EarthSense, the air quality expert, is collaborating with leading construction and development group, Skanska, on a large-scale rail project in central London.
Skanska is using EarthSense’s flagship air quality sensor, the Zephyr®, to understand how air quality is affected by train emissions and construction works, and to outline how those inside the station experience changing pollution levels.
Since concerns were raised about air pollution and its everyday impact on workers and visitors, the company has been using the EarthSense air quality sensors to record pollutant levels. The project, now in its third year, uses 24 Zephyr® sensors to monitor levels of harmful gases and particulates in central London.
The sensors provide real time measurements using an active sampling mechanism, which takes samples of ambient air every 10 seconds. Data from the sensors enables project and site managers to assess the changing levels of air quality from nearby diesel trains and construction works. Measured data helps ensure pollution remains at safe levels to guarantee those within the station are protected from the adverse impacts of poor air quality.
Matt Storey, Team Manager of STL Green, Skanska, commented: “Live air quality data has been very effective in helping us to visualise air quality. We see a big opportunity with the air quality problem being a significant national challenge and we’re keen to understand how our infrastructure can support cleaner air. We’re aiming to be the industry-leading example of managing air quality in construction projects.”
Since the launch of the project, Skanska has been able to better understand air quality within the station and has taken steps to ensure pollution levels stay safe.
EarthSense Managing Director, Tom Hall commented: “We’re delighted to be able to use our technologies to help Skanska understand air quality and reduce the overall impact of its work at the rail station. The data our sensors provide enable Skanska to identify changing pollution levels and ways to deliver the project which minimise air pollution, subsequently improving occupational health for those working on the rail project.
“Construction and infrastructure advancements contribute to poor air quality, so it’s vital that, as newer, more sustainable developments are introduced by companies such as Skanska, we monitor and evaluate the impact of their projects for the betterment of health.”