Hammersmith & Fulham launch three year air quality programme with Imperial

Imperial College’s Environmental Research Group (ERG) are to work with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Hammersmith & Fulham Council to collaborate on research aimed at improving air quality in the borough.

The three year programme will aim to raise awareness of air quality in the borough and effect behavioural change to reduce residents’ exposure to pollution. 

At the launch event, Professor Frank Kelly, Director of the ERG, said: ‘Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health. Even though air quality has improved in recent decades, it is still affecting the health of all residents, especially children and those with pre-existing health problems. We therefore welcome and applaud Hammersmith & Fulham’s ambition to improve air quality in the Borough and to reduce the health burden that currently exists and is putting pressure on the NHS.’

Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Cllr  Stephen Cowan, said: ‘Dirty air is a threat to us all. We’re working in partnership with experts at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to deliver a cleaner, healthier and greener borough as we take back control of the air we breathe.

‘We’re already pioneering pollution-busting climate action, from ‘solar leaf’ clean air tech and Tiny Forests, through to Britain’s densest network of EV charge points, energy-efficient homes built to Passivhaus standard and local heat networks to help us switch the borough to clean energy.’

In 2019, Hammersmith & Fulham launched the Parcels Not Pollution scheme that has helped more than 100 local businesses switch to using cargo bikes instead of vans for their deliveries around the borough.

The borough are also working with Imperial on their WellHome study to explore seasonal changes in air quality, both inside and outside the home.

Dr Bob Klaber, Director of Strategy, Research and Innovation, and Net Zero Board Lead, at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: ‘Reducing air pollution, which can have a devastating impact on health, is an important part of this. I’m delighted that we are joining forces with Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Imperial College London for this ambitious project to improve local air quality.

‘This is a huge challenge locally and can only be addressed by making the most of our collective expertise, working together with our local communities.’

Image courtesy of Imperial College London/Hammersmith & Fulham Council