Air Quality Positive

Air quality is a hot topic and an evolving risk. New Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) were released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (September 2021), which recommend new, more stringent, air quality levels to protect human health. However, at present, the UK Standards still take precedence over the WHO guidelines. Additionally, in a groundbreaking decision, a UK court ruled that air pollution was a contributing factor to a young girl’s death, with the coroner emphasising there “is no safe level of particulate matter” in the air. As an air quality consultant, I am aware that now, more than ever, we need to be proactive in the fight against air pollution. We need to reduce existing legally binding targets, particularly for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, to bring the UK in line with the WHO guidelines.
Opportunities are not always taken to improve air quality, and a greater understanding is needed of exposure to air pollution. We must maximise the availability of zero-emission public transport and encourage the early involvement of air quality practitioners as part of the design process for new developments. It is important that the entire design team is engaged throughout the design process in order to maximise the potential benefits for air.

What is Air Quality Positive?

The London Plan now includes Air Quality Positive Policy which ensures that new buildings within London contribute actively to a progressive reduction in the total amount of London’s emissions and associated exposure. All new development must demonstrate ways to improve air quality and minimise exposure to existing sources and ensure air pollution has been considered as part of an air quality positive approach, across all aspects of the development including the buildings, public spaces, landscaping, and infrastructure.

Put simply, the Greater London Authority (GLA) expects large-scale developments to demonstrate how they will benefit local air quality, with a holistic approach recommended linking to other policies in the London Plan. Green infrastructure is one of the measures often considered which not only helps the urban environment to be more attractive than the older grey cityscapes but also helps to clean the air and provide habitats for wildlife.

Why do we need it?

The Air Quality Positive statement is now a policy requirement of the London Plan Policy and is to be secured through the use of planning conditions and/or S106 agreements. This statement supports the existing Air Quality Neutral policy aimed at ensuring development did not lead to worsening air quality across London.

At Haze Environmental, we have experience writing these statements for developers/planners, so please get in touch if you need help writing yours.

Here at Haze Environmental, we offer in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and experience in air quality services across a project’s life cycle. We can help you assess whether an air quality assessment is required, and we are more than happy to discuss your requirements with a FREE no-obligation project review meeting. During this meeting, we will assess whether an assessment is required and the level of detail that is needed for your air quality assessment if required. Our usual practice is to suggest a phased approach to assessment which could SAVE you money.

If you are searching for an #airquality specialist or would like some air quality, dust or odour advice please feel free to contact us at:

📲01905 419920

💻www.hazeenvironmental.com

📧enquiries@hazeenvironmental.com