Air Quality

We offer a comprehensive service to model, monitor and analyse air quality, delivering assessments for a broad range of projects and purposes, for both private and public sector clients.

Wide experience

Our extensive experience includes supporting planning submissions and permit applications for both small and major schemes. These include residential, commercial, mixed-use developments, schools and airports, as well as major infrastructure, mineral extraction and industrial schemes with both consultancy and air quality monitoring on site.

Planning

Air Quality can be a key factor in planning decisions and our team can prepare a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), an application for an Environmental Permit, or a standalone air quality assessment to help progress the project.

We can also provide dispersion modelling and monitoring to support our findings, including screening and detailed models for road, industrial and odour assessments.

Workplace exposure monitoring, as well as indoor air quality plans and post-construction testing for the BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Health & Wellbeing credits (HEA 02), is also part of our remit.

Specialist support

Some projects demand additional specialist support and we have the skillset to carry this out, whether it’s Expert Witness representation, peer review, local air quality management support or impact assessments.

Compliance

The UK is currently non-compliant with the EU Air Quality Directive and the date of likely compliance is uncertain.

Planning applications must show that the proposals meet local and national air quality regulations, particularly when air quality problems have been identified. Where a development has the potential to have an adverse impact on air quality, measures must be put in place to reduce the impact.

Industry recognition

For added reassurance, we have IAQM and IES accredited consultants who provide comprehensive support. All our site visiting staff hold valid CSCS cards.

FAQs

Q.

What guidance is followed for air quality assessments?

A.

We use guidance from the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and the Greater London Authority (GLA), as these provide best practice recommendations for assessing air quality impacts.

Q.

What pollutants are typically included in air quality assessments?

A.

Air quality assessments generally focus on pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), depending on the specific sources being investigated.

Q.

When is an air quality assessment required?

A.

Air quality assessments are usually required for new developments, particularly in areas already subject to poor air quality or where sensitive receptors are present.

Q.

How is air quality monitored for assessments?

A.

Air quality can be monitored using a combination of on-site measurements, diffusion tubes and dispersion modelling to predict pollutant concentrations over time and space.

Q.

What is a sensitive receptor in air quality assessments?

A.

Sensitive receptors include locations where people are more vulnerable to poor air quality, such as residential areas, schools, hospitals and care homes.

Q.

How are the results of an air quality assessment used in planning decisions?

A.

The results help to determine whether a proposed development will have a significant impact on local air quality and if mitigation measures are needed to reduce harmful emissions or exposure.

The Bigger Picture

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Whether it’s consultancy, research, testing, implementation or monitoring – or a comprehensive project involving all of these – our consultants will always deliver the optimum solutions.

The Bigger Picture

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Whether it’s consultancy, research, testing, implementation or monitoring – or a comprehensive project involving all of these – our consultants will always deliver the optimum solutions.

Get in touch… call us on 01787 247595 or make an enquiry here