Birmingham Breathes in readiness for the Commonwealth games. While Leeds leads.

 

The United Kingdom has set stringent targets to cut emissions by 2030. The goal is to reduce the harm to human health from air pollution by half. A robust evidence based strategy, backed by the most up to date science is essential to help the UK succeed.

London led the way in 2008 with the introduction of  The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which was designed to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles driving in London to reduce their emissions. The LEZ covers most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Where does most pollution come from?

Most pollution in London is caused by road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems. The UK Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 sets standards for a number of pollutants than can harm human health and the environment. These are based on EU limit values and include: sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrous oxides (NO2). The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 require that the annual mean concentration of NO2 must not exceed 40 µg/m³ and that there should be no more than 18 exceedances of the hourly mean limit value, concentrations above 200 µg/m³ , in a single year.

The cities commit to cleaner air

In April 2019 plans originally laid out under Boris Johnson were introduced by Sadiq Khan leading to the creation of  The Ultra Low Emission Zone. It resulted in the reduction of the worst polluting vehicles from 35,600 to 23,000 and a 20% reduction in emissions in Central London.

The Government has said that Birmingham needs a Clean Air Zone and that the city needs to reduce levels of NO2 in the air to a maximum average of 40μg/m3 as soon as possible. Once that target is reached, the city will continue to lower the amount of NO2 and particulate matter in the air as far as possible.

Pollution in the air, mainly caused by vehicles on the roads, is having a harmful effect on the health of people living, working and studying in the city. Poor air quality in Birmingham is contributing to hundreds of early, preventable deaths and making many existing health conditions worse. Poor air quality disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable in the community, including children. The Birmingham Breathes campaign sets out a series of high level pledges as to how the council and the community can support the journey towards cleaner air.

Birmingham's Clean Air Zone established in June 2021 covers all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road including the main A38 and tunnels. The zone operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Early signs of improvement are positive  and it is anticipated there will be an overall improvement in air quality over a number of years however there remain 19 locations within the Clean Air Zone where the level of nitrogen dioxide is above the legal limit.

The cities population is growing, new buildings are going up, the rail and metro systems are getting bigger and faster and Birmingham has the Commonwealth Games to look forward to in 2022. All these activities are great for the city and the wider west midlands. The council wants everyone to enjoy them, now and in the future. Improving air quality will mean more people, especially children, live healthier lives.

Leeds new air quality strategy is now leading the way in its ambition and scope setting stricter targets than national standards and aiming to tackle emissions from homes, industry and agriculture as well as transport.

Electric bin lorries, a public bike sharing scheme, enhanced enforcement of industrial emissions, citywide engagement, and planning policies requiring greener and better ventilated buildings would all be introduced as part of the strategy.

Air pollution is one of the biggest threats to public health in the UK. Consistent exposure to it causes breathing difficulties and other long-term lung and heart conditions. Nationally, it has been estimated to cause up to 36,000 early deaths every year.

Air pollution nose-dives in major cities

Thanks to a citywide effort to switch to cleaner vehicles, air quality in Leeds has improved significantly in recent years and is now generally cleaner and healthier than many other UK cities.

While road transport remains the main source of outdoor air pollution in Leeds, it is not the only one. The proposed strategy aims to further protect everyone in Leeds from dirty air by achieving the stricter World Health Organisation (WHO) targets for air quality citywide by 2030.Last year, the Confederation of British Industry estimated that if all local authorities were to adopt and achieve the WHO air pollution reduction targets, the UK economy could gain £1.6 billion as a result of fewer deaths, fewer work absences and increased productivity.

By taking action to achieve the WHO targets for air quality, the proposed strategy is expected to save lives, benefit the economy, compliment efforts to combat climate change and help level up the most disadvantaged communities that are most exposed and vulnerable to polluted air.

It proposes an extensive and wide-ranging action plan designed to tackle pollutant emissions from homes, transport, industry and agriculture. It includes measures to Reduce emissions from homes and raise awareness of indoor air pollution,  requiring new developments to be  better ventilated, installing energy efficiency measures in existing homes and raising awareness of other sources of air pollution.

Improving air quality in your home with new Air Purifying paints

Air Purifying Paints contain a molecular sieve which is designed to absorb harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they circulate in our living spaces. VOC's are harmful to your health in high concentrations and over time exposure to these chemicals can cause breathing difficulties and asthma. Those who are particularly vulnerable to the risks of chemicals in commercial products such as aerosols, cigarettes and household fuels are young children and pets who tend to suffer more adverse affects.

The sieve's non-toxic crystalline tubes are designed to filter specific harmful VOCs, including formaldehyde, glycol, carbon dioxide, NOx and SOx. Air Purifying paints are engineered to improve the air quality inside and outside your home, providing a healthier environment without the potent odour experienced with other commercial paints. They are based on sustainable natural ingredients.

Large town houses, commercial properties, public buildings and hotels are looking to specify these paints for their exterior and interior walls to help reduce pollution in their community and improve urban air quality.

Ambient Pro +  achieves the industry's highest environmental standards, including Cradle to Cradle Gold, LEED, WELL & BREEAM. Rated Global Green Tag Platinum it is the worlds leading environmental brand of mineral paints and coatings. Air Purifying paints are better for the environment and healthier for our homes and cities. A harm free solution for our planet and people with Ambient pro+.

It is the ultimate smooth air purity paint for exterior lime walls, absorbing up to 5kg of CO2 per 15 litre container. It is non combustible with an EU A1 fire rating. Ambient Pro+  is a matt mineral finish available in 14 classic colours for town and country properties and can be used on exterior and interior walls.

Love bright colours?

Although 50% of home owners  prefer whites and pastels for their country cottages there is a trend to bolder strong warm tones, greens  and ice cream colours for town houses along our coastlines and cities. Fulham is famous for its prestigious colourful town houses, the sooth west of Britainhas some of the most eye catching skylines.

Durable exterior paint that lasts

For exterior walls where a wide choice of colour is required GrafClean Premium is the ideal solution and can be used on lime rendered surfaces common in older properties. A breathable flat matt finish, it is exterior durable, Class 0 fire rated and Cradle to Cradle certified. Colours like Amchoor, Iceberg, Silver Moss and Tuberose bring a summer freshness to exterior walls combining naturally with foliage and colourful flower beds. GrafClean absorbs CO2  and complies with BREEAM, LEED & WELL building standards.

When planning the redecoration of your exterior buildings always consult with the planning authorities. If your home is a listed building, although you don't need planning permission to paint it, you will need listed-building consent if the painting would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. So selecting colours in keeping with the local environment is important.

Safe for years to come

Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives local planning authorities powers to serve notices requiring owners or occupiers to remedy the condition of their property if the authority thinks it adversely affects the amenity of the area.  Selecting AVACE Graphenstone classic colours and environmentally compliant coatings helps maintain the status quo.

Samples, getting a colour chart and expert advice:

• Order a FREE colour chart here
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• Have a question about our range? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our outstanding customer service team, available at sales@avace.co.uk