News

Environment Improvement Plan 2023: Clean Air

When Defra published the 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP) in 2018, Clean Air was the first of its 10 goals. Poor air quality has been identified as the greatest environmental threat to human health, in addition to the significant negative impacts air pollution has on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Jack Pease's Air Quality Blog #3

In this blog Jack discusses vehicle exhaust emission reductions that may be delivered through a future Euro 7 standard

Jack Pease's Air Quality Blog #2

Air Quality Consultants (AQC) is delighted to share some typically insightful thoughts from our friend Jack Pease, the former editor of Air Quality Bulletin. 

AQC Staff Advise Defra on Indoor Air Quality

Defra’s Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) has published its long-awaited report on indoor air quality

Jack Pease's Air Quality Blog #1

Air Quality Consultants (AQC) is delighted to share some typically insightful thoughts from our friend Jack Pease, the former editor of Air Quality Bulletin. AQC was missing Jack’s commentary on air quality issues, and we hope that others will enjoy what he has to say.  

AQC supports the Clean Cities Campaign by quantifying the impact of low- and zero-emission zones in Europe

There are around 320 Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in place in Europe, with more than 500 expected by 2025.  Zero exhaust Emission Zones (ZEZs) have also started to be introduced, with 35 currently planned. 

AQC Updates its Analysis of NOx and NO2 Trends

AQC has updated its analysis of long-term NOx and NO2 trends across the UK, which now runs to the end of April 2022.

IEMA publishes updated guidance on assessing greenhouse gas emissions and evaluating their significance.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment recently published updated guidance on the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions for EIA. AQC reviews what has changed, and what this means for EIA developments.

AQC updates its analysis of NOx and NO2 trends, including through the COVID pandemic

Analysis of trends in NOx and NO2 at 219 monitoring sites across the UK, over six years to December 2021, showing the effects of COVID lockdowns in the context of long-term patterns.

AQC helps to define Decision-Making Thresholds for air pollution impacts on designated nature conservation sites

AQC has helped to define Decision-Making Thresholds for air pollution impacts on designated nature conservation sites on behalf of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).  AQC worked alongside DTA Ecology and Ecological Planning and Research (EPR) to define Decision-Making Thresholds and Site-Relevant Thresholds.  

AQC Staff Help Prepare Two New AQEG Reports

Defra’s Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) published two new reports today (20/12/21):

Exhaust Emissions from Road Transport; and Ozone in the UK – Recent Trends and Future Projections.

AQC’s Ben Marner was part of the team which prepared both reports.

AQC Staff Continue to Support AQEG

Following a review of membership of the UK Government’s Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG), AQC’s Ben Marner has been reappointed as a member.  AQEG provides the most authoritative voice on the science of air quality in the UK, advising Central Government on key and emerging issues.   Several AQC staff have been involved with AQEG since its formation in 2002.  Ben looks forward to continuing to support the UK Government at what is an interesting and important time for shaping future UK air quality.