Rybnik, located in southern Poland, has been struggling with a severe air pollution problem that made it rank among Europe’s top five most polluted cities. Its air quality issues stem from outdated coal-based heating systems, reliance on fossil fuels in single-family homes, and industrial emissions from local coal mines. The impact on public health and the city’s reputation has been profound, fuelling widespread dissatisfaction among residents and increasing pressure on local authorities to act.

In 2017, Rybnik partnered with Airly to address these challenges by installing 27 air quality sensors across its districts. These sensors provided hyperlocal, real-time data to inform decisions and build transparency. Despite a temporary interruption in the partnership in
2021, the city returned to Airly in late 2023, citing the company’s unmatched accuracy and reliability. Today, Rybnik continues its journey towards cleaner air, supported by data and the tools to analyse it, both provided by Airly.

Challenges

Before implementing Airly’s solutions, Rybnik faced several pressing issues:

1. Severe air pollution: Over 15,000 coal-based heating systems and two operating coal mines resulted in emission levels exceeding permissible limits on more than 35 days annually.
2. Public pressure: Residents demanded greater transparency and immediate action, including the access to detailed
   air quality information for their neighbourhoods.
3. Inefficient monitoring: The existing national monitoring station provided limited coverage, failing to reflect localised variations in air quality across the city’s 27 districts.
4. Need for education and engagement: Raising public awareness and fostering behavioural changes were essential for achieving long-term improvement of air quality.

Solution: Airly’s comprehensive monitoring system

Partnership overview:

• Initial implementation (2017): Airly installed 27 sensors across all of Rybnik’s districts, focusing on schools and public institutions, to provide hyperlocal data that addressed the residents’ concerns.
• Customised tools: The city utilised Airly’s custom air quality map, featuring intuitive colour coding and icons to make the data
  user-friendly and accessible.
• Advanced features: The platform offered easy access to historical data, automated reports, and real-time alerts, equipping decision-makers with tools to respond promptly to environmental challenges.
• Re-engagement (2023): After briefly working with a competitor, Rybnik returned to Airly due to dissatisfaction with data accuracy and sensor reliability. Airly’s audit revealed significant issues with the competitor’s devices, reaffirming the value of Airly’s technology. The renewed cooperation included a full audit of existing sensors and an immediate reactivation of the system.

Results: Quantifiable and qualitative impact

Quantifiable results:

• Reduction in air pollution: Since reactivating Airly’s system, air pollution levels in Rybnik have declined due to successfully executed
  anti-smog actions.
• In 2022, the number of days when daily WHO standards for PM10 were exceeded was 62, in 2023 it dropped to 30, and by 2024, it decreased further to 24. For PM2.5, the number of such days fell from 237 to 188 over the same period.
• Over 9,000 coal-based heating systems have been replaced with eco-friendly alternatives, contributing to a 70% improvement in air quality since 2017.

Increased user engagement:

• Airly’s platform receives hundreds of monthly interactions, with residents regularly accessing data via mobile apps and integrated municipal systems.
• In 2024 alone, Airly’s sensor data received 31,466 clicks, highlighting the residents’ strong engagement and interest in air quality.
• Decision-makers utilise Airly Data Platform Premium for detailed government reports and public communication.

Funding and projects:

• Rybnik has secured over 53 million PLN in funding through the Clean Air Programme (“Czyste Powietrze”), supporting the replacement of more than 5,000 heating systems.
• The city has joined the LeadAir project and is now working on a plan to achieve energy transformation by 2040.
• Rybnik has secured funding to build photovoltaic micro-installations and energy storage systems to power municipal institutions.

Qualitative results:

Improved public awareness and engagement:

• Residents now have access to real-time air quality data, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Airly’s intuitive dashboards and maps have simplified communication between city officials and the public.

Better decision-making:

• Data Platform’s automated reporting function saves municipal employees time, providing clear evidence of air quality improvement.
• Regional insights support collaborations with neighbouring municipalities.

Educational impact:

• Schools use Airly’s data in their educational programmes, fostering a sustainability-focused mindset among the younger generations.

Conclusions and next steps

With Airly’s continued support, Rybnik is on track to becoming a model city for effective air quality management and sustainable urban development. This partnership highlights the potential for other municipalities to achieve similar success by adopting innovative IoT solutions.

Looking ahead, the city plans to:

1. Expand its network of sensors to cover additional districts.
2. Strengthen collaborations with neighbouring municipalities to address reducing the transboundary pollution.
3. Continue educating residents through targeted awareness campaigns and school programmes.
4. Compete for the European Green Capital Award (EGCA) in 2026.

Testimonials

Airly’s system has revolutionised how we manage air quality in Rybnik. The data is reliable, accessible, and useful in daily work – a true game-changer for our city.

Adrian Strzelczyk
Rybnik’s representative

Knowing the air quality in my neighbourhood has made a huge difference. It’s reassuring to see real progress in reducing pollution.

Local resident

 

Rybnik’s partnership with Airly demonstrates how advanced air quality monitoring can drive municipal decision-making and foster public engagement.

Ready to enhance the quality of life for your residents? Contact Airly today, and let’s join forces to achieve cleaner air and healthier communities!