Making schools in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea into clean air places
Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution: their organs are developing and they are physically closer to many sources of air pollution than adults. Cleaner air would halve the number of children suffering from major lung conditions.
Almost all schools are located in areas that have annual average concentrations of pollutants in excess of WHO guidelines. All schools in London are located in areas with average annual concentrations of NO₂ and PM2.5 above WHO guidelines. 86.4% of schools are in areas with average annual concentrations of PM10 above the 15 μg/m³ WHO guideline.
How we're tackling the problem
We're working with Arup who are visiting schools in Kensington and Chelsea, installing air quality sensors and providing the schools with air quality audits. We then carry out engagement workshops with the schools to help mobilise the school community around air pollution, bringing everyone with us on this journey. This allows interventions not to be top down and disconcected, but embedded in the school community.
Air quality and ability to learn:
- Cleaner air could improve child’s working memory
- Better concentration in class
- Reduced school absences
The school's audits are funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and are being delivered by Arup and Global Action Plan.
Related content
22nd February 21
22/02/21
