Keeping track of air quality in Elmbridge

Air quality and a healthy environment for residents are important to us and measures to improve local air quality are part of the Council Vision 2030.

Air quality is defined by the level of pollution in the air we breathe. ‘Good’ air quality indicates low levels of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and the small particulates PM10 and 2.5. 

‘Poor’ air quality indicates the presence of these pollutants at a higher level where they are known to damage our health, particularly for the young, elderly and those living with heart and lung conditions. 

How we monitor local air quality

In Elmbridge, the monitoring of air quality involves a network of over 40 diffusion tubes measuring nitrogen dioxide plus three real time monitoring stations, two measuring nitrogen dioxide and the third small particulates. We have an Air Quality Action Plan 2021-2026 in place and each year, we report on our actions to improve local air quality to DEFRA, as well as reporting our monitoring data, via the Annual Status Report (ASR). Both reports are published on our website.

How you can help improve local air quality

Watch our animation about practical steps you could take to improve local air quality

As we are getting nearer to the autumn/winter season, we are encouraging residents to make small lifestyle changes to help improve local air quality and help reduce small particulate levels which are known to be particularly damaging to our health. There are simple practical steps they can take:

• compost, recycle, or take domestic or garden waste to a recycling centre. Consider joining our garden waste collection service. Avoid burning and releasing small particulates known to impact your health into the air.
• switch from an open fire to a wood burning stove. Switch older wood-burning stoves to a new Eco Design or Clear Sky’s certified model for improved efficiency and reduced small particulate emissions.
• consider reducing the number of times you use your fire for heating your home
• choose active travel like walking, cycling or wheeling for small journeys and use public transport for longer trips.

Councillor Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health, said, "We are working with residents, community organisations and businesses to improve local air quality. We want to make Elmbridge a healthy place to live, visit and work for all. We are asking everyone to make small changes to their routines which collectively can make a significant difference to us all and our community". 

Find out more about information about our local air quality measurements and actions. 

Read about how we are working towards a more sustainable Elmbridge.