Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk we face today say The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UK Government.
Backed by councils, health providers, and businesses across the UK, Clean Air Day is fast-gaining momentum as the country raises awareness of growing pollution.
Held on 15th June, Clean Air Day brings to the fore the impacts of poor air quality in the UK and provides resources to support the following sectors:
· Businesses
· Education
· Health
Businesses backing air quality initiatives
More and more businesses are recognising the importance of the impact they have on air quality in and out of the workplace.
An estimated 6 million sick days are taken each year in the UK as a result of air pollution. As the understanding of air quality and impacts of pollution continues to grow, it is so important that businesses are considering their workplace environment.
According to the Global Action Plan, ‘commuting and business travel together are responsible for almost half of all miles travelled per person in England. Almost 30% of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) comes from industrial activity, with an additional 12% originating from road transport from both industry and for personal journeys’.
Clean Air Day raises the profile of initiatives including:
1. Business for Clean Air
2. Clean Air workplaces
Business for Clean Air (B4CA)
Backed by property-related companies including Canary Wharf Group, Landsec and TP Bennett, Business for Clean Air was co-developed in 2019, by Global Action Plan, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and members of the Business Clean Air Taskforce (BCAT).
It offers businesses practical guidance on how to tackle their direct and indirect contribution to air pollution.
Clean Air workplaces
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) calculates that 3-million workdays lost to illness could be regained if air pollution levels are reduced to WHO recommended levels.
Understanding workplace air is the first step to improving and reducing potential pollution.
How we can help you
Wanting to understand air quality in your workplace? Learn more about our indoor air quality assessments below.