Air Quality Solutions

Baseline Air Quality Assessments, also known as Air Quality Screening Assessments, are suitable for smaller developments that are likely to have minimal impact on the surrounding air quality. It doesn't use a dispersion model but instead looks at surrounding monitoring stations and background pollutant concentrations to assess whether a more extensive assessment is required.

Standard Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Assessments are suitable for most developments. They include a dispersion model used to predict emission concentrations on the proposed development. If emission concentrations surpass legislation limits, Emission Mitigation may be required, and you might need to carry out an Air Quality Impact Assessment.

Air Quality Impact (Sensitive Receptor) Assessments are suitable for larger developments and for developments that don't pass the Standard Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Assessment requirements. They assess the impact the proposed development will have on surrounding sensitive receptors. It also contains a dispersion model and can be accompanied with Emission Mitigation.

Emission Mitigation outlines measures and strategies specific to a development that will be implemented to mitigate emissions. Damage cost calculations accompany emission mitigation statements to indicate the level of mitigation required to offset emissions generated by a development.

Dust emissions are generated by various sources and pose a potential health hazard to individuals exposed to them. Additionally, dust may accumulate on nearby surfaces, resulting in unsightly fouling. To address these concerns, Construction Dust Phase Assessments have been introduced to identify and manage the impact of these emissions on their surroundings. These proactive measures serve to minimise potential harm to public health and protect the aesthetic integrity of surrounding areas.

The Air Quality Neutral Assessment was introduced by the London Plan and aims to reduce emissions by requiring that development proposals must be Air Quality Neutral. Developments are assessed in relation to two benchmarks: Building Emission Benchmark (BEB) and Transport Emission Benchmark (TEB). When NOx and PM10 emissions from a proposed development fall below these benchmarks, it is considered air quality neutral.

An Air Quality Dust Management Plan (AQDMP) is essential for managing dust and air pollutant emissions during construction, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations like The Environmental Protection Act 1990. It assesses emissions from all construction phases, evaluates area sensitivity, and establishes risk profiles to propose control measures aligned with IAQM guidelines. An AQDMP supports sustainable construction, protects public health and ecosystems, and is often required to discharge planning conditions set by local authorities.