Air quality projects

Air quality projects

We design and deliver air quality projects that help people understand how air pollution affects health. We raise awareness and share practical steps residents and communities can take to improve air quality.

Air quality audits in schools and nurseries

We run an air quality audit programme for primary schools and nurseries across the borough. We deliver this work in partnership with Arup and Global Action Plan.

Our aims are to:

• reduce children’s exposure to harmful air pollution
• help school communities understand how to reduce air pollution and limit exposure

As part of the programme, we:

• carry out on-site audits to identify the main sources of air pollution affecting each school or nursery
• recommend practical changes to reduce pollution and exposure

These include:

• green screens
• scooter and cycle storage
• anti-idling banners
• scooter and pedestrian training
• install air quality sensors to measure pollution levels on site
• share quarterly air quality reports based on sensor data
• run workshops for pupils, staff and parents to raise awareness of air pollution and health impacts
• work with schools and nurseries to choose which measures to put in place

So far, 38 schools and nurseries have taken part. We expect the programme to finish in summer 2026.

Healthy Waterways project

Healthy Waterways London is a partnership between London boroughs, the Port of London Authority and the Canal & River Trust.

The project aims to:

• improve air quality
• protect the health of people living on boats
• support those who live, work, learn and travel near London’s waterways

The project has 3 main parts:

1. Community survey

We work with boating communities to improve air quality and health. To do this, we need to understand their experiences and ideas.

We carry out a survey to learn how air pollution affects health and wellbeing along London’s inland waterways. RRR Consultancy delivers this work.

2. Clean air awareness campaign

We use what we learn from the survey to co-design a clean air campaign with boating communities.
The campaign will:

• raise awareness of air pollution
• explain how to reduce exposure
• highlight available support and guidance

3. Healthy Waterways Strategy

We will develop a Healthy Waterways Strategy with input from the community.
The strategy will:

• summarise findings from the survey and campaign
• set out how organisations can work together to improve air quality and health

This includes national, regional and local government, the Canal & River Trust, the Port of London Authority and other partners.

The Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund supports this project.

London Woodburning Project

Wood burning is a major source of air pollution in London.

Around 4,000 premature deaths each year are linked to long-term exposure to air pollution. About 284 of these are linked to domestic wood burning.

We are part of the London Woodburning Project. This is led by the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington, working with 24 other boroughs and the Mayor of London.

The project raises awareness and improves understanding of how wood burning and solid fuels affect health.

Idling Action London

Idling Action London is a behaviour change campaign across London.

It aims to reduce air pollution caused by drivers leaving engines running while parked.

The project focuses on:

• raising awareness of health impacts
• encouraging drivers to switch off their engines

21 local authorities take part. The London Boroughs of Camden and Hounslow lead the project in partnership with the Mayor of London.