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

The 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.

1. 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 (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.

2. 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” 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 real-time 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

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Visit Airly.org for more information