Issue 5 of the AQN Procurement Guide is now online

The fifth Air Quality News Procurement Guide, in which we aim to provide local authorities with tools to address the multiple issues inherent in tackling air pollution effectively, is now available to read online.

You can read the magazine here.

There are many and varied routes to clean air: electrifying your fleet, installing solar on your buildings and improving facilities to promote active travel, to name but three – all over which we cover in this issue.

Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office, recently announced a four month delay in the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. The delay will allow the new government  time to produce a new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS).

In this issue we print an abridged version of a report written by Ben Paxton and Nick Davies at the Institute for Government, on improving accountability in government procurement. The report explores how accountability in public  procurement works, how this will change under  the Procurement Act, and sets out opportunities for the new government to improve practice.

Justin Coetzee outlines how fleet managers can ensure a smooth transition to an exclusively electric fleet. this involves data management, route planning and investing in EVs themselves but Justin also emphasises the significance of investing in solar to help power that fleet.

…And to that end, Sue Welland from Electron Green looks at how local authorities can successfully integrate solar into public buildings and infrastructure.

Imogen Player discusses the work of the Plant and Equipment Leadership Group which was established by to reduce the tailpipe air quality and greenhouse gas emissions of plant, through its procurement, rental and use.

Active travel is a key mechanic for reducing the number of car journey made but recently research has highlighted two main impediments that are preventing people taking up cycling. One is cost, the other is lack of suitable storage. Here we look at some ways councils can help

As we head into Winter, Alan Siggins looks at the legislation around indoor air quality in the UK. Alan has represented BEAMA, the industry body for ventilation, when helping to design and implement compliance and competency schemes for ventilation.