A Fresh Perspective on Clean Air Focused workshops on air quality in London 30th June 2016
Aims of the event were to: Develop and inform the vision for the future of London from an environmental perspective, focusing on air pollution. Explore solutions for tackling transportation problems and air pollution using relevant data through teamwork and community empowerment.
Exchange and build upon new ideas and solid actions to improve our transport system and air quality. Meet people who share your ambitions, who you can make lasting connections with.
Develop real project proposals by the end of the evening.
2
“What can we do to establish causal link between health and air pollution?”
“Most pollution comes from the different modes of transport. What can we do to encourage individuals, companies and corporations to re-think their ways of transport?”
3
Event Agenda Welcome – Leonie Cooper AM, London Assembly
Keynote speech to prompt delegates to consider the challenges London faces with issues of Air Quality
How to Solve London’s Air Quality Crisis – Richard Howard, Policy Exchange Introduction to Schools and Challenge Workshops – Samantha Heath, LSx Cleaner Air 4 Schools’ Song – Notre Dame School
Short, sharp download of information: thoughtprovoking speakers provide a point of view to small groups.
Challenge Workshops (2x20 min) Community Challenges – Ben Hudson LSx
Health Challenges – Harriet Edwards British Lung Foundation Andy Cross GLA
Planning Challenges – Stephen Inch GLA
Technology Challenges – Mark Jenkinson SIEMENS Model for London
Legal Challenges – Andrea Lee & Simon Client Earth
Participants have the opportunity to visit speakers, ask questions, brainstorm challenges etc.
Individuals went into smaller groups to focus on the solutions to specific Air Quality issues.
Solutions to Air Pollution: Rolling Workshops Cleaner Air for Communities and Schools Putney Society; Greener Jobs Alliance; Sustainable Merton; Don’t Close Church Street; Holy Trinity
Cycling and Health Juan Pablo & Emilia Smeds PASTA/Imper ial College David Dansky Cycle Training
Planning solutions in practice Jon Little MiniHolland
Green Infrastructure solutions in practice Ken Scarlett Ad Verdant Neal Landsberg Sustainable Water
Technology Accessing solutions in funding to implement practice solutions --Colin Toby Matthews Bennett Joulevert Spacehive
Impact of Air Quality on Londoner’s Health – Dr. Prashant Kumar, Surrey University
Identify actions going forward and next steps and define who needs to be involved
4
Leonie Cooper AM, GLA
"Air pollution is not just a killer but an indicator of inequality...� “Arguably the greatest challenge facing London at the moment"
5
Richard Howard, Policy Exchange
"Clean bus corridors and other policies from the Mayor could make a difference"
6
The Challenges Challenges to Community – Ben Hudson, LSx How is Air Quality affecting communities?
Challenges to Health – Harriet Edwards, British Lung Foundation How is Air Quality affecting your health? What can we do to mitigate the effects of Air Quality on our health?
Challenges to Planning – Stephen Inch, GLA How does the planning process work and what can we do to influence the process? How has Air Quality influenced the planning process?
Challenges to Technology (Siemens Model for London) – Mark Jenkinson The Siemens Model for London intends to explore how we can create a better future for our city. During this interactive workshop, we will explore Siemens modelling tool for reducing air pollution.
Supreme Court Update – Andrea Lee & Simon, Client Earth How do we get information from public bodies on air pollution? How can law be used as a tool to improve Air Quality?
7
Challenge Workshops Delegates and speakers exchanged ideas and information in the Challenge Workshops.
8
Challenges During the Challenges workshops, delegates post some of the challenges they hope to address in the Air Quality Solutions workshops. Here are some of the challenges that delegates posted: “ How do we take class action on early deaths from air quality breaches?” “Who can we lobby effectively?” “Air Quality is not at the top of every business’ agenda. What incentives are there for them?”
9
Summary of Challenges Each Challenges workshop had unique concerns, but many shared challenges included: Public Engagement • How can we effectively engage community members in the air quality agenda? Awareness • How do we increase unawareness of the health implications of air pollution. Communication • More effective communication with the broader community is necessary to be more successful in using technology to combat air quality issues. Taking Action • How do we encourage community members to take action on their concerns? How do we convince community members that their efforts are significant and make a difference? Transparency • There needs to be more transparency in legal and planning processes. Funding
• Increased funding is needed to implement projects involving technology.
10
Solutions to Air Pollution: Rolling Workshops Attendees broke off into six distinct groups to start brainstorming potential solutions. Group topics focused on: •Cleaner Air 4 Communities •Cycling as a Healthy Alternative
•Planning Solutions to Improve Air Quality (Mini-Holland) •Green Infrastructure Solutions to Air Quality •Technological Solutions to Improve Air Quality •Accessing funding to Implement Solutions
11
Challenges to Community Ben Hudson, LSx
What challenges do we face as a community to combat air pollution in London?
1. Public engagement: How can we effectively engage community members in the air quality agenda? 2. Turning awareness into action: How do we act on the surge of interest and concern around air quality? 3. Behaviour changes: How can we make good habits develop into social norms in our communities? 4. Making it count: How do we show that individual efforts make a difference in our communities?
12
Cleaner Air 4 Communities Holy Trinity School, Putney Society, Water Ways, Greener Jobs Alliance/Furzedown Low Carbon Zone (FLCZ), Sustainable Merton, Don’t Close Church Street
Aims
Questions we asked
• Explore how some communities have addressed pollution problems in their communities
1. How do we convince local councils to be proactive towards improving air quality?
• Educate individuals on how to support local agendas on air quality and share new knowledge
2. How do we encourage community members to take action on their concerns? How do we convince community members that their efforts are significant and make a difference?
Solutions to Improving Air Quality in our Communities Key actions
Further steps for project partners
• Use social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.) to spread information on air quality
• Set good examples for others through personal behaviours
• Implement hands-on projects in local schools and communities to measure NO2 levels with NO2 diffusion tubes
• Install green walls in schools (Holy Trinity)
• Hold community festivals and public meetings to improve citizen education and engage community members
• Invest in ultra efficient buses in the boroughs and areas that have the worst air quality (Sustainable Merton)
• Produce environmental law guidelines (Don’t Close Church Street)
13
Cleaner Air 4 Communities Holy Trinity School, Putney Society, Water Ways, Greener Jobs Alliance/Furzedown Low Carbon Zone (FLCZ), Sustainable Merton, Don’t Close Church Street
The Cleaner Air 4 Communities Challenge Workshop, focused on the role of communities in moving towards better air quality in our city.
“Do you want to accept things as they are or do something about it?”
14
Challenges to Health Harriet Edwards, British Lung Foundation
What are the challenges to our health caused by air pollution? 1. New evidence links air pollution to lung health, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. 2. Streets are unhealthy and unsafe. 3. Many people are unaware of the health implications of air pollution. 4. Air pollution needs to be explained as a health issue as well as an environmental issue. 5. It is difficult to get information through to authorities. 6. Consultation processes are difficult and confusing.
7. Solutions are not always inclusive of all groups of the population.
15
Cycling as a Healthy Alternative David Dansky, Cycle Training UK Emilia Smeds and Juan Pablo, PASTA/Imperial College
Aims
Questions we asked
• Explore improvements in street infrastructure to encourage cycling in London
1. How should we utilize technology and media to effectively communicate data and information to people in our communities?
• Educate individuals on how to communicate knowledge and use data to encourage cycling in London
2. How should we adjust financial penalties for owning and using cars? 3. What discourages people from walking or cycling? 4. Why is cycling perceived by many as dangerous, and do statistics agree with this notion?
Solutions to improving air quality Data
Key Actions
• Cycling has increased exponentially since 2009, but total number of fatalities has decreased
• Lead by example and spread positive messages about cycling
• Positive effects of physical activity outweigh the negative effects of air pollution for people who cycle up to 60 minutes per day
• Spread awareness about free cycling training within London Boroughs through advertisements in Underground stations
• Cycling is beneficial to health and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease
• Implement improvements to street infrastructure and signage to encourage safe cycling and discourage driving
16
Cycling as a Healthy Alternative David Dansky, Cycle Training UK Emilia Smeds and Juan Pablo, PASTA/Imperial College
Juan Pablo and Emilia Smeds of PASTA explain the health benefits of cycling.
17
Challenges to Planning Stephen Inch, GLA What are the challenges to planning in London? •It is difficult to find information on how to influence the planning process for projects in London. •There needs to be more transparency in the planning process. •More extensive resources are needed when reviewing planning applications to help citizens understand environmental and air quality policies and legislation. •CLA needs better scientific measurements for testing air quality. •Need more safeguards and pressure on government.
18
Planning Solutions to Improve Air Quality (Mini-Holland) Jon Little, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Aims
Questions we asked
• Educate individuals on Waltham Forest’s award-winning Mini-Holland solution to reducing air pollution and increasing cycling in London Boroughs.
1. What role does planning play in determining whether new developments are made sustainable?
• Explain planning application processes and increase understanding of environmental/air quality policies and legislation.
2. How can we increase transparency in planning decisions and processes in communities? 3. How can we stop idling? 4. What can individuals do in their own neighbourhoods now to help improve air quality and reduce traffic?
The Mini-Holland Project & Solutions to improving air quality Mini-Holland Further Steps • Developed European model neighbourhoods with an emphasis on walking and cycling • Local council worked towards developing a higher level of community consultation and devolution of powers • Traffic engineering used to close residential streets and direct traffic back to main roads, making residential streets quieter, greener, safer and less polluted
• Organizing Car Clubs to minimize traffic on the road • Implement Cycle Schemes – free cycle training and cycle buddy schemes where cyclists can ride with others • Increase access and awareness to LSx toolkit and information, especially to marginalised communities such as Islamic women
19
Planning Solutions to Improve Air Quality (Mini-Holland) Jon Little, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Jon Little answers questions from delegates about the planning process for projects on Air Quality.
20
Green Infrastructure Solutions to Air Quality Ken Scarlett, AdVerdant Neal Landsberg, Sustainable Water
Aims
Questions we asked
• Explore Green Infrastructure solutions that aim to improve air quality
1. How can building sites be redesigned to decrease their negative impact on air quality?
• Discuss completed and ongoing projects on Green Infrastructure
2. How do we break down barriers including lack of community knowledge and funding?
Key actions
Solutions to Improving Air Quality Further steps for project partners
• Educate the public on green infrastructure – what is it, and how can it improve our communities?
• Build green screens around building sites
• Plant tree barriers along roads to block pollution in neighbourhoods
• Build bus shelters that clean the air
• Build more green walls on buildings that filter air and catch rainwater
• Implement more planning requirements for building sites • Plant more trees that target specific pollutants purposefully around the city, also ensuring that trees are planted and maintained correctly
21
Green Infrastructure Solutions to Air Quality Ken Scarlett, AdVerdant Neal Landsberg, Sustainable Water
Ken Scarlett addresses how Green Infrastructure in London will improve Air Quality
22
Challenges to Technology (Siemens Model for London) Mark Jenkinson
What are the challenges we face when using technology to analyse air pollution in London? •
How do we measure and model trends in air pollution?
•
It is difficult to find information on where to submit data and measurements of air quality.
•
More effective communication with the broader community is necessary to be more successful in using technology to combat air quality issues.
•
Increased funding is needed to implement projects involving technology.
23
Technological Solutions to Improve Air Quality Colin Matthew, CALOR
Aims
Questions we asked
• Examine new technologies that have the potential to reduce air pollution or its effects
1. Can traffic flow, traffic lights, etc. be modelled by new technologies?
• Educate individuals on what technology will be best implemented to help improve local air quality
2. Can factors like planting of trees be taken into account? 3. How will new developments in biofuels, LPG and natural gas/Biomethane impact air quality? 4. Will low Carbon and AQ footprint vehicles be financially accessible in the future?
Data
Solutions to improving air quality Key Actions
• Replacing old diesel taxis with LPG taxis reduces PM by 99%, NOx by 80% and CO2 by 7%
• All-electric fleet of canal barges for localised freight service on London’s extensive canal network.
• Current water freights use 70% less fuel with 80% lower emissions and air pollution when compared with lorries; electric canal barges will reduce this further
• Communicate data and information on alternative transportation to companies, government, and local citizens to encourage action.
• Converting a old taxi to LPG costs £30,000 less than a new electric taxi
24
25
26
Technological Solutions to Improve Air Quality Colin Matthew, CALOR
Colin Matthews explains the benefits of LPG taxis.
27
Legal Challenges Andrea Lee & Simon, Client Earth
What are the legal challenges? •
NO2 levels in London are above legal limits in many areas.
•
Many parts of London broke pollution limits for a year in just two weeks.
•
The legal system is not effective in enforcing political decisions.
•
It is difficult to find information on who/what part of government is responsible for different air quality issues.
•
It is difficult for concerned citizens to find information on how law can be used as a tool to improve air quality.
28
Accessing Funding to Implement Solutions Toby Bennett, Space Hive
Aims
Questions we asked
• Introduce techniques that communities can use to develop their own citizen science projects and the means to fund them
1. What do funders look for in a project?
• Explore the options available to citizens to fund their visions, such as the possibilities of crowd funding
2. What discourages community members from taking action on their concerns? 3. What are some successful projects that we can use as examples?
4. How can we better publicise monitoring data and challenge councils to act?
Solutions to accessing and applying for funding Key actions Further steps for project partners • Identify key target groups based on location, project, and organisation
• Meet with local councils (Tooting)
• Set goals and dates to upload project, start fundraising, and complete fundraising
• Campaign locally
• Coordinate and collaborate with different groups • Mobilize local campaigns to pressure government • Publicise monitoring data, challenge councils to act
29
Accessing Funding to Implement Solutions Toby Bennett, Space Hive
The Funding Workshop discusses different methods to gather funding for projects on Air Quality
30
Action Plans Engaging the Community
• Set good examples for others through personal behaviours • Use social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.) to spread information on air quality • Hold community festivals and public meetings to improve citizen education and engage community members
Increasing Health Awareness on Cycling
• Spread new data on cycling pollution exposure so that individuals can make informed decisions • Lead by example and spread positive messages about cycling • Advertise free cycling training within London Boroughs in Underground stations
Improving the Planning Process
• Support businesses to have last mile zero emission deliveries – use planning policies and work with the infrastructure commission to deliver a network of logistic centres • Increase access and awareness to LSx toolkit and information, especially to marginalised communities such as Islamic women
Implementing Green Infrastructure
• Implement improvements to street infrastructure and signage to encourage safe cycling and discourage driving • Support transport planning and infrastructure development to bring electric and hydrogen vehicles to London
Utilizing Technology
• Support an all-electric fleet of canal barges for localised freight service on London’s extensive canal network. • Communicate data and information on alternative transportation to companies, government, and local citizens to encourage action.
Increasing Access to Funding
• Meet with local councils • Publicise monitoring data, challenge councils to act • Mobilize local campaigns to pressure government
31
Dr Prashant Kumar University of Surrey – Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering Dr Kumar’s ongoing study focuses on measuring the concentration of pollutants in different areas of London, and PM exposure levels in various forms of transportation. He found that PM levels on the streets were highest near traffic intersections and bus stops.
32
Response to the event 88% of participants said the event significantly increased their level of new learning:
80% of participants reported a significant increase in their understanding of issues related to air quality: 0%
0% 12%
12%
10%
Poor
19%
Fair
Fair
27%
Good
32% 44%
Poor
Good
Very Good
Very Good
Excellent
44%
33
Excellent
Response to the event 100% of the participants reported that the event was a good opportunity to learn how others are tackling Air Quality issues:
95% of the participants reported that the event was a good opportunity for meeting new people and sharing information:
0%
0% 0%
5% 10%
18%
Poor
Poor
36%
Fair
Fair
41%
Good Good Very Good
46%
Very Good
44%
Excellent
Excellent
34
Response to the event How could this event have been improved?
“Focus less on Challenges and more on Solutions.”
“Maybe next time ready for specific solutions to specific problems. Rather than generalised [Challenges and Solutions].”
35
Response to the event What did delegates take away from the event?
“It was a good opportunity to focus on the issues and learn what measures are in progress.” “[The event] gave me an understanding of how issues are interconnected.” “An opportunity to discuss issues, not just sit and listen.” “The mixture of discussion and short talks worked very well.”
36
Thank you to our attendees Representatives from organisations including: Kings College, London; Client Earth; Waltham Forest Council; NESTA; GLA; UWE; DEFRA; PASTA; Imperial College London; Evening Standard; Citizen Sense; Goldsmiths; University of London; Learning without Borders; NAQTS; Sir Robert McAlpine; ICE London Air Quality Task Force; AirPublic; Sow grow and reap; Investec; Arcadis Consulting; Clean Air Southampton; Queens Park Area Residents Association; Merton Power; Transition Heathrow; Transition Town Tooting; Compass Point Residents; The Neighbourhood Forum for Kings Cross; Battersea Fields Resident management Organisation; Putney Society; The Gloucester Avenue Association; Euston Communities AQ Project; London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies; The Battersea Society; Noel Road Residents; Camden Civic Society; Netley Primary School; St. Pancras Church Euston; 20’s Plenty For Us; London Wet; Havering Friends of the Earth; FLCZ; Old Bermondsey Neighbour Forum; Tabard Gardens North Tenants & Residents Association; TBC; Millbank Creative Works; Deliver Change; CGCA; Siemens; Kensington & Chelsea Forum; Energy Saving Trust; Labour Party; London Environment Directors’ Network; Kingston Council; Lambeth Borough Council; Camden Council; Barnet Council; Watermatic; Living Breathing Walls; IPPR; SERA; Arcadis; TfL; Greenpeace UK; European Respiratory Society; Hexagon Housing Association; Furzedown Low Carbon Zone; Global Action Plan; Loop Labs
...and community members across more than 25 boroughs!
37