Implementing stricter measures to reduce air and noise pollution in the city of Brighton and Hove
In a significant stride towards improving air quality and public health, the EarthSense Zephyr sensor network has been installed across Sussex, including in Brighton, Horsham, and Newhaven. This cutting-edge system, hailed as a pioneering solution, is set to revolutionise the way air pollution from wood-burners and open fireplaces is monitored and addressed.
The network's primary purpose is to provide real-time, high-resolution data on air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O₃), and other harmful substances. By employing many small, affordable sensors installed across different neighbourhoods, the system offers highly localised air quality insights, empowering local authorities and policymakers to make evidence-based decisions.
According to Councillor Tim Rowkins, the initiative is a significant step forward in understanding and addressing particulate pollution from wood-burners and open fireplaces. Greg Lewis, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at EarthSense, echoed this sentiment, stating that Brighton & Hove City Council's investment in the Zephyr air quality monitors is significant due to the impact of respiratory issues and fatalities related to poor air quality in the local area.
The sensors also provide ambient measurements for temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. This comprehensive data collection is crucial for supporting environmental and climate goals, as it tracks progress on reducing emissions and improving urban air quality, essential for climate resilience.
The data collected from the sensors will be accessible on the Brighton & Hove and Sussex Real-Time Air Quality Portal website, enabling the public to stay informed about their local air quality. The local authority is installing 50 EarthSense Zephyr sensors across Sussex, with 40 in Brighton and surrounding areas (Horsham and Newhaven).
The network forms one of the largest networks of real-time air quality monitors in the UK and aims to complement other air quality and net zero assessment methodologies. By identifying pollution hotspots and trends, local efforts can focus on reducing emissions from traffic, industry, or other sources, leading to cleaner air and improved respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Zephyr sensor network also supports scientific and community collaboration, fostering partnerships with universities, health agencies, and community groups to better understand and mitigate pollution. The network's early warning and pollution mitigation capabilities enable timely public warnings and temporary measures to reduce exposure during pollution spikes.
This groundbreaking initiative is part of Brighton & Hove City Council's strategy to tackle the burning of solid fuels across the city and its Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and Smoke Control Areas (SCAs). Solid fuel burning is calculated to be a contributing factor to more than one in 20 deaths of people over 30 in the Brighton & Hove area.
As the Zephyr network continues to roll out, it is expected to play a vital role in enhancing air quality monitoring with high resolution, supporting public health improvements, and empowering local communities and authorities to effectively address air pollution challenges in Brighton, Horsham, Newhaven, and beyond.
- This comprehensive network of EarthSense Zephyr sensors, not only revolutionizes the monitoring of air pollution from wood-burners and open fireplaces, but also provides real-time data on air pollutants that can aid in addressing climate change and environmental concerns.
- With the integration of environmental science and health-and-wellness data, the Zephyr sensor network in Sussex is expected to contribute significantly to scientific research and community collaboration, ultimately leading to healthier environments and improved public health.
