A new development can often be one of the most controversial issues that a community can face. With a need to build 300,000 new homes per year plenty of communities will feel the effects of new housing developments. One of the most obvious impacts is on the increase in traffic on the local road network, both during the time which this housing is being built and afterwards.

A big challenge is to ensure that these new homes minimise their environmental impact from the outset. The Committee on Climate Change recently published a report that states that all new build homes should all but eliminate their carbon emissions as a matter of design, as well as encouraging active travel where feasible.

But the act of building something also has a significant air quality impact. We know from our work that local authorities are concerned about emissions and noise from construction traffic and deliveries that serve major construction sites. PM10 and ultra-fine PM2.5 are two often discussed pollutants caused by construction and demolition activity. We know that these pollutants are linked to respiratory issues and problems with heart and lung function. Given the nature of work on developments, those living or working close-by are more likely to be negatively affected when a site not accurately monitored and are not taking appropriate action.

Of course, our solution focuses on air and noise pollution, and this is what councils such as Croydon have been using to ensure that the local community is not negatively impacted by the new developments in the borough. Our mission is the provide the tools that can evidence air quality impact and drive clean investment.