Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign; but what can you do to support their all important mission?
On Wednesday 8 October, the country celebrated Clean Air Day; a national campaign to improve understanding of air pollution and explain the simple actions we can all take to tackle it. Since launching in 2017, the campaign (delivered by Global Action Plan) has won several awards and gained huge publicity.
Although the campaign runs on one day a year, the need is constant: something we know about only too well here at Buildpass. While we are thrilled to see communities gradually move towards a more sustainable way of living, we still have a long way to go.
Every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK. It is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the UK Government as the biggest environmental risk we face today. Which is why it is crucial we take action towards cleaner air, every single day.
How can I support Clean Air Day? Individuals, communities, schools, businesses and the health sector all have a part to play in producing cleaner air. It is our job to demonstrate the difference we can – together – all make to the air we breathe.
We’re discussing the ways you can play your part and support Clean Air Day; both today and far into the future.
Why do we need Clean Air Day?
Poor air quality can be responsible for low birth weights and children’s lung development, as well as ongoing heart and lung diseases. It has also been known to contribute to mental health issues.
Alongside the major health impacts, it is an enormous contributor to climate change: it is directly linked to global warming, acid rain, smog and ozone depletion. For many UK cities, the level of air pollution is illegal. This is an issue that the world can no longer turn a blind eye to.
And this is what Clean Air Day aims to tackle head on. Through education, lobbying and community initiatives, the campaign hopes to build awareness of how air pollution affects our health and what we can all do to change it.
What steps can I take to improve air quality?
There are so many changes we can all make to our day to day life to contribute to better air quality while improving our own health; small, simple adjustments that could make a huge difference.
- You could start a small, socially distanced walking bus club to get the children to and from school safely
- Turn your engine off when waiting in traffic
- Walk along quieter streets to avoid polluted roads
- Avoid travelling at rush hour
- If you live near busy roads, keep the windows shut during rush hour
- Try and shop locally
- Whenever possible, walk or get public transport
- Consider an electric vehicle next time you renew your car
- Avoid wood burning stoves
- Raise awareness of Clean Air Day by utilising their plethora of online resources
- Work from home when you can – a MUST for many right now!
The annual campaign provides the opportunity to learn more about the world of air pollution.
From their unique air pollution calculator to their ‘news and stories’ section, Clean Air Day is always on hand to support you through your learning and development journey towards a cleaner atmosphere.
