Challenge

Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, faced significant air quality challenges due to high levels of pollution, particularly from traffic. The council needed a comprehensive and granular understanding of air pollution across the city to inform targeted interventions and improve public health. Existing monitoring methods were insufficient, lacking the density and real-time data needed for effective action. They sought a solution that could provide accurate, hyperlocal air quality data to support their Clean Air Zone and other initiatives.

Solution

Birmingham City Council partnered with Airly to deploy a network of air quality sensors across the city. Airly provided:

• Dense Network of Sensors: A large number of Airly’s compact, high-precision sensors were strategically placed throughout Birmingham, creating a much more detailed picture of air quality than previously possible. This dense network allowed for the identification of pollution hotspots and variations across different neighborhoods.
• Real-time Data: The Airly sensors provide continuous, real-time data on key air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). This real-time information is crucial for understanding pollution patterns and responding quickly to changes.
• Data Visualization and Analytics: Airly provided access to a platform that visualizes the collected data in an easy-to-understand format. This platform allows the council to monitor air quality trends, identify pollution sources, and assess the impact of interventions.
• Integration with Existing Systems: The Airly data could be integrated with the council’s existing systems, allowing them to combine air quality information with other datasets, such as traffic flow and weather patterns, for a more holistic understanding of the city’s environment.

Results

The partnership between Birmingham City Council and Airly yielded several positive outcomes:

• Improved Understanding of Air Quality: The dense network of sensors provided a much more granular and accurate understanding of air quality across Birmingham. This allowed the council to identify specific areas with high pollution levels and understand the contributing factors.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The real-time data and analytics provided by Airly enabled the
  council to make more informed decisions about air quality management. This included targeting
  interventions, such as traffic management measures, to specific areas and times.
• Support for Clean Air Zone: The air quality data collected by Airly played a crucial role in supporting the implementation and evaluation of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. The data helped to demonstrate the effectiveness of the zone in reducing pollution levels.
• Increased Public Awareness: The publicly accessible air quality data helped to raise awareness among residents about the air they breathe. This empowered citizens to take steps to protect their health and advocate for cleaner air.
• Enhanced Research Capabilities: The detailed air quality data provided a valuable resource for researchers studying air pollution and its impact on public health.

Conclusion

By partnering with Airly, Birmingham City Council was able to significantly improve its air quality monitoring capabilities. The dense network of sensors, real-time data, and advanced analytics provided by Airly enabled the council to gain a deeper understanding of air pollution patterns, make data-driven decisions, and implement effective interventions to protect public health.