Air Quality: The Overlooked Pillar of ESG and Sustainability
When we talk about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, carbon emissions, renewable energy, and climate resilience often take centre stage. Yet, air quality is one of the most direct and measurable indicators of environmental impact and human well-being – making it fundamental to any meaningful ESG approach.
What is ESG?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. According to the British Business Bank, it is a set of standards measuring a business’s impact on society, the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is.
The Confederation of British Industry reports that two-thirds of investors consider ESG factors when deciding where to invest. This means ESG not only benefits the environment and communities but also has the potential to drive business growth.
How Does Air Quality Fit into ESG?
Air quality should be a core ESG consideration because of its direct impact on the environment, public health, and social well-being. Poor air quality contributes to climate change, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss, affecting the sustainability of natural resources. It is also a critical public health issue, with air pollution linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature deaths.
From a social perspective, air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing health inequalities and limiting economic opportunities. Businesses that prioritise air quality management not only reduce their environmental footprint but also demonstrate a commitment to corporate responsibility, employee well-being, and regulatory compliance.
Environmental: Air Quality as a Key Sustainability Metric
Air quality directly influences climate change, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. Poor air quality contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, disrupts ecosystems, and degrades natural habitats. Air pollution is a major global health threat, causing 8.1 million premature deaths annually, with 99% of the world’s population breathing air that exceeds WHO guidelines. Every day, approximately 2,000 young children die due to air pollution—more than one every minute (Clean Air Fund).
The majority of outdoor pollution sources are beyond individual control, requiring coordinated action by policymakers at local, national, and regional levels. Sectors such as energy, transport, waste management, urban planning, and agriculture must work collectively to reduce emissions from industrial processes, transportation, and energy production.
For businesses, poor air quality signals environmental degradation, often linked to emissions from transport, industry, and construction. Companies committed to sustainability should integrate air quality management and air quality impact assessments into their net zero strategies, corporate sustainability reports, and environmental impact assessments.
What does investing in air quality look like for your business?
✅ Monitoring and mitigating emissions beyond just CO₂—addressing NO₂, PM₂.₅, and VOCs.
✅ Designing workplaces, developments, and infrastructure to minimise pollution exposure.
✅ Investing in clean transport, green spaces, and sustainable construction that prioritise air quality.
✅ Engaging environmental consultants and air pollution consultants to support compliance and best practices.
Social: Clean Air as a Human Right
Clean air is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right. Efforts to improve air quality contribute to public health, community well-being, and social equity. Air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly in low-income and marginalised areas. The World Health Organization reports that 9 out of 10 deaths attributed to outdoor air pollution occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Poor air quality is one of the biggest public health challenges globally (Clean Air Fund), leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature deaths. Most of the world’s population lives in areas where air pollution exceeds safe levels (WHO). Prioritising air quality enhances quality of life and promotes social equity and justice.
Companies and policymakers cannot claim to support social sustainability while ignoring the air their employees, customers, and communities breathe.
What does investing in air quality look like for your business?
✅ Incorporating indoor air quality into workplace well-being initiatives.
✅ Supporting urban planning and transport systems that reduce exposure in vulnerable areas.
✅ Engaging with local communities to address air quality concerns and drive positive change.
✅ Implementing air quality and dust management strategies to mitigate workplace and environmental risks.
Governance: Accountability and Transparency in Air Quality Management
Strong governance is essential for implementing air quality policies and regulations. Governments play a crucial role in setting emission standards, enforcing regulations, and promoting clean technologies. Businesses are increasingly expected to comply with environmental regulations and adopt air pollution reduction measures.
Regulatory frameworks are tightening, and companies are expected to disclose environmental risks—including air pollution. Investors and stakeholders evaluate companies based on their environmental performance, influencing corporate governance practices.
What does taking proactive steps to improve air quality look like?
✅ Monitoring and mitigating emissions beyond just CO₂—addressing NO₂, PM₂.₅, and VOCs.
✅ Designing workplaces, developments, and infrastructure to minimise pollution exposure.
✅ Implementing internal policies for air pollution reduction and employee health protection.
✅ Consulting with air pollution consultants to ensure compliance with best practices and regulations.
Embedding Air Quality in Sustainability Strategies
For too long, air quality has been an afterthought in corporate sustainability. Yet, it is one of the most tangible, immediate ways to improve environmental and social outcomes. Businesses, governments, and investors must recognise air quality as a fundamental pillar of ESG and take meaningful action to drive change.
By embedding air quality considerations into sustainability strategies and working with environmental consultants, we can protect public health, reduce environmental impact, and build a fairer, healthier future for all.
