New initiative to help businesses keep air pollution down

Charity Global Action Plan has launched a new initiative, Business for Clean Air, to help encourage UK companies to tackle air pollution as their employees start to return to work. 

The taskforce behind the initiative, Business Clean Air Taskforce (B-CAT) comprises of companies such as Uber, Canary Wharf Group, DEFRA, Ricardo and BP Chargemaster. 

The initiative will offer businesses free guidance on the actions they can implement now to support a green recovery and improve air quality in the long term. These include actions such as encouraging active travel, using cleaner vehicles, improving indoor air quality and reducing emissions from industrial activity.

This sentiment is backed by the public, a recent survey commissioned by the Taskforce revealed that 74% of Brits want businesses to improve air pollution as part of their coronavirus recovery so that neighbourhoods don’t go back to the way they were. 

72% said that they believe clean air is even more important now because coronavirus can affect people’s lungs. 

Chris Large, senior partner at Global Action Plan, said: ‘Business leadership on air pollution is imperative. It’s a health crisis that is crying out for business innovation, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses to radically improve the quality of life for their customers and employees.

‘The steps that will cut pollution will also reduce road accidents, improve work-life balance, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance community connections. There’s a brighter future that any large business can help to bring about, and our task force is offering free support to help businesses begin the change.’

Environment minister Rebecca Pow added: ‘We know the impact that air pollution has on communities across the UK which is why – as set out in the Clean Air Strategy – the government, businesses and individuals all need to come together to tackle this problem. The Business for Clean Air initiative set a strong example for businesses to recognise the role they have to play.

‘As well as congratulating those businesses who have already signed up, I’d also encourage more companies to make the pledge, taking action to make their operations cleaner for the good of their employees, customers and the wider community.’

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