadership Group

Launched in 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School (the School) is an award-winning free virtual learning platform around sustainability, with the aim to upskill those working within, or aspiring to work within, the built environment sector. Learning includes resources and live training sessions and covers all three core pillars of sustainability – environment, social and economic – looking at key issues ranging from carbon management through to combating modern slavery.

The School services the markets of construction, infrastructure, facilities management, homes, finishes and interiors, and future workforce across England, Scotland and Wales.

Becoming a member of the School is free, with the platform currently having around 40,000 active members per year.

Over 200 Partners from across the value chain fund the School – including clients, contractors and suppliers who have a mutual interest in building the skills of their supply chain through collaboration.

The School’s Plant and Equipment Leadership Group was established by School Partners and other key industry stakeholders to develop and facilitate a collaborative approach

to reducing the tailpipe air quality and greenhouse gas emissions of plant, through its procurement, rental and use.

This is to directly address the negative impacts on health and global warming from diesel and petrol plant. Clients are increasingly interested in reducing tailpipe emissions for their projects, as well as a growing number of low-emission zones across the country. As a result, the Partners collaborate to identify and provide the supply chain with information and guidance on plant standards and management. The School’s latest Impact Report (2023-2024) demonstrated that 39% of respondents believe the School has helped them to improve their overall control of air quality. (Survey response size: 1,200 individual members).

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

“ [The standards] are predicated on a balance between wanting to move the dial on reducing air quality and greenhouse gas emissions while understanding the reality of their market availability, price and fleet lifetime.”

Imogen Player

Senior Sustainability Consultant

Developed by the Group, with the first version launched in 2019, the Plant, Tools and Equipment Minimum Standards (V3) indicate the minimum emissions levels that organisations should at least be aiming for when they procure plant, tools and equipment. They are predicated on a balance between wanting to move the dial on reducing air quality and greenhouse gas emissions while understanding the reality of their market availability, price and fleet lifetime.

The Minimum Standards were built on information gained from interviews with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on current and future trends for reducing emissions from their products, covering power technologies, lifetime and other aspects. The Group has continually re-engaged with OEMs to inform the version updates.

The Minimum Standards form the core of the Plant, Tools and Equipment Charter (V2), and the two go hand in hand. The purpose of the Charter is to raise awareness in the sector of the need to drive down air quality and greenhouse gas emissions from the plant, tools and equipment that are bought, hired and used. It’s an outward declaration that organisations are serious about taking action. Signing up to the Charter is voluntary and open to anyone who works with plant, whether they’re a business that rents machinery out to others, or a contractor who rents equipment or even has its own fleet. To become a signatory and achieve either Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, organisations must provide evidence for the last 12 months on six key commitments: 01. Minimum Standards – data on the tailpipe emissions of equipment you rent or buy in, giving information on the engine Stages for the plant.

02. Engagement – how you engage stakeholders on the lower emissions equipment you are using, or planning to use, such as plant demonstration days, when you have spoken at events, and published case studies.

03. Awareness and Education – how you train and upskill your operatives, site managers, buyers and others who need to know how to procure cleaner plant and operate it more efficiently.

04. Innovation – information on issues such as your fleet replacement plans with regard to lower emissions.

05. Telematics – how you use data to inform activities.

06. Charter inclusion in supply chain & procurement – how you promote the charter tangibly throughout your supply chain.

In July 2024, the Group launched a new Procurement Guide to Embedding the Plant Charter and Minimum Standards into the Value Chain. The purpose of this guide is to help organisations embed the Charter’s commitments across the procurement cycle and to accelerate the inclusion of air quality and low carbon considerations across the value chain.

The guide applies to both new and existing procurement awarded contracts where air quality and low carbon considerations can be embedded within the performance management stage of the procurement process. This is because procurement of plant and equipment by organisations, contractors and live project site environments is often reactive, based on a site’s urgent requirements, with little or no time for strategic planning considerations that can consider low-emission plant and equipment. This doesn’t allow for suitable sustainability requirements to flow down to the supply chain via a tendering process. On the other hand, the procurement of plant and equipment by supply and plant hire companies will allow the time for this strategic sustainability criteria to be considered, but might be the subject of investment decisions and collaborative early engagement from buying organisations. The guide describes where and how the Charter commitments should be considered, embedded and managed in the planning, sourcing, managing and contract review stages of the procurement cycle.

Other resources developed by the Group include: •C PD-accredited Air Quality for Plant and Equipment 30-minute e-learning module which provides users with an introduction to the topic; • Air Quality for Plant and Equipment sustainability short video; • Air Quality and Carbon self-enrol learning pathway which is a suite of resources to complete and achieve a badge of completion; •R esponsible Sourcing of HVO Guide describes the sustainability benefits and risks of procuring and using HVO as an alternative to fossil diesel as part of a Net Zero carbon reduction strategy.

It provides facts and figures, gleaned from other published and peer-reviewed reports on these impacts, as well as advice and guidance, through several recommendations, on what can be done to mitigate these risks; •T he Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework which was developed in conjunction with the Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO); •W hole life approach calculator for plant and machinery; •O ptimised idling video and toolkit slides, in conjunction with HS2; • Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones map.

To take the first step, or continue to improve air quality through smarter procurement, register for a free account with the School and access free e-learning, resources and training sessions on air quality and sustainable procurement.

To register for a free account with the School, scan or click the QR code or visit: learn.supplychainschool.co.uk/ auth/scss/register_form.php

There are currently 22 Signatories to the Charter, ranging from tier one contractors and clients to plant rental companies.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

15

Domestic Woodburning Behaviour Change tion and a video interview with Professor Stephen Holgate on the health impacts of wood smoke.

Reducation of Wood Smoke Emissions

Southampton City Council’s woodburning campaign has successfully engaged residents across Hampshire, helping them burn less and more efficiently, as noted in its 2022 AQAP update.

The public portal allows the council and residents to monitor PM2.5 emissions in near real-time, informing where Woodburning has come Tackling Woodburning the behavior change campaign should back into fashion as a heat- Emissions be targeted. The portal provides data ing source for many UK As part of the DEFRA-funded project, downloads, alerts, current air quality Southampton City Council selected and 72-hour forecasts, homes, a trend accelerated as ener- EarthSense to provide air quality services information, helping users plan ahead to reduce exgy prices have soared.Home woodburn- to reduce woodburning emissions and posure to pollution. In 2023, the couning causes 21 percent of fine particulate assess their impact on local air quality. cil won the Best Air Quality Strategy matter (PM2.5) emissions in the UK, de– Public Sector award for its efforts. spite the fact only around eight percent EarthSense delivered a real-time air of UK households burn wood at home. quality model of Southampton and surInstalled in 2020, Zephyr® monitors have rounding areas using MappAir®, which shown promising short-term results, PM2.5 has been linked to heart and lung integrated data from Zephyr® monitors with residents changing their behavior. disease and other health conditions. and Automatic Urban and Rural NetWhile specific PM2.5 reductions are hard According to a 2022 report year from works (AURN). This model featured an to quantify, the campaign is expected the European Public Health Alliance, air innovative source apportionment tool to result in a 0.5% increase in Ecolabel pollution from wood-burning in homes that tracked woodburning emissions in stove use and a 1% reduction in emisis responsible for £0.9 billion (US$1.1 real-time, providing insights throughout sions per appliance, potentially saving billion) a year in health-related damages colder months. MyAir® allowed South8.6 tonnes of PM2.5 annually. in the UK and €9 billion (US$9.7 billion) ampton to visualize this data, create across the EU. customized pollutant alerts, and track pollution trends via an intuitive platform.

After receiving an Air Quality Grant from the Department for Environment, Food In addition, EarthSense installed 18 and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Southamp- Zephyr® monitors across residential arton City Council developed an innova- eas, focusing on woodburning hotspots. tive woodburning campaign as part of These monitors, certified (MCERTS) to its Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), with measure PM , PM , PM , NO , NO, and 10 2.5 1 2 the aim of educating members of the O3, were essential in validating modpublic about the harms of burning wood el data, particularly for PM , where 2.5 and helping them take steps to burn bet- monitoring infrastructure was limited. ter and cleaner, moving to more sustainable methods of heating homes where To drive behavior change, EarthSense possible. created a public portal through MyAir®, giving residents access to local air quality data and educational resources. Southampton also organized events and produced materials to raise awareness about the harms of woodburning.

The Environment Centre supported the campaign with an educational anima-

Revolutionary Air Quality Data Services

Join over 200 companies worldwide, who trust EarthSense to provide accurate air quality insights.

www.earthsense.co.uk

We offer air quality solutions that enable you to develop data-driven action plans.

Identify high emitters, educate the public, and evaluate and report your interventions.

With iMCERTS compliant measurements, a leading air quality software platform and bespoke air quality models, we offer detailed insights to empower you to work towards reducing air pollution.

18

FEATURE

Residential Bikehangar schemes can prove life changing for people living in high density housing

Promoting active travel through secure cycle parking

By Gavin Rimmer, Head of Commercial, Cyclehoop

The health implications of poor air quality, including respiratory issues and an increased burden on the NHS, demand that councils find sustainable, long-term solutions to reduce pollution. One of the most effective and cost-efficient approaches is promoting cycling as a primary mode of transport.

However, to make this vision a reality, local authorities must invest in the necessary infrastructure that supports cyclists.

Secure, accessible cycle parking solutions are a key element of this strategy. These facilities make it easier for people to choose cycling over driving, while also addressing the challenges of bike theft and storage. This article explores the critical role secure cycle parking plays in improving air quality, and how local authorities can benefit from investing in these solutions.

Reduction of vehicle emissions

Promoting cycling as a viable alternative to driving can significantly cut the number of cars on the road. In fact, a study by Sustrans found that 40% of short car journeys could realistically be switched to cycling. If local authorities invest in secure cycle parking facilities at key locations—such as public transport hubs, schools, workplaces, and city centres—cycling can become more convenient and accessible for residents.

This reduction in vehicle emissions will result in cleaner air, contributing to healthier urban environments.

The connection between cycling and air quality improvement is clear: fewer motor vehicles on the road means fewer emissions. Cities and towns across the UK are grappling with the harmful effects of vehicle exhaust, which is one of the primary contributors to urban pollution. According to a study by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Paediatrics and Child Health, around 40,000 deaths annually are linked to outdoor air pollution.

The benefits of improving air quality go beyond the environmental impact. Cleaner air means fewer health issues related to pollution, such as asthma and other respiratory conditions. This has a direct effect on reducing healthcare costs and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The NHS, already under significant pressure, could benefit from lower patient volumes related to pollution-linked illnesses.

Health Benefits

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

Secure cycle parking at key destinations provides peace of mind for those who worry about cycle theft. Trips, accessible via the Cyclehoop smartphone app, offers short-term, secure cycle parking that can be located in the carriageway and on pavements Louise Haigh, Transport Secretary was recently reported as saying “There’s lots of evidence to show that [getting people walking and cycling] will reduce the number of GP appointments by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, a year.”

Moreover, cycling itself offers numerous health benefits. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves cardiovascular health, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Encouraging more people to cycle will lead to a fitter, more active population, which further reduces the strain on public health services.

Despite the clear benefits, local authorities face challenges when implementing cycling infrastructure, including cycle parking.

The recently published ‘Residential cycle parking report’ by Sustrans found: • Almost a third of people on a low income or not in employment don’t have a secure space to park their cycle at home – locking 3.7 million people out of cycling.

• 5.5 million people are likely to start cycling or to cycle more if they had a convenient, secure, safe and accessible place to park their wheels. That’s 5.5 million people who could be more mobile, with more money in their pocket – contributing to the economy, reducing doctor waiting lists.

Infrastructure investment Investing in secure cycle parking requires upfront costs, which can be a deterrent for some councils. Building cycle parking facilities means committing resources to both the development and ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure. However, councils should consider the long-term savings and benefits.

The return on investment is considerable especially if it contributes to reducing congestion, lowering healthcare costs, and improving public health.

Furthermore, working with experienced partners like Cyclehoop can help local authorities navigate these challenges. With expertise in designing and implementing cycle parking solutions, we can support councils in creating cost-effective, sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of local communities.

Public adoption Another challenge is public perception and adoption. Shifting the culture around cycling demands strategic communication and community engagement. For many, the convenience of using a car far outweighs the perceived benefits of cycling. To overcome this, councils must promote the ease and advantages of cycling, particularly in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and health benefits, as well as making it easier for people to do so.

Incentives like secure bike parking are key to encouraging people to make the switch from driving to cycling. Local authorities must collaborate with schools, businesses, and community groups to raise awareness of new cycling infrastructure and ensure it meets the needs of potential users.

Case study: London’s example In recent years, London has made significant strides in improving air quality through extensive cycling infrastructure.

The introduction of cycle superhighways, coupled with the proliferation of secure cycle parking facilities, has led to a measurable reduction in vehicle emissions.

The success of London’s approach can be attributed to its comprehensive planning and implementation process. All London boroughs have taken steps to providing secure residential cycle parking, recognising the lack of space experienced by those particularly in high density areas. There has also been an increase in secure bike parking at strategic points throughout the city, including public transport hubs, workplaces, and busy shopping areas. This infrastructure is supported by strong public communication campaigns that highlight the benefits of cycling and how easy it is to access secure parking.

Local authorities outside of London can replicate these models on a smaller scale. Councils can target their investment and create a more bike-friendly urban environment by identifying key areas where cycling infrastructure would have the most impact. It’s important to recognise that these changes have not happened overnight in London and have required strong leadership and continued investment.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

19

20

FEATURE

PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE To effectively implement secure cycle parking, local authorities should follow a structured approach: Assessment The first step is conducting feasibility studies to determine where cycle parking will be most beneficial. High-traffic areas, such as town centres, schools, hospitals, and public transport hubs, are ideal locations.

Mapping the local area, highlighting these destinations and existing cycle infrastructure can help you understand where parking will be most effective. With over 16 years’ experience in designing, manufacturing and installing cycle parking, our team at Cyclehoop can offer consultation support at this stage in the process.

to projects that promote active travel. Through these options, local authorities can secure the funding needed to bring their cycling infrastructure plans to life.

Benefits for private enterprises Beyond public sector initiatives, private enterprises can also benefit from supporting cycling infrastructure.

Corporate Social Responsibility Businesses have a vested interest in improving their local environment. Companies can enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) profiles, which not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of employees and the wider community.

In instances where cycle hangar schemes are being considered, Cyclehoop’s Location Assessment Form can help local authorities evaluate potential sites for suitability. In instances where cycle hangar schemes are being considered, Cyclehoop’s Location Assessment Form can help local authorities evaluate potential sites for suitability. This tool allows councils to assess factors such as accessibility, and surrounding infrastructure.

Employee health and productivity

Community engagement

Investing in secure cycle parking is a crucial step towards improving urban air quality. Cycling infrastructure offers longterm benefits that far outweigh the initial costs such as reducing vehicle emissions, promoting healthier lifestyles, and creating more liveable cities. Local authorities must act now to create environments where cycling is safe, convenient, and accessible.

Once potential locations are identified, it’s important to engage with the community. Local businesses, schools, and cycling groups can provide valuable insights into the needs of cyclists and would be cyclists in the area. Involving stakeholders in the planning process, ensures the facilities are designed to meet the requirements of the people they serve.

Funding opportunities For many councils, finding the funds to develop cycling infrastructure can be challenging. However, there are numerous grants and public-private partnership opportunities available.

For example, Sustrans’ Places for Everyone fund offers support

Providing secure cycle parking at workplaces encourages employees to cycle to work. This reduces the business’ carbon footprint as well as improving individual’s health and productivity.

Studies have shown that employees who cycle to work take fewer sick days and report higher levels of job satisfaction.

Conclusion

With successful examples to draw from, such as London’s cycling network, and the availability of grants and funding opportunities, councils have the tools they need to make cycling a central part of their urban planning strategy. As cities across the UK face growing pressure to reduce pollution and improve public health, secure cycle parking is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Cargo bikes enable businesses to switch to sustainable modes of transport. Providing secure cargo bike parking helps them make that change. London Locks in Tower Hamlets, switched from a fleet of vans to e-cargo bikes with the help of a Cargo Bikehangar

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

Air Quality News PROCUREMENT GUIDE Is your business looking to target and build brand awareness in the hard-to-reach local authority sector?

Do you want your marketing to be seen by the most important policy-makers in local authorities?

Do you have a successful case study you want to present to local authorities across the UK?

The Air Quality News Procurement Guide is a printed publication and digital directory offering 12 months sector coverage to those organisations promoting products and services to the local government market.

The key aspect of this publication is the targeted distribution. No other marketing opportunity in this sector offers the best route to this hard-to-reach market with zero waste. We post a printed copy to 1,900 of the most important policymakers in local authorities across the UK, tasked with tackling air quality, including; • Mayors • Chief Executives • Directors of Procurement • Directors & Heads of Environment • Sustainability • Traffic • Parking • Fleet Management

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.9k+

11.5k+

6.5k

CIRCULATED PRINTED COPIES

ESTIMATED PASS-ON READERSHIP

FURTHER INDIVIDUALS

Printed copies are sent directly to all named key decision makers in councils across the UK

We estimate that the printed copies will reach an additional 11.5k+ audience

The guide will also be sent out to our whole email newsletter database

CONTENT OPTIONS

Options in this guide include; double page spreads, full pages and advertorials

ADDED BONUS

Any advertorial will also be published on the home page of Air Quality News

20,000+ EXPECTED TOTAL READERSHIP This opportunity provides maximum coverage of the decision-makers in councils.

Spreads are limited, so if you would like to know more information and to take advantage of this unique opportunity, scan the QR code or get in touch and contact;

Andy Lees | 07843 632609 | a.lees@spacehouse.co.uk

Unveiling PIDX: The Game-Changer in PID Sensor Technology Next-Generation PID sensors Introducing the new advanced PIDX sensors from Alphasense. Next-generation Photoionisation Detector (PID) sensors designed for precision, reliability, and performance. Engineered for demanding applications, PIDX is set to redefine Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) detection. Explore the cuttingedge features of the PIDX sensors and discover how they can elevate your operations in industrial safety, compliance and environmental air quality.

Key features • Enhanced sensor-to-sensor repeatability • Consistent sensor-to-sensor performance over a wide temperature and humidity operating range • Lamp-not-lit fault detection • Low power draw for enhanced battery life • ATEX intrinsically safe-rated

www.alphasense.com

Unmatched Sensitivity The PIDX sensors are renowned for their ability to detect VOCs at levels ranging from 10,000 parts per million (ppm) down to 1 part per billion (PPB) levels in a compact, cost-effective package. PIDX offers industry-leading sensitivity. This makes the PIDX sensor ideal for applications requiring the highest level of precision, ensuring harmful gases are identified and addressed promptly.

Built for Tough Environments PIDX is engineered to perform in even the most challenging conditions. It maintains stability and accuracy across a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, offering consistent performance no matter the environment. With robust lamp fault detection and unmatched sensor-to-sensor repeatability, PIDX ensures you get the most reliable results, every time.

This graph shows the mean and ±95% confidence intervals of the response of the sensors to 10 ppm isobutylene over the entire temperature range. The temperature response follows the ideal gas law.

Low Power, High Performance Power efficiency is another hallmark of the PIDX. With a design focused on low power consumption, it extends battery life in portable devices, while still delivering top-tier performance. This means you can trust your sensors to work longer, reducing maintenance costs and boosting operational efficiency.

Six Versatile Ranges to Meet Your Needs The PIDX line is available in six sensor ranges, capable of measuring VOCs at levels ranging from 10,000 parts per million (ppm) down to 1 part per billion (PPB) levels in a compact, cost-effective package. Whether you’re working in environmental air quality monitoring or industrial safety, PIDX offers the flexibility and performance needed to meet a broad spectrum of applications.

Designed as a drop-in replacement for existing PID sensors, PIDX sets a new benchmark for Photoionisation Detector (PID) technology, enabling easy upgrades without complex reconfigurations.

To find out more, visit alphasense.com or email sensors.alphasense@ametek.com

24

FEATURE

A ventilation expert’s guide to Indoor Air Quality legislation in the UK

By Alan Siggins, Managing Director of Airflow

The UK is already showing the first signs of winter. As temperatures drop, people naturally spend more time inside. However, this shift comes with a potential health concern - indoor air can become up to five times more polluted than outside. What’s more, indoor air pollution is often unnoticed until it impacts health.

Unsurprisingly, with this increased risk to public health from poor air quality, there have been amendments to existing legislation in the UK, as well as new rules and regulations to familiarise yourself with.

What is indoor air quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air within and around buildings, relating to the health and comfort of the people living there. Poor indoor air quality can be detrimental to the health of occupants, both in the short-term and longterm. It can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and even decreased cognitive function.

To maintain good indoor air quality, properties should be assessed for problems like damp and mould, volatile organic compounds and by-products from combustion.

Solutions should also be investigated, including air filtration, proper ventilation and measures to reduce or eliminate pollutant sources.

What are the standards for indoor air quality?

In the UK, there isn’t overarching legislation currently in place. That said, there are a number of different standards and guidelines that encourage compliance with indoor air quality regulations.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

Alan has represented BEAMA the industry body for ventilation when helping to design and implement compliance and competency schemes for ventilation with NICEIC and ATTMA, he also represented industry for the Government commissioned review Each Home Counts from which PAS 2035 was an outcome. He joined Airflow Developments in 2008 as Managing Director.

Alan Siggins

Under Awaab’s law, social housing landlords have to address dangerous hazards such as damp and mould in their properties within strict time frames; investigating hazards within 14 days, starting repair within a further seven days, and making emergency repairs in 24 hours.

Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill: Also known as Ella’s Law, named after Ella Adoo Kissi Debrah, the first person in England to have air pollution named as the cause of death by a coroner. This is a proposed legislation in the UK that aims to make it a legal human right to breathe clean air.

It would also require the government to act to bring air quality in every community to minimum WHO standards. If enacted, this law would mean current and future generations no longer have to breathe air that seriously damages their health.

BS40102 (part one):

Managing Director of Airflow

UK building regulations: approved document F: These regulations, amended in 2021, mandate higher ventilation rates, i.e. better ventilation, as well as mechanical ventilation for airtight new homes to improve indoor air quality. New build homes are becoming increasingly airtight, which can lead to a build-up of indoor pollutants if left without proper ventilation.

Approved Document F specifies increased whole-building airflow, room-specific background ventilation, and purge ventilation requirements based on window openings to allow sufficient air changes per hour. The main goal of Part F is to protect the health of building occupants from things like mould and internal air pollution, by providing adequate ventilation.

World Health Organization (WHO) indoor air quality guidelines: The WHO IAQ standards and guidelines identify key substances in our homes that can be potentially harmful and sets safe limits for these. They protect public health from a number of chemicals found in indoor air that can have negative health effects in homes if found in large quantities, or for long periods. The WHO categorises these indoor pollutants into three main groups, including biological indoor pollutants (dampness and mould), chemical pollutants, and pollutants from the combustion of indoor fuels.

NICE Indoor air quality at home guidance: The NICE guidance focuses on improving indoor air quality in homes. It offers advice on achieving this goal and includes recommendations for a wide range of stakeholders. The guidelines aim to ensure compliance with building standards and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy indoor environments.

The target groups include local authorities, healthcare professionals, architects, designers, builders, and developers, with specific advice for each group. This includes creating strategies for improving indoor air quality and housing conditions, as well as promoting awareness about the sources of indoor air pollution, its health impacts, and practical measures to reduce exposure.

Awaab’s Law and Social Housing (Regulation) Act: This legislation was driven by the death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak from exposure to mould in his home. It aims to enforce more stringent and timely action for landlords to ensure safe living conditions and better regulation of social housing.

BS40102 (part one) is the first British Standard for health and well-being in buildings, created by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). It offers a framework for evaluating, tracking, and documenting indoor environmental quality (IEQ) across non-residential buildings. It includes evaluation and rating methodologies for various factors impacting IEQ, including air quality, lighting, thermal comfort and acoustics. By setting measurable benchmarks, this standard helps businesses and building operators monitor and improve IEQ consistently.

Additionally, BS40102 highlights the growing recognition of the role that buildings play in influencing occupants’ health, comfort, and productivity.

The Future Homes and Building Standard: The UK government has pledged to implement new standards, guidelines, and regulations for newly constructed homes starting in 2025. These homes will be required to generate 7580% fewer carbon emissions compared to those built under current regulations. Under the standard, heating in new build dwellings will be provided by low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, to achieve this goal. In addition to promoting low-carbon technologies, the Future Homes Standard also emphasises improved insulation and thermal efficiency, ensuring that new homes are designed to meet emission reduction targets.

How to improve indoor air quality • Increase ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for improving indoor air quality. Consider mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems during construction or renovation.

These solutions provide continuous filtered fresh air while recovering heat to improve energy efficiency.

• Controlling the source of pollutants: Identify and reduce sources of indoor pollutants, such as combustion appliances, building materials, and cleaning products.

• Air purification: This helps remove particulate pollutants, gases and odours. Consider installing whole-home air purification systems for enhanced filtration.

• Cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean or replace filters, vents, and ductwork to prevent recirculation of dust and pollutants, and upgrade older ventilation equipment.

• Check if recirculation is efficient: Ensure any air ventilation systems are not recirculating stale indoor air excessively by checking the outdoor air intake, filter condition, and overall airflow balance through testing and balancing

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

25

HAZ-Scanner EPAS Environmental Perimeter Air System Scan, measure and document critical pollutants including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, particulates, VOCs, and more.

Included

Graph and reporting software available, compatible with both Mac and Windows

The portable wireless HAZ-SCANNER EPAS environmental perimeter air system is easily deployed as an ambient air quality monitor. The EPAS provides direct readings in real time with datalogging capabilities.

Direct readings of up to 12 simultaneous air measurements PM10 and PM2.5 Sensors available for ambient air quality (ppb and μg/m³ trace levels), calibrated for US EPA and EU directives Easily portable and deployable Battery operated; AC and solar options available Easy-to-use graph and reporting software compatible with PC and Mac.

Further Information: Call: +44 (0)1258 480188

Basic Kit

System Kit

Measures CO, NO2, PM10; and up to 9 additional sensors/meters

Build your own kit applications adding up to 12 sensors/meters

Real-time readings, datalogging capabilities

Optional Wireless Data Transmission up to 5 miles

Optional Ethernet Internet Connection for 24/7 data reporting

Choose from: 3 Particulate Sensors

18 Toxic Gas Sensors

Meteorological Sensors

Email: enquiries@skcltd.com

Website: skcltd.com

HAZ-DUST HD-1620 Multi-parameter, handheld, real-time respiratory air monitor for measuring lung damaging particles and aerosols responders, and industrial/occupational hygienists.

Measures & Records PM, AQI, Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Barometric Pressure helping to indicate heat stress and changing environmental conditions

Identify any health concerns in real-time and allow employers to set up engineering controls for workers such as a N95 mask, SCBA respiratory protection, ventilation controls, evacuations and/or re-entry plans with the HAZ-DUST HD-1620. responders, and industrial hygienists. With a simple “Go/No Go” button, it’s easy to deploy even while wearing gloves, and its large colour display ensures clear readings in any condition. Data can be collected on the device and sent to a central command post, making it a critical tool for ensuring workplace safety.

The HD-1620 allows users to easily service and clean the device, minimising factory maintenance

Further Information: Call: +44 (0)1258 480188

PM2.5 AQI derived from Cal OSHA enables users guidance in adhering to new rules and regulations Simple large button “Go/No Go” for rapid use Wireless remote networking for real-time remote data of up to 8 instruments to a central post Measures and records PM, AQI, Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Barometric Pressure helping to indicate heat stress and changing environmental conditions.

Particle Number Count within a size selective fraction, for enhanced characterisation The ability to name data sets through the touch screen allowing for organised data reporting Users can enter calibration factors through the touch

Large colour touch screen with graphical display and in real-time and make quick on-the-spot changes

Email: enquiries@skcltd.com

Website: skcltd.com

28

FEATURE

Overcoming the challenges: how councils can successfully integrate solar energy on public buildings

By Sue Welland, Electron Green

Why are there almost no solar panels on council-owned buildings across the UK? Solar panels are a trusted and effective source of renewable energy. However, barriers have stood in the way of the installation of solar panels on publicly-owned buildings. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Public buildings, such as libraries, schools, community centres and council offices are prime candidates for solar energy integration.

These buildings often require vast amounts of energy which can strain council budgets and contribute to emissions. Solar panels provide energy for key functions in buildings such as lighting and heating homes, and running appliances, without any direct emissions. Displacing the need for electricity generated by coal and natural gas reduces pollutants released into the air, improving air quality across the UK. By integrating solar power, councils can generate a clean energy source while creating long-term savings. This article offers a walk-through of the ways in which councils can harness the benefits of solar panels and work with the renewable sector to save costs and bring environmental benefits to their local areas

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? Budget Constraints Councils often operate on tight budgets, so contemplating the upfront costs of solar energy can be a daunting prospect. While solar energy offers long-term savings, their installation requires significant investment, particularly when it involves retrofitting older public buildings. However, there are solutions which offer a gateway for councils to benefit from solar systems without bearing the brunt of the initial investment.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a financing model in which a solar developer pays for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of buildings, at no cost to the council, and then sells the clean solar energy to the council at a reduced rate.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

FEATURE

Sue Welland is one of the Founding Partners of Electron Green. She has spent a lifetime in sustainability and helping both the public and private sector to realise benefits from low carbon initiatives. This started in the early 1990s when she and her business partner invented the term ‘Carbon Neutral’ and created the first carbon ‘measure, reduce and offset’ programmes.

Sue Welland Electron Green

Public Perception and Policy Conflict Even when there is desire to build solar panel units, councils can face challenges of public perception and inconsistent national and local regulations, especially when policies are frequently changing.

This means that the council simply switches some of its energy bills to its solar partner, and receives electricity at often a lower price per watt.

If a council engages this PPA initiative, it receives the benefits of solar energy with no extra budgetary pressure. Importantly, the solar company is motivated to install the most efficient and reliable solar system as they are responsible for its performance and maintenance, ensuring the panels are optimally run, maximising energy output.

If a council does have sufficient funding for green initiatives, they can buy the solar panel unit outright or from the solar partner in the years after installation, providing them with a self-sustaining source of energy. Decentralising energy production reduces the transmission losses of the grid, and the impacts of power plants on air quality. Roof-top solar panels offer consumption-sited generation that coincides with demand, creating zero emissions during operation, playing a key part in protecting the environment and public health.

The government also often offers grants, subsidies and tax incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy, opening doors for councils to embrace solar power. If a council does own their solar system, they can sell excess energy generated to the grid in return for payment, via the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) project. Each unit of electricity exported, at times of high sunlight or low energy use, will generate payment for the council. All of this means that it is possible for councils to engage in renewable energy initiatives and deploy solar panels on public buildings, with private companies well-placed across the UK to bridge the initial investment and expertise gaps.

While climate goals are a national priority, solar panel projects can often come to a standstill when ground-mounted solar is opposed on the grounds of disturbing the environment, decreasing property value, and are seen as eyesores by locals.

There are potential compromises with ground-mounted solar projects, which is why rooftop solar is an ideal solution.

Mounting solar panels on under-utilised roof space, which across council portfolios amounts to vast potential areas, means that the council can generate energy without encroaching on greenfield sites. Roof solar minimises any lengthy conflict over land use, preserves open space, and maximises efficiency by providing electricity directly to the building itself.

Installing solar panels also provides councils with an opportunity to educate the public, showing they do not degrade the aesthetics of the local area, can increase property value, and offer a symbol of commitment to the local environment. As solar uptake increases, it contributes to a conversation in which environmental protection and air quality becomes a first priority.

It is particularly important that councils engage their communities early, to ensure that everyone is aligned with the project’s goals. Integrating solar energy into public buildings is a complex process which requires numerous stakeholders, from council members, local communities, contractors, and energy providers, but with sufficient public information and engagement, solar can be a flagship green project for councils.

Technical and Structural Limitations Of course, not all public buildings are structurally suited to solar panel installation. Roof orientation, shading, and the age of the building can all impact the viability of a project.

Thorough feasibility studies are necessary to assess whether a building can support solar infrastructure. Councils should partner with a solar company that can provide an honest assessment and recommendations, cooperating with the council to identify how solar can best fit their existing needs, or whether indeed roof solar is not possible.

When structural challenges arise, there are alternative solutions, such as light weight solar panels, community solar farms, or ground-mounted solar panels in the appropriate site.

Intelligent and adaptive solutions allow councils to harness solar energy suited to their specific needs.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

29

30

The next stage will be ensuring that councils receive the full benefit of solar energy, for which the sun’s intermittency in the UK can be a challenge. Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining, which may not always coincide with a building’s energy use. This is where energy storage comes into play. With a battery, councils can store the excess energy generated during the day and release it electricity when needed, or at times of peak demand. For example, energy collected during the summer could be used by a school in the winter.

Energy storage allows councils to maximise the efficiency of their solar systems and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

We have seen that solar systems can be tailored to suit a specific building’s infrastructure and needs, and (overcoming potential misconceptions) that they are a responsible strategy for any building owner to minimise their carbon footprint.

In these high-pressure scenarios, uninterrupted power supply is critical. Solar energy with battery storage is a major step in establishing a continuous energy supply, which ensures councils can provide reliable public services.

A building’s purpose may change over time, and should a council want to sell, solar energy can also enhance the value of the property. Solar-powered properties are considered more energy efficient, which makes them attractive to investors, tenants, and future buyers.

By improving a building’s sustainability and reducing operating costs, councils can boost the value of their public assets.

Additionally, a track record of solar integration can be an advantage when applying for funding aimed at sustainable infrastructure, helping councils to leverage their investments towards further community improvements.

WHY SHOULD COUNCILS ACT NOW? Cost Saving Solar systems are a key tool for addressing environmental challenges through effective and empowered local action.

Importantly for councils, at the same time they offer cost savings in the short term by reducing their electricity bills.

With a free solar partnership, councils can reduce their energy costs without any capital outlay. If a council has enough reserves, they can buy the solar system and benefit from selling surplus power back to the grid.

Reducing reliance on traditional energy suppliers also provides councils with a degree of energy independence.

This shields councils from volatile market prices and supply disruptions. With a fluctuating energy market, buildings using solar energy are better positioned to maintain financial stability. Through solar power, councils can forecast energy expenditures more effectively, securing long-term energy stability for public buildings.

Energy independence also comes hand in hand with energy resilience, particularly when solar is integrated with battery storage. During peak demand or unexpected grid outages, councils can rely on stored solar energy to power essential services such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities.

Environmental Benefits The environmental benefits of solar power are numerous.

Solar panels reduce a building’s carbon emissions, playing a key role in achieving national and local commitments to lowering carbon footprint. Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels contributes to cleaner air, as less pollutants and particulate matter are released into the air as coal and natural gas is burned to create electricity. Solar panels demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection and higher air quality, and can act as a visual symbol to highlight that councils value the welfare of its residents and environment. Manifesting a commitment to fostering a greener future can also improve a council’s reputation and strengthen relationships with environmentallyconscious stakeholders.

By adopting solar energy, councils position themselves as leaders in the transition to renewable energy, setting an example for local businesses, residents, and neighbouring councils. The installation and management of solar panels can also spur economic growth. Solar panel maintenance can create green job opportunities, bolstering the local job market with career opportunities in the renewable sector.

THE PATH FORWARD Solar panel systems present a unique opportunity for councils to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and demonstrate leadership in adopting renewable energy.

This diagram shows a solar powered building connected to the grid

Historically, high upfront costs, a lack of expertise, and conflicts over the use of ground space has stalled the take-up of solar panels by public bodies such as councils. With new opportunities to partner with a private solar company which can shoulder all the capital costs and offer trusted guidance in installing solar panels on the roofs of public buildings, the path is clear for councils to benefit from cheap, green energy.

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network

2025 NORTHERN AIR

QUALITY CONFERENCE 25TH MARCH, BRIDGEWATER HALL, MANCHESTER We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2025 Northern Air Quality Conference. For exhibition, sponsorship and marketing opportunities, to get your company, brand and services in front of an engaging local government audience, please contact; Andy Lees | 07843 632609 | a.lees@spacehouse.co.uk

airqualitynews.com | Part of the Public Sector News Network