West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme

Lead Research Organisation: University of Birmingham
Department Name: Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences

Abstract

"Poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to Public Health in the UK" [DEFRA, 2017]. Air pollution in the West Midlands affects some 2.8 million people, reducing average life expectancy by up to 6 months, and is responsible for economic costs estimated at £860m per year. Air quality is therefore a key priority for local and regional government, and increasingly the general public, with further emphasis arising from the "Diesel-gate" emissions scandal, and ongoing High Court challenges to the Government's Air Quality strategy.

Historically, local air quality policy has been the responsibility of the individual Local Authorities. However, air pollution does not respect political boundaries, and the 2016 formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority will lead to an integrated approach to air pollution, under the Second Devolution Deal for the West Midlands (2017). In parallel, the NHS Sustainability Transformation Trust is bringing an integrated approach to health and social care provision - with air quality a core priority. This gives rise to a unique and timely opportunity to translate environmental science research expertise into regional policy and interventions to reduce air pollution.

The University of Birmingham group has critical mass, international research expertise and NERC track record in air pollution, and its health and economic impacts. We have a history of links with regional partners, ranging from commissioned work and joint research projects to informal collaborations. Accordingly, we have developed the West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme (WMAQIP), through a co-design process alongside regional stakeholders including the WMCA / Mayor of the West Midlands, Local Authorities, private companies, industry sector bodies and third sector organisations, to deliver:

-Situational awareness (understanding of air pollution levels and sources), e.g. applied to refinement of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone and design of future interventions in Coventry, avoiding over £5m annual costs plus benefits to visitors / commuters working in the cities.

-Predictive Capability to evaluate AQ policy options, in comparison with business as usual predictions, for pollution levels, health and economic impacts - identifying interventions to achieve Birmingham City Council's goal of halving AQ-related mortality by 2030 (750 deaths/yr and £170m annual costs avoided); avoiding additional healthcare costs of £600m required under business-as-usual scenarios, and informing allocation of recurrent and one-off intra-city transport investment of £250m.

-Application of the resulting capability to specific policy scenarios - including infrastructure design around the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games to deliver improved air quality, understanding the air quality consequences of future vehicle fleet evolution to electric vehicles, and optimising air quality co-benefits from green infrastructure for HS2 development.

WMAQIP directly addresses the UK Industrial Strategy grand challenge of Clean Growth, which commits the Government to "create a future where our cities benefit from cleaner air", and the Infrastructure foundation of productivity, which identifies a determination to "tackle air pollution and support affected areas, given the significant negative impact it has on public health, the economy and the environment."

WMAQIP combines NERC research expertise with direct inputs from a range of partner organisations. The programme will deliver policy impact from application of environmental science applied to specific policy priorities through a cohort of Impact Fellows, physically embedded within stakeholder organisations to provide knowledge transfer and training, and hence lasting impact. Programme legacy will be maximised by formalising capabilities as tools which may be applied elsewhere, and actions to promote their dissemination.

Planned Impact

Air Pollution is an increasing concern for the general public, a focus of media attention, and is rising to the top of the policy agenda for local and regional authorities, private sector organisations involved in air quality activity, and companies committed to understanding, and mitigating, the environmental impacts of their business, and the regulatory framework they operate within.

There is a demonstrated regional and national interest in the application of the best available science to understand air pollution pressures, and deliver the best policy measures and interventions both to ameliorate pollution; there is also a strong imperative to understand the likely future air quality picture, with and without interventions.

WMAQIPs three interlinked themes will address these needs to deliver transformative regional impact, through costs avoided (fiscal, health and social care); achieving legal compliance with limit values (i.e. statutory obligations); improvements to practice and to policy formulation on near-term and strategic timescales, increased regional attractiveness encouraging inward investment, new business opportunities, and most significantly through improved environmental air quality, and hence population health and wellbeing.

In supporting the WMCA and Local Authorities in achieving their strategic goals of halving air pollution related mortality by 2030, WMAQIP will reduce deaths by 750/yr and release £170m in annual attendant cost. In ensuring clean air zones meet statutory obligations, direct benefits of over £5m annually will accrue just from Birmingham and Coventry - considering only the resident population, i.e. discounting visitors / workers commuting into the area. In enabling the horizon scanning prediction of air quality consequences of policy options, and their comparison with business as usual approaches, alongside explicit consideration of air quality alongside conventional economic indicators, WMQAIP will influence the annual TfWM capital expenditure of £69m, and spend of the £250m Industrial Strategy Transforming Cities fund. In enabling the effective use of green infrastructure to deliver air quality benefit (rather than penalty), WMAQIP will promote city amenity, quality of life and wellbeing - and deliver regional natural capital gain, with scope for national rollout, through HS2. Air quality imposes a 1.4% burden on regional economic output (GVA), equivalent to 19000 jobs; ultimately WMAQIP will contribute to unlocking this pollution penalty on the region's growth.

Without action, present day West Midlands pollution levels and forecast regional population growth would require an additional 430 hospital beds by 2023 - equating to almost a £600m hospital. There is a critical need for concerted action to improve air quality; clear gaps in capability which NERC-derived environmental science can fulfil, and regional political timing uniquely suited to the opportunity.

Organisations

 
Title Sounding Out Pollution: Can you hear what's in the air? 
Description This novel collaboration will link atmospheric scientists and a sound-artist to develop and evaluate the use of innovate sonic techniques to produce audio models which will enable people to 'hear' examples of differing air quality data, from different locations / times, thus stimulating curiosity and improving understanding - both of how to manage their own exposure to poor air quality, and to reduce emissions. The project will culminate in a presentation of the best models, to be experienced online and in person at a public exhibition, which in turn will enable feedback, evaluation and refinement. The physical installation will be integrated within a public exhibition, "The Air We Breathe", in March 2022 at 'The Exchange', a new Birmingham city centre venue for public engagement. 
Type Of Art Composition/Score 
Year Produced 2022 
Impact TBD - feedback will be analysed after March 2022. 
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/sound/
 
Title The Air We Breath 
Type Of Art Film/Video/Animation 
Year Produced 2023 
URL http://edata.bham.ac.uk/921/
 
Title The Air We Breathe 
Description Bringing together cutting edge research from WM-Air and academics across the University of Birmingham, The Air We Breathe is a public programme of exhibition, activities and events exploring the relationships between people, the environment and air quality. 
Type Of Art Artistic/Creative Exhibition 
Year Produced 2021 
Impact The Exhibition has been open since October 2021 and runs until July 2022. To-date over 1,500 have visited the exhibition. An add-on exhibit 'Sounding out pollution' will be added in March 2022. Feedback will be analysed in due course in order to understand impact. 
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/the-air-we-breathe.aspx
 
Description WM-Air ("Clean Air Science for the West Midlands" ) is an (ongoing, 2019 - 2024) six-year project to apply environmental science research expertise to improve air quality in the West Midlands, delivering health, economic and environmental benefits. The project comprises three broad themes, which aim to improve understanding of the region's air pollution challenges, to provide new capability to support clean air measures and policy focussed upon the region, and to support the application of these to specific policy scenarios, questions and challenges.

1) Situational Awareness (understanding of air pollution levels and sources). WM-Air provides new measurements of the levels of air pollutants (augmenting existing monitoring and addressing gaps in knowledge), and quantify pollution sources by sector, including measurement of real-world on-road vehicle emissions.

2) Predictive Capability to develop and evaluate air quality policy options and support development in achieving cleaner air. WM-Air provides new capacity to predict (model) future air quality levels, in comparison with business as usual predictions, and how these may respond to potential policy options. The project evaluates the air-quality-driven health and economic benefits and impacts of such predictions, on a local level within the region. The project also provides guidance over the use of green infrastructure (urban vegetation) to improve air quality, to maximise the benefits achievable.

3) Application of the resulting capability to specific policy scenarios and case studies, for example around major interventions such as Clean Air Zones, infrastructure developments (e.g., Commonwealth Games) and other developments on scales from regional to local. WM-Air resourced a cohort of Impact Fellows, staff with the expertise to apply the new insight and capacity, physically embedded within partner organisations to ensure the relevance and applicability of their support.

The WM-Air project is now in its sixth (and final) year and continues to progress well, building on existing partnerships and continuing to develop new stakeholders relationships in order to increase our portfolio of impact case studies (See 'Narrative Impact' for details of key case studies, including the launch of a regional Air Quality Framework with the WMCA, leading to £1m DEFRA cash funding award; development of BCC's CRVA, leading to Birmingham being graded as an A-list city for Climate Action; measurement of real-world vehicle emissions; officer education and community support; methods to evaluate the clean air economic and productivity premium in support of business case development, and public and grassroots engagement ranging from art installations and Glastonbury presence, to support for the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham Country FA and Warwickshire County Cricket Club air quality considerations).

Summary Table of Impact Metrics to end of Feb '23:
Live/completed impact projects/case studies: 49
Model scenarios: 83
Total Stakeholders and Partners engaged: 83
'Active' project partnerships: 17
Briefing Notes/Reports: 45
Events + engagements (webinars, conferences, workshops etc): 129
Consultation contributions, policy docs and white papers: 46
Publications: 65
Twitter stats - followers / posts: 416 /1033
Website stats - visitors (*only since April 2021 when analytics set up): 4k (14k page views)
WM-Air Newsletters 11
Blogs + Media 39
Matched Funding (*not including in-kind) £21.4
Leveraged Funding £17.5m
Affiliated Funding £8.8m
Exploitation Route WM-Air will help to support existing policy actions in the air quality area, and build the region's air quality expertise base. The project addresses the UK Industrial Strategy Grand Challenge of Clean Growth, which commits to creating a future where our cities benefit from cleaner air, and the Infrastructure Foundation of Productivity, which identifies the significant negative impact air pollution has on public health, the economy and the environment; however the key beneficiaries of WM-Air will be the population of the region, through contributions to reductions in air pollution related illness, and associated increases in life expectancy and quality of life.

See also next section re Impact

Legacy Support is focussing on further funding - key examples being funding secured for Wellcome Trust Climate and Net Zero project, ca. £2m, which will build directly on WM-Air legacy (identical regional footprint); EU funding for Climate Risk work; DEFRA Air Quality support via WMCA, ca. £900k, to resource sensor network, public dissemination and behaviour change work, and direct funding for WM-Air technical support. We have also secured £6.2m EPSRC-funded CLEETS to continue and expand the modelling work of WW-Air into new regions both in the UK and overseas. Also, bringing to maturity West Midlands Clean Air Community of Practice (CoP) through technical and networking events, and wider outcome dissemination through the UKRI Clean Air SPF.
Sectors Communities and Social Services/Policy

Environment

Healthcare

Government

Democracy and Justice

Transport

URL https://wm-air.org.uk/
 
Description The WM-Air project was co-designed to deliver impact - in environmental, societal, political and economic terms - from the application of NERC environmental science expertise in support of Clean Air for the West Midlands. The project is now in the final year of its funded duration and is firmly in the "impact" evaluation phase, in order to evaluate the success of WM-Air. New tools and capabilities (i.e. air quality monitoring, modelling) have been applied to numerous real-world case study partnerships with local authorities (e.g. BCC, CCC, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull), regional bodies (e.g. TfWM, WMCA, Black Country Consortium), infrastructure providers (e.g. HS2) and others, including the NHS, individual SMEs and the Organising Committee of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Key impact projects include: - Supporting the development of a new WMCA-wide Air Quality Framework, now formally adopted by WMCA board to enable future air quality policy actions across all Local Authorities (2.8m inhabitants), and leading to a £1m DEFRA grant, £500k from DLUHC, with an additional £370k committed by the WMCA. - Working with Birmingham City Council to evaluate the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, understand the impact of Covid-19 Lockdowns on NO2 levels in Birmingham, supporting their schools air quality education and engagement project and providing input into the new BCC Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment tool. - Working with Commonwealth Games Organisation Committee to make air quality a key environmental focus of the Games, provide daily reporting and interpretation of AQ data for health-related decision making during B2022 (i.e. for re-scheduling endurance events), and assessing the overall impact of the Games on background air quality. - A mixed-methods case study in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust with recommendations approved at UHB Board level and WM-Air are now working to assess the impact of the interventions implemented. WM-Air have also produced a guide to monitoring air quality at NHS sites, with Sandwell and West Birmingham testing out resources. - Developing a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) for BCC, leading to Birmingham being graded its first A-list city status by the Carbon Disclosure Project. This work has now been extended to the whole of the West Midlands region via an additional UKRI-grant. - Undertaking air quality and emissions analyses for Birmingham Country Football Association (BCFA) as part of their 'Save Today, Play Tomorrow' initiative. Following a number of sustainability awards, this work has now been expanded to cover national grounds. - Applying WM-Air air quality models to a number of partnership projects across the region, including quantifying the air quality co-benefit from growth of the Electric Vehicle (EV) fleet under different scenarios and wider decarbonization hubs; exploring the impacts of WM cycle and Voi e-scooter hire on air quality emissions avoided; investigating the impact of railway emissions with RSSB; modelling AQ across the region for local and regional status reports; input to TfWM's rapid transit route prioritisation work. - Working with stakeholders such as local authorities and the Clean Air Justice Network to apply the Air Quality Lifecourse Assessment Tool (AQ-LAT) to estimate health and economic benefits arising from policy interventions (such as CAZ) and other potential scenarios. - Developing GI advice and guidance for local authorities, planners and practitioners including an AQ Design Charter, Trees and AQ briefing note, low-cost sensor guidance, and CPD events. -Contribution to national policy development, including Environment Act Clean Air Targets in England, equivalent target development in Wales, the 2022 Chief Medical Officer's report, and POST note on Outdoor Urban Air Quality. Legacy Support is focussing on further funding - key examples being funding secured for Wellcome Trust Climate and Net Zero project, ca. £2m, which will build directly on WM-Air legacy (identical regional footprint); EU funding for Climate Risk work; DEFRA Air Quality support via WMCA, ca. £900k, to resource sensor network, public dissemination and behaviour change work, and direct funding for WM-Air technical support. We have also secured £6.2m EPSRC-funded CLEETS to continue and expand the modelling work of WW-Air into new regions both in the UK and overseas. Also, bringing to maturity West Midlands Clean Air Community of Practice (CoP) through technical and networking events, and wider outcome dissemination through the UKRI Clean Air SPF. Summary Table of Impact Metrics to end of Feb '23: Live/completed impact projects/case studies: 49 Model scenarios: 83 Total Stakeholders and Partners engaged: 83 'Active' project partnerships: 17 Briefing Notes/Reports: 45 Events + engagements (webinars, conferences, workshops etc): 129 Consultation contributions, policy docs and white papers: 46 Publications: 65 Twitter stats - followers / posts: 416 /1033 Website stats - visitors (*only since April 2021 when analytics set up): 4k (14k page views) WM-Air Newsletters 11 Blogs + Media 39 Matched Funding (*not including in-kind) £21.4 Leveraged Funding £17.5m Affiliated Funding £8.8m
First Year Of Impact 2017
Sector Communities and Social Services/Policy,Environment,Healthcare,Government, Democracy and Justice,Transport
Impact Types Societal

Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description Air Quality in the West Midlands Covid-19 WM-Air Interim Briefing Note
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
 
Description BCC - Our Future City 2023
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description BCC AQ Action Plan
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description BCC Report: 'Air Quality and the impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown in 2020: An analysis of changes in nitrogen dioxide for Birmingham'
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
 
Description BCC traffic management plan consultation
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description BCC transport white paper
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Birmingham City Council Clean Air Strategy consultation response, April 2019
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20076/pollution/1280/what_else_is_birmingham_doing_about_air_poll...
 
Description Birmingham City Council: Air Quality and Impacts on NO2 Compliance in Birmingham, 2020
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
 
Description Birmingham Healthy City Planning Toolkit Consultation
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Birmingham Urban Forestry Master Plan
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description Birmingham and Solihull STP task-group meetings and input to support application of the Health Outcomes of Travel Tool across seven NHS Trust sites in the region. The outputs were summarised in a paper for the STP Board and are being used to support a range of initiatives to reduce staff, patient and visitor mileage.
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Chief Medical Officers Report 2022: Air Pollution
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124...
 
Description DEFRA Call for evidence on future PM2.5 concentrations
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description DEFRA Environment Act Consultation
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description DEFRA consultation on Draft Policy Statement on Environmental Principles
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Development of briefing note 'Air quality monitoring in healthcare settings'
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Changes to operational aspects, site layout, transport and logistics at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Plans made for further air quality monitoring campaign to assess impacts of these changes.
 
Description Draft Black Country Plan 2039 (Regulation 18) Consultation
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Draft Defra AQ Strategy
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Updates to AQ Strategy
 
Description Embedding climate risk in city level planning and design
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or improved professional practice
Impact Locally, this programme of work embedded climate resilience in city decision-making, for the first time, and for the long term. Climate Resilience is now on the Corporate Risk Register, and the CRVA provides the means to measure current and future climate risk and vulnerability across the city. It is owned and maintained by BCC, and our co-developers from planning, GIS, climate, and urban forestry teams use the CRVA to support decisions. Link: https://maps.birmingham.gov.uk/webapps/CRVA/. For example, the CRVA was used to evaluate plans on active (and sensitive) development sites in the city to understand how these changed the climate resilience, and supports tree planting decisions. A regional collaboration with West Midlands Combined Authority is delivering two regional CRVA maps (built environment/transport) with citizen engagement. Following a presentation to the TfWM Scrutiny Committee (Ferranti - Jan 2024) climate resilience is in the next regional WM Transport Plan. Link: https://governance.wmca.org.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=10499 Internationally, in November 2023, Birmingham was graded an A-list city by the international not-for-profit charity, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Cities receive an A-rating if they can demonstrate transparency and bold climate action, and the list is a means to celebrate the achievements, vision, and commitment of these cities in the fight against climate change. The city had previously reported to CDP, but only received a grading of B. The difference in 2023 was the CRVA map developed by this team. The A grade establishes Birmingham as an international leader on climate action. Link: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/uob-research-turns-birmingham-into-an-a-list-city-for-climate-action
URL https://doi.org/10.25500/epapers.bham.00004259
 
Description Expert advisory input to the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Sustainability Strategy - Greener communities, Healthier lives.
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Expert public health and air quality science input to the Association of Directors of Public Health West Midlands regional Air Quality Policy Position Statement (to support national ADPH Policy Position on Outdoor Air Quality). Statement to be launched at West Midlands Public Health Excellence Conference Air Quality Workshop (28 November 2019)
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description Government consultation on a national Cyber-Physical Infrastructure
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Greater London Authority Guide - Using green infrastructure to protect people from air pollution. Produced in consultation with the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (University of Birmingham), the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (University of Surrey) and Transport for London.
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
URL https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/environment-publications/using-green-infrastructure...
 
Description Health Education Masterclass - Inclusive Growth and the 'Doughnut Model' for Economic Recovery
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description House of Commons' Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee Inquiry on Air Quality
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Insights into air pollution levels in the West Midlands from Covid
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/research/Public-Affairs/2019-20/UoB-Briefing-May2020-WM-Air-Q...
 
Description London Climate Resilience Review
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/climate-change/climat...
 
Description Major conditions strategy 2023
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description NICE stakeholder consultation and guideline [NG149] Indoor Air Quality at Home
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng149
 
Description National Highways as a potential AQ partner
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description New EAC inquiry - outdoor and indoor air quality targets
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://committees.parliament.uk/work/7686/outdoor-and-indoor-air-quality-targets/publications/
 
Description Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) Strategy and Enforcement Policy Consultation
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Options paper prepared for WMCA board led to the decision to develop a regional air quality framework
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
URL https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/s6510/Appendix.pdf
 
Description PAS 4023 Air Quality Monitors 2023
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description POSTnote on Urban Outdoor Air Quality
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0691/
 
Description Provision of public health and technical air quality advice to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for the Sustainable Development Management Plan (STMP), outlining plans to improve prevention and the wider determinants of health in the communities they serve. STMP adopted by UHB Board in autumn 2019.
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Membership of a guideline committee
 
Description Revision of LAQM
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Rob MacKenzie provided a scoping document advising on Green Infrastructure around schools for Hackney Borough Council, September 2019.
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
 
Description Rob MacKenzie visited and provided written advice to Guizhou Province on sustainable management of landscapes of cultural and natural significance, June 2019, drawing on concepts developed for University of Birmingham Policy Commission on Future Urban Living.
Geographic Reach Asia 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/impact/policy-commissions/future-urban-living/index.aspx
 
Description Sandwell Smoke Control Area consultation
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Solihull AQ Strategy consultation WM-Air contribution + model output
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Support local transport planning
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact Following a members vote at the meeting, green infrastructure and the principles, Reduce Extend Protect, and the role of green infrastructure in delivering climate resilience will be included within the forthcoming transport plan. Specifically from the WMVA documents produced in preparation for the meeting in January where the vote took place: Key Points for Consideration as part of development of the new LTP5 3.1 There are two main areas for consideration of inclusion into LTP5: i. The "Reduce, Extend, Protect" principle for green infrastructure ii. The role of green infrastructure in supporting climate resilience 3.2 The "Reduce, Extend, Protect" principle is covered in some detail in the presentation, but in essence, is based on firstly reducing the emission of air pollutants from urban transport. The next approach is to extend the pathways of air pollutants emitted by road transport. Longer pathways from the source mix and dilute emissions. The final strand is to protect vulnerable groups such as older adults, children and people with asthma. This can be achieved by measures such as relocating waiting areas for school childrens' collection and drop off. 3.3 With this approach for the design of transport infrastructure and urban design there also needs to be mindfulness of other transport design issues such as available space for bus infrastructure and ensuring good community safety. 3.4 Green infrastructure supports climate resilience through reducing exposure to heat by , for example increasing shade from trees, and helps reduce flooding through measures which retain and slow down the release of rain run-off. 3.5 Consideration of these two aspects in the development of LTP5 will support the LTP5's five overall aims of sustaining economic success, tackling the climate emergency, creating a fairer society, supporting local communities and places and becoming more active.
URL https://governance.wmca.org.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=240&MId=877&Ver=4
 
Description Urban Green Spaces - EFRA Inquiry
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description WMCA Natural Capital Plan
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description WMCA climate action / zero carbon green paper
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description West Midlands Air Quality Framework
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
Impact New West Midlands-wide Air Quality Framework was approved and launched in November 2023. The culmination of the WM-Air input to the initial air quality options paper was transformational to the course of regional policy and strategy on air quality. The overall outcome will be to improve the health of 2.9m residents (given that there are no safe limits for PM2.5). WMCA also aim to reduce the estimated 2,300 early deaths each year attributed to air pollution across the West Midlands, with models estimating ~10,000 deaths could be avoided over a 20 year period if 2021 WHO Guidelines for air quality are achieved across the region. Additional funding and impacts include: • Based on the data provided through WM-Air, the WMCA submitted a proposal to Defra for an air quality grant, securing £918k. This work will enable the deployment of low-cost sensors across the region, as well as a substantial behaviour change programme tackling PM2.5. • The Defra funding has also been boosted by additional money coming from DLUHC (£500k) to expand the low-cost sensor network further. • An additional £370k has been committed, by the WMCA, following the approval of the final Air Quality Framework and Implementation Plan at the November 2023 WMCA Board. • The awareness amongst political leads across the region, on the importance of tackling poor air quality, has been significantly increased and an 'air quality literacy' training programme has been developed (with the support of the WM-Air Team) to develop air quality knowledge for politicians and officers. We are securing CPD accreditation for this course currently. • The WM-Air Team supported the WMCA's work with the Greener Together Citizens' Panel discussion on air quality, which resulted in the production of a set of 'guiding principles' for policymakers when developing air quality projects. • As a result of the work and funding, three roles were created from Sept 2021 up until now: Joe Acton (WM-Air Impact Fellow) joined the Environment Team on a 5 month secondment; Alex Jones (Air Quality Consultant at WSP) joined the WMCA Environment Team on a 1 year secondment; and, Elle Winning is the current Air Quality Project Lead in the WMCA Environment Team leading the delivery of the Defra and DLUHC-funded projects.
URL https://www.wmca.org.uk/documents/environment-energy/air-quality/west-midlands-combined-authority-ai...
 
Description West Midlands Three Year Air Quality Action Plan
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description Wychavon Draft Design Codes
Geographic Reach Local/Municipal/Regional 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
 
Description 'Multi-model Air Quality System for Health (MAQS-Health)' - Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF), Clean Air Programme CA19-1, BEIS / Met Office
Amount £700,000 (GBP)
Funding ID DN424739 
Organisation Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2020 
End 03/2022
 
Description A Health-centred Systems Approach towards Net-Zero: Transforming regional climate mitigation policies (Heal-NZ)
Amount £1,993,812 (GBP)
Funding ID 227150/Z/23/Z 
Organisation Wellcome Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2023 
End 09/2026
 
Description Actively anticipating the unintended consequences on air quality of future public policies (ANTICIPATE)
Amount £429,209 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/T001852/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2019 
End 02/2023
 
Description Additional Funding - Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes, Strategic Theme: West Midlands Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (WMCRVA): Improving regional climate resilience.
Amount £207,000 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/S003487/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2023 
End 06/2024
 
Description Air Quality Grant Scheme - Particulate Matter monitoring and engagement programme to increase awareness and encourage behaviour change towards domestic burning across the region
Amount £918,531 (GBP)
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
 
Description Air Quality Stretched Targets
Amount £24,673 (GBP)
Organisation West Midlands Combined Authority 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2024 
 
Description An in-depth analysis of the efficacy of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) on air quality (Research England QR funding)
Amount £25,471 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description Assessing environmental impacts of COVID-19 emergency public health measures in Oxford City.
Amount £207,249 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/V010360/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2020 
End 12/2021
 
Description Assessing the impact of zero and low emissions control interventions upon air quality in Oxford City; baseline data collection and feasibility study
Amount £49,944 (GBP)
Funding ID NIHR130095 
Organisation National Institute for Health Research 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2019 
End 04/2020
 
Description Defra Local AQ Grant Scheme: WMCA PM monitoring and behavioural change project
Amount £917,000 (GBP)
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 03/2025
 
Description Developing a UK Community Emission Modelling System (DUKEMS) - UKMO / UKRI Clean Air Analysis & Solution SPF
Amount £1,231,650 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Strategic Priorities Fund
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description EPSRC IAA: Integrating Air Quality measurements into the Birmingham Urban Observatory.
Amount £30,000 (GBP)
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2020 
End 09/2021
 
Description Evaluating the effectiveness of London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): evidence from Machine learning and Econometrics (PSF-22)
Amount £30,763 (GBP)
Funding ID PSF-22 
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description HORIZON-CL5-2023-D1-01
Amount € 12,000,000 (EUR)
Funding ID 101137851 
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 02/2024 
End 01/2028
 
Description IGI Clean Air - East Birmingham Net-Zero Neighbourhoods (EB-NZN) Strategic Research Partnership
Amount £8,143 (GBP)
Organisation University of Birmingham 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 05/2023
 
Description IGI Clean Air - Proof of Concept fund 2021-22 - Bridge the link between carbon and air pollutant emissions
Amount £5,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Birmingham 
Department College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description Institutional QR Policy Support Fund - Research England - Sustainable Urban Planning To Mitigate Overheating (SUPMO)
Amount £49,557 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description Integrated Research Observation System for Clean Air (OSCA)
Amount £429,752 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/T001976/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2019 
End 04/2023
 
Description Net Zero Innovation Programme (NZIP) - "Community Climate Champions" Leaving No One Behind toolkit in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Amount £10,359 (GBP)
Organisation Local Government Association 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2023 
End 06/2023
 
Description Optimising air quality and health benefits associated with a low-emission transport and mobility revolution in the UK
Amount £508,012 (GBP)
Funding ID NE/V002449/1 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2020 
End 08/2024
 
Description Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Team (PHIRST): University of Hertfordshire
Amount £1,472,231 (GBP)
Funding ID NIHR131573 
Organisation National Institute for Health Research 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2020 
End 08/2023
 
Description QR Funding for Policy Engagement
Amount £50,000 (GBP)
Funding ID Awarded to Jian Zhong 
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2023 
End 12/2023
 
Description Sounding Out Pollution: Can you hear what's in the air?
Amount £6,500 (GBP)
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description The UK-China Collaboration to Optimise Net Zero Policy options for Air Quality and Health
Amount £630,000 (GBP)
Funding ID 2021GRIP02COP-AQ 
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2021 
End 03/2022
 
Description Towards a digital twin for urban transport
Amount £550,000 (GBP)
Organisation Department of Transport 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2021 
End 03/2023
 
Description UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure & Cities: Urban Observatories (Strand B)
Amount £8,000,000 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/P016782/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2017 
End 03/2022
 
Description UK-China Collaboration to Optimise net zero Policy options for Air Quality and health (COP-AQ)
Amount £630,000 (GBP)
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description Understanding synergies and tensions in air quality-climate adaptation needs: A UK-India Proof of Concept
Amount £134,000 (GBP)
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description University of Birmingham - Public Engagement with Research funding for 'Clean Air for All', Dr Suzanne Bartington
Amount £1,316 (GBP)
Organisation University of Birmingham 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2019 
End 12/2019
 
Description WMCA support for AQ Framework
Amount £370,000 (GBP)
Organisation West Midlands Combined Authority 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2023 
 
Title CVRA built environment - open access approach 
Description The CVRA approach combines open access datasets to allow local authorities to determine the vulnerability of their region to climate change. It combines 11 layers (surface temperature, fluvial flood risk, surface water flood risk, IMD, Local Climate Zones, green space, open access green space, tree canopy, PM2.5, NOx, excess years lives lost) using GIS. The approach hsa been developed in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, and the GIS team will maintain the database for the long-term to ensure it is embedded within city planning and design decisions. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Locally, this programme of work embedded climate resilience in city decision-making, for the first time, and for the long term. Climate Resilience is now on the Corporate Risk Register, and the CRVA provides the means to measure current and future climate risk and vulnerability across the city. It is owned and maintained by BCC, and our co-developers from planning, GIS, climate, and urban forestry teams use the CRVA to support decisions. Link: https://maps.birmingham.gov.uk/webapps/CRVA/. For example, the CRVA was used to evaluate plans on active (and sensitive) development sites in the city to understand how these changed the climate resilience, and supports tree planting decisions. A regional collaboration with West Midlands Combined Authority is delivering two regional CRVA maps (built environment/transport) with citizen engagement. Following a presentation to the TfWM Scrutiny Committee (Ferranti - Jan 2024) climate resilience is in the next regional WM Transport Plan. Link: https://governance.wmca.org.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=10499 Internationally, in November 2023, Birmingham was graded an A-list city by the international not-for-profit charity, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Cities receive an A-rating if they can demonstrate transparency and bold climate action, and the list is a means to celebrate the achievements, vision, and commitment of these cities in the fight against climate change. The city had previously reported to CDP, but only received a grading of B. The difference in 2023 was the CRVA map developed by this team. The A grade establishes Birmingham as an international leader on climate action. Link: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/uob-research-turns-birmingham-into-an-a-list-city-for-climate-action 
URL http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4259/
 
Title CVRA transport 
Description Following on from the CRVA for built environment, we are currently collaborating with West Midlands Combined Authority and other regional stakeholders including Transport for West Midlands to develop a transport-focussed climate risk and vulnerability assessment. The approach will be made available to others later this year once it is finalised. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact the impact will emerge once the map and approach is released later this year. 
 
Title GeoSpatial and Temporal Mapping of Urban Mobility (GeoSTMUM) 
Description WM-Air have developed new method of GeoSpatial and Temporal Mapping of Urban Mobility (GeoSTMUM) which converts vehicle telematics data into several (over 27 parameters) urban mobility characteristics such as the average speed, time of travel, driving behavior, etc. We have also developed new methodology in converting those characteristics into the transport environment measures, including exhaustive emissions and fuel consumption. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The proposed method here attributes geospatial and temporal attributions to the convenient scalar parameters of fuel consumption and emission, whereby they can be considered urban features such as schools, retails, hospitals, etc. The proposed approach is quite interesting for urban/transport planners, environment/emission scientists, etc, hence it can significantly impact urban/transport planning for the years ahead. Ghaffarpasand, Omid and Pope, Francis, Telematics Data for Geospatial and Temporal Mapping of Urban Transport and Mobility: New Insights into Traffic Behaviour and Complexity. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4129692 Pope, Francis and Ghaffarpasand, Omid, Telematics Data for Geospatial and Temporal Mapping of Urban Mobility: Fuel Consumption, and Air Pollutant and Climate-Forcing Emissions. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4363584 
URL http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4129692
 
Title Quantifying the impact of Clean Air Policy Interventions for air quality management 
Description As part of the process of air quality management it is important to understand how effective different policies are to determine whether a policy should be, for example, scrapped, changed, or rolled out across different sectors or regions. However, evaluating clean air policies is a challenge because of the complex physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere and other socioeconomic factors that may also be impacting pollution levels. Working with environmental scientists, data scientists and economists we develop a novel approach to quantifying the impact of clean air policy interventions based on observational data. We use machine learning techniques to strip out the effects of weather, followed by a synthetic control method to account for natural variability or trends in the data. This briefing document outlines a methodological approach that can be used to provide evidence of the success or otherwise of different clean air policies for different geographical areas and time periods. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The briefing document has been disseminated to Birmingham City Council and DEFRA (Joint Air Quality Unit). The method has been applied by our team to assess the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (paper submitted to "Environmental and Resource Economics" for 2nd-round revision), and the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and its extensions. The method has been applied by the strand member (Bowen and co-authors) to assess the impact of Covid lockdown on air quality (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10640-020-00483-4), the impact of China's Clean Winter Heating Plan on air quality (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c06800), the impact of 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games on air quality (paper write up). 
URL http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4040/
 
Title Air Quality Lifecourse Assessment Tool (beta version) 
Description Development and validation of a novel health and economic impact assessment tool (AQ-LAT). The AQ-LAT is a regional decision-making tool for estimating the health and economic benefits of air quality interventions - such as Clean Air Zones or regional policies in the West Midlands. The customisable tool provides users with flexibility for assessment of interventions operating across different geographical areas and time horizons. The model provides an accessible dashboard featuring information on disease cases and mortality prevented alongside cost savings for NHS healthcare (e.g., primary, secondary, emergency care, and prescriptions); days off work; Quality Adjusted Life Years gained and number of lives saved. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The tool is currently undergoing pilot applications and user feedback by Birmingham City Council/West Midlands Combined Authority/Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council/Walsall Council/Clean Air Justice Network. It has been used to calculate health impacts of air pollution for application to a Defra funding award. 
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/project/health/
 
Title Research data supporting "Modelling the dispersion of particle number concentrations in the West Midlands, UK using the ADMS-Urban model" 
Description  
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL http://edata.bham.ac.uk/964/
 
Title Research data supporting the publication "Real-World Contribution of Electrification and Replacement Scenarios to the Fleet Emissions in West Midland Boroughs, UK" 
Description  
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL http://edata.bham.ac.uk/618/
 
Title The WM-Air ADMS air quality model (alpha version) 
Description The core of the tool is a commercial model, ADMS-Urban. The tool is built on ADMS-Urban by incorporating multiple local datasets from West Midlands. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The tool can be used to model air quality for the entire West Midlands. It will be used within the WM-Air project to simulate the consequences and impact of policy scenarios in future in collaboration with stakeholders (ongoing). 
 
Title The WM-Air CMAQ regional air quality model 
Description Development of a regional Air Quality Model. 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Ongoing work to apply the model for exploring AQ intervention scenarios in collaboration with stakeholders. 
 
Description Air quality modelling for explicit railway emissions 
Organisation Rail Safety and Standards Board
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Key objectives: • To model the impact of rail emissions on local air quality by coupling RSSB high resolution rail emissions mapping with UoB's road emissions model • To understand and quantify the process contribution from rail emissions on sensitive receptors within the study area • To understand and quantify the total pollutant concentrations at sensitive receptors within the study area, taking into account emissions from other sources including roads.
Collaborator Contribution To supplement the WM-Air modelling work in the West Midland region, RSSB will support the University of Birmingham (UoB) through the following workstreams: • Provision of emission data for exhaust emissions from rail within the study area; • Provision of support and review on the set up of the dispersion model for the rail element; and • Review of modelling output. RSSB will provide two layers of emissions data from the rail sector in the west midlands region: 1). Emission rates per Inter-TIPLOC segment (in tonnes/km) based on g/km emission factors 2). Emission rates per 100m segment (in tonnes/km) based on g/kWh emission factors
Impact Presentation of modelling work to RSSB
Start Year 2021
 
Description BCC - Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) 
Organisation Birmingham City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The WM-Air team consulted with local authorities, planners and practitioners to develop a Design Charter which explains how good urban design can improve air quality using simple principles ('Reduce, Extend, Protect') that benefit air quality and providing practical guidance and illustrations outlining how to implement them in urban areas. Following on from this work, WM-Air worked with BCC to develop a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) map which was required by BCC in order to be graded as an A-list city status by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The CRVA work brings together three key innovations that support climate action: 1) a decision-centric approach; 2) empowering decision-making stakeholders to "own" the approach for future continuity; and 3) using and prioritising open data with a replicable GIS-based method. An important part of this work was developing an approach that any local authority in England/UK could copy. The datasets we used for mapping are open access (except for air quality which can be replaced with Defra data), and the detailed instructions for other local authorities to copy the approach are freely available for download. In November 2023, Birmingham was graded its first A-list city status by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Having previously submitted to CDP and receiving a B-grade, the difference in Birmingham's 2023 submission was its publication of CRVA map. Birmingham is now one of 119 cities worldwide which received an A-rating for demonstrating transparency and bold climate action. The work is linked to an EPSRC Fellowship awarded to Emma Ferranti.
Collaborator Contribution Request for support from WM-Air to work with BCC GIS team to develop CRVA (methodology developed by WM-Air). BCC submitted to CDP.
Impact Methodology: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4259/ Birmingham CRVA: https://maps.birmingham.gov.uk/webapps/CRVA/ News piece: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/uob-research-turns-birmingham-into-an-a-list-city-for-climate-action
Start Year 2022
 
Description Birmingham City Council 
Organisation Birmingham City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Data sharing for model development. (2) Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs): Using telemetry and the ADMS model to explore the impact of LTNs on local Air Quality. (3) Impact of Covid-lockdowns: Observation data and AQ model used to explore the impact of Covid lockdowns on AQ in Birmingham. (4) Roadside AQ compliance: Using the ADMS model to explore areas outside the CAZ that are still above the 40 ug m-3 threshold for NO2. (5) Advice, guidance and tool-testing: Input into the Birmingham City Strategy & Policy development;Testing a range of GI tools and developing guidance (Neighbourhood Environmental Justice Audit Tool development); Supporting the development of an Urban Forest Master Plan for Birmingham City Council that will help set direction, governance and monitoring of the Urban Forest; Viability of smog barriers; Use of Green Infrastructure to reduce personal exposure at locations predicted to exceed AQ standards (inked to DEFRA JAQU) (6) CAZ evaluation and on-going exploration of exceedances (7) Schools air quality engagement support (educational resources)
Collaborator Contribution (1) Data sharing activities (they have provided many datasets and support needed to set up our model). (2) Data provision and co-design of activities (3) Data provision and co-design of activities (4) Data provision and co-design of activities (5) Requests for input.
Impact (1) Air Quality model (2) Ongoing (3) Briefing paper: https://wm-air.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Impacts-of-Covid-Lockdown-upon-NO2-in-Birmingham_WM-Air_compressed-1.pdf (4) Model output and briefing (ongoing) (5) Written advice (6) Report (7) Educational resources (year 9 lesson plan, primary school AQ introduction, infographics)
Start Year 2019
 
Description Birmingham City Council - Air Quality in Schools 
Organisation Birmingham City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Contribution to developing school pupil air quality educational and engagement materials - including Year 9 lesson plan, air quality animation, information and guidance on sensor deployment.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative development of educational materials.
Impact Outputs are under development
Start Year 2022
 
Description CERC - emissions inventory 
Organisation Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Sub-contract to CERC for consultancy work
Collaborator Contribution Dveloping the emissions inventory for the west midlands 2016 baseline year for ADMS-Urban
Impact Source Apportionment of PM
Start Year 2019
 
Description Commonwealth Games Air Quality 
Organisation Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution • WM-Air supported the development of the Commonwealth Games sustainability strategy ensuring that minimizing the impact of the Games on air quality was a target. • WM-Air monitored air quality at key Games venues (Alexander Stadium, University of Birmingham and Edgbaston Stadium), providing daily air quality updates to the Commonwealth Games Associations, Health and Games Family Services teams throughout the Games period. • WM-Air modelled expected air quality at each of the Games venues based on predicted transport data provided by TfWM. These model outputs were used to provide context to the daily air quality updates. • Advise was provided on air quality emissions by engine type ahead of fleet procurement • WM-Air provided air quality content for the Commonwealth Games carbon literacy toolkit ensuring that air quality was included as part of this legacy activity • WM-Air researchers were present at Alexander Stadium ahead of athletics sessions for three days to engage with the public on air quality at the Games and answer any questions they had on broader air quality issues • Air quality measurements made during the Games period were used to assess the impact of the Games on background air quality in Birmingham showing that the Games did not impact background PM2.5 concentrations in the city and had little impact on NO2
Collaborator Contribution The Organising Committee supported the collaboration by providing model input data, access to venues and power/internet access at Alexander stadium.
Impact • Air quality was considered as part of the Commonwealth Games sustainability strategy • Air quality data was made available to Games Family, Games Associations and Medical Teams through daily reports • Analysis of air quality measurements made before and during the Games showed the Games had no impact on background PM2.5 concentrations in Birmingham and little impact on background NO2 concentrations
Start Year 2020
 
Description Coventry City Council 
Organisation Coventry City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution (1) Sensor measurements: WM-Air is working in partnership with Coventry City Council to site a number of PM sensors around the region for mutual-benefit. St Osburgs agreed to host a sensor as an area of concern/changing traffic management for CCC. Sensors deployed across city. Data being analyzed. (2) AQ Modelling of Traffic Schemes around Foleshill Road (3) AQ modelling of developments (4) Source apportionment of PM for woodburning assessment (5) Briefing note on low-cost sensor guidance with co-authorship from Steve Dewer at CCC.
Collaborator Contribution (1) Discussion regarding locations within Coventry that are mutually beneficial and useful to both parties. (2) Co-design of project and data sharing (3) Co-design of project and data sharing (4) Co-design of project (5) Co-authored low-cost sensor briefing note
Impact Testimonial from Steve Dewer: - Interest has been shown right across the West Midlands and Warwickshire with support voiced by the West Mids Environmental Protection Group (WMEPG), West Mids Combined Authority and the Coventry & Warwickshire Air Quality Alliance. - The data will also prove valuable to colleagues in our Environmental Protection Team carrying out our functions under Local Air Quality Management. The existence of the sensors means that we may be able to use future data in reference to planning applications and addressing issues of development in areas of high PM pollution, planning officers in development management and planning are also supportive of any information we can get from the sensors. - Great interest and support is coming from our partners in Cov & Warks Public Health with regards to identifying the issues around PM and where we may choose to target future air quality interventions , for example in areas with high incidence of heart disease and respiratory illness and linking to NHS admissions. Also closer working with schools for education and awareness raising of pupils and parents on air quality issues. - Our Highways & Transportation colleagues are interested in terms of monitoring areas where highway improvements, infrastructure changes and cycle routes are being undertaken to see what effects on air quality have been achieved (in particular through conversations with the Council's Cycling Engagement Coordinator and the Head of Transportation). - I also used the sensors as an example of collaborative working between Coventry City Council and Birmingham Uni in a recent presentation to the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) for the online event organised by WM-Air , Air Quality and Planning, How better to integrate planning and air quality from an EHO's perspective). - Overall so many colleagues and partners are aware of the growing health threat from PM as we address NO2 and that is why your work is so valuable to us all going forward. Thank you again from us all for all your hard work to you and your colleagues getting things up and running all through difficult times, great job and a pleasure to be working with you. - Briefing note on low-cost sensors produced by WM-Air in conjunction with Steve Dewer at CCC: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4238/
Start Year 2019
 
Description Cundall - application of AQ model data in assessments 
Organisation Cundall
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Provided modelled air quality data for them to trial in air quality assessments.
Collaborator Contribution Utilising the model data in AQ assessments for proposed developments.
Impact Report for Cundall outlining AQ model data, which was used in (currently confidential) proposed developments.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Dudley Metropolitan Council 
Organisation Dudley Metropolitan Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Monitoring advice: Dudley MBC reported seeing high NO2 levels (100+ ug/m3) from diffusion tube data on a stretch of road within their district. Members of the WM-Air team then visited the location with area with a more sensitive chemiluminscence NOx instrument to make some measurements and fed back the data to Dudley MBC. From this the limitations of diffusion tube data were raised and the need to spot check sites from time to time with more sensitive instruments were discussed. (2) ADMS model run and use of telemetry data to explore problematic locations, Halesowen road (Netherton) and Quarry Bank High st, to assist with tube placement, comparisons with monitoring data, and generally to explore exceedances in Dudley. (3) Data check of recorded NO2 emissions for Dudley Metropolitan Council: Dudley MBC (stakeholder of WM-Air) reported seeing high NO2 levels (100+ ug/m3) from diffusion tube data on a stretch of road within their district. Members of the WM-air team then visited the location with area with a more sensitive chemiluminscence NOx instrument to make some measurements and fed back the data to Dudley MBC. From this the limitations of diffusion tube data were raised and the need to spot check sites from time to time with more sensitive instruments were discussed.
Collaborator Contribution (1) Access to local NO2 data. (2) Co-design of impact projects and case studies based around the policy and air quality needs for Dudley.
Impact (1) Data analysis and advice for Dudley (2) Ongoing - provided baseline AQ maps for Dudley for consideration by DMC.
Start Year 2019
 
Description HEAT - EDAR 
Organisation Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution In June and Oct 2022, the University of Birmingham WM-Air project conducted a measurement campaign to monitor real-world emissions from vehicles travelling along two busy roads within the West Midlands (Wolverhampton Road, Sandwell and A4540, Birmingham). The EDAR system is developed and commercialised by HEAT and instantaneously measures the emission rates of the passing vehicles. EDAR measured the real-world emission rates of more than 90,000 valid measurements - TfWM, BCC, National Express key partners.
Collaborator Contribution EDAR was deployed by the HEAT
Impact NA - data currently begin analysed
Start Year 2020
 
Description HS2 
Organisation High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution This is a collaboration initiated by a previous collaboration with Churchman Thornhill Finch (part of my KE Fellowship). Churchman Thornhill Finch were landscape architects for a the pre-works on the new Interchange station site. This led to us working with HS2 to develop practical guidance to design parkway stations with better air quality. The latter part of the work is undertaken on the WM-Air project, but the relationship stemmed from my NERC KE Fellowship.
Collaborator Contribution HS2 have signed an NDA providing us with access to confidential information. They have also given substantial time in kind to develop the project, including facilitating access to their construction site, the necessary training, and several meetings. Fieldwork to measure the effectiveness of green infrastructure was planned in 2020; this did not take place due to CV19.
Impact Fieldwork that was cancelled due to CV19 Draft report for practitioners currently under review. This work was not continued after the covid pandemic due to a change in priorities.
Start Year 2019
 
Description HS2 Interchange GI 
Organisation High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution HS2 Ltd are working with WM-Air to understand the impact if green infrastructure on air quality in and around their proposed Birmingham Interchange station.
Collaborator Contribution HS2 and partners provide access to the construction site to enable baseline measurements.
Impact No outcomes to date.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Presentation at MAQS-Health Launch Workshop 
Organisation Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Presentation of Air Quality Lifecourse Assessment Tool (AQ-LAT) at the MAQS- Health workshop, involving a group of academic researchers. This partnership has led to refinement of the model and a discussion around future applications, including beta-testing and extending to a broader set of regions.
Collaborator Contribution Provision of air quality modelled data as input to health impact assessment tool
Impact AQ-LAT modelling tool for health and economic impact assessment.
Start Year 2019
 
Description SIEMENS 
Organisation Siemens AG
Department Siemens plc
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Exploring how low cost sensors can be included in an offering to Coventry City Council.
Collaborator Contribution Testing of sensors and exploring of future utility
Impact n/a
Start Year 2020
 
Description Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council 
Organisation Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) AQ model work and PM source apportionment: Baseline AQ maps near Midland Metropolitan Hospital, Kendrick House and Bearwood Road sites in Sandwell, and source footprint for NO2 and PM2.5. (2) Estimating the health impact of air quality among residents living in Sandwell. (3) Partnered with Sandwell as part of the LGA-funded Net Zero Innovation Programme 'Community Climate Champions' (2021-2022)
Collaborator Contribution (1) Co-design of project (2) Co-design of project and data provision (3) Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of data
Impact (1) Baseline maps and briefing (ongoing) (2) Masters dissertation (3) Toolkit for Community Climate Champions
Start Year 2019
 
Description Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust 
Organisation Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Department Rheumatology Sandwell and West Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Provision of information and resources regarding air quality management at acute NHS Trust sites, including low-cost sensors briefing note, 'What is PM2.5 briefing', access to the AQ-LAT tool, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust briefing notes, published manuscript https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/18/11128. Undertaking of mapping for hospital sites against modelled air pollutant (NO2/PM2.5 concentrations). Hospital monitoring guidance to follow.
Collaborator Contribution Head of Sustainability at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust approached WM-Air for support with developing an evidence based approach to air quality management at Trust locations.
Impact Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust are developing an air quality action plan.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 
Organisation Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Advice on AQ around local school (2) AQ Modelling: Run model for NO2, PM2.5, PM10 to identify hotspots to determine areas of concern. Solihull to use these to explore strategies to address AQ in those areas; (3) Potential PM sensor deployment (Solihull currently have no PM monitors)
Collaborator Contribution (1) Request for support/advice (2) Co-design of project and data provision (3) Request for support
Impact (1) Advice provided (2) Ongoing (3) Ongoing
Start Year 2019
 
Description TRANSITION Clean Air Network funding award NERC [ 
Organisation University of Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution ANTICIPATE investigators (Gilbert, Moller, Hamilton) are Co-Investigators for the Clean Air Programme Strategic Priorities Fund Wave 2 Clean Air Network 'Optimising air quality and health benefits associated with a low-emission transport and mobility revolution in the UK' led by Dr Bartington.
Collaborator Contribution Activities undertaken within the ANTICIPATE research programme generated research ideas for the network proposal.
Impact NERC Grant Award (1 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2023) Value: £508,012. The main output to date is the launch workshop report 'Characterising Emerging Air Quality Challenges and Risks Associated with Transport Decarbonisation'
Start Year 2020
 
Description TfWM 
Organisation Transport for West Midlands
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Traffic Maps: Detailed traffic maps will be used to produce vehicle emission maps within the WM. Modelling the impact of future traffic activity, changing fleet composition (i.e. Euro classes), and the electrification of public transport on AQ. (2) Impact of Covid-lockdown on AQ: analysis of observations and model data (3) Joint work with Motts MacDonald: Modelling to support future rapid transit route prioritisation Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are working with Mott MacDonald to support future rapid transit route prioritisation, as part of the development of the new West Midlands Local Transport Plan. As such, TfWM approached WM-Air for support with this work using the newly-developed, high resolution ADMS air quality model to explore the air quality across the West Midlands. This will assist a high level assessment of potential, new West Midlands rapid transit corridors (tram and Bus Rapid Transit lines). This assessment will inform the identification of priority projects for rapid transit for the next ten years, and longer term proposals. This is part of the production of the new consultation draft West Midlands Local Transport Plan public transport "Big Move" chapter, setting out the long term strategy for public transport, as part of an overall urban transport strategy. Annual average NO2 and PM2.5 data files over the West Midlands Metropolitan Area were requested for the years 2019, 2021 and 2030 by TfWM. (4) Modelling for TfWM WM LTP Area Strategy (5) Presentation at the Transport Delivery, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, at TfWM in Jan 2024 - suggestion to include GI in transpot plans.
Collaborator Contribution (1) Data access - the traffic maps are provided by TfWM (2) Briefing paper now cited in WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Report (3) Request for modelling to support future rapid transit route prioritisation (Brief) (4) Request for support, PRISM data and scenarios to include in modelling work (5) Request for presentation for Councillors + inclusion of GI principles.
Impact (1) Ongoing (2) Analysis and Briefing Paper on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality provided for TfWM and WMCA for advice and guidance purposes, now cited in WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Report https://wm-air.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UoB-Briefing-May2020-WM-Air-Quality-Bloss-v2.pdf (3) Briefing report: The WM-Air air quality model was used to model annual average PM2.5 concentrations for 2019 business-as-usual (BAU) case, 2021 BAU case across the West Midlands, and to predict annual average PM2.5 concentrations in 2030 under different policy scenarios. (4) Still ongoing (5) Transport Plan 5. Recommend that TfWM officers developing West Midlands Local Transport Plan 5: i. incorporate, in relevant sections of the Plan the "reduce, extend, protect" principle, to support the role of green infrastructure in urban transport design for air quality. ii. review the draft "Green Transport Revolution" Big Move Chapter to ensure it effectively encompasses the role of green infrastructure in supporting climate resilience in the West Midlands.
Start Year 2019
 
Description The Floow - telematics data 
Organisation Floow Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Telematics data will be used to produce detailed spatio-temporal distributions of driving characteristics across the studied area
Collaborator Contribution Telematics data are providing and initial calculations are conducting by the Floow company
Impact NA - ongoing
Start Year 2019
 
Description Traffic Ear 
Organisation Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Low-cost acoustic sensor to monitor, analyse and predict traffic and vehicular emissions with Spatiotemporal Context (Traffic Ear): This project was designed based on tripartite cooperation between academia, the private sector, and local authority: WM-Air, InnovateFactory and Sandwell metropolitan borough council (SMBC). The prototype sensor was designed by the InnovateFactory, and mounted in the city of Sandwell by SMBC. The collected data were analysed by the WM-Air team. 'Traffic EAR' was installed alongside EDAR (See HEAT partnership for more details), which was designed and developed by the Innovation Factory and uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to detect vehicle type according to its sound. The WM-Air team explored the sound of the West Midland's traffic fleet in order to develop a traffic noise inventory for the region, and explore its relationship with measured vehicle emissions and hence feed into policy (and public attitudes). The traffic noise dataset was juxtaposed by the telematics-based material and method previously created in the WM-Air to develop the first traffic noise map of the West Midlands
Collaborator Contribution Innovation Factory developed and installed working prototypes of an acoustic sensor that contains deep learning algorithms to determine the traffic noise of passing vehicles. In cooperation with Sandwell metropolitan borough council, eleven sensors were mounted in different locations in the city of Sandwell. Nearly six months of training and measurement campaigns provided a reliable and detailed traffic noise dataset for different vehicle subsets.
Impact TBC. Noise maps are the major policy instruments that allow hotspot analysis for environmental noise management and planning. They could be considered theoretical references for policymakers and urban managers for decision-making on environmental noise regulations. In this project, WM-Air used the data from a newly designed acoustic sensor, named Traffic Ear, telematics data and fleet composition to develop the first traffic noise map of West Midlands. This project was funded by Innovate UK with significant technical and scientific support from the WM-Air team. WM-Air developed the scientific, technical, and planning missions for a working prototype. The existing research tools created by WM-Air such as comprehensive telematics and fleet composition datasets were used to extract added values from the designed prototype sensor.
Start Year 2021
 
Description University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust 
Organisation University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution NO2 diffusion tubes and PM sensors deployed at QEHB, HH, BCC, BWH sites to provide ambient baseline monitoring for a 12-month period in 2020/2021, new deployment in 2023/2024 at QE to test out the effectiveness of any interventions implemented.
Collaborator Contribution Co-designers of the project. Tube deployment will be conducted with the support of UHB/BWH/BCH Estates staff and will involve minimal interference with clinical activities and service delivery.
Impact The WM-Air team are working with UHB to better understand environmental impacts of healthcare activities and to inform delivery of the UHB Sustainability Strategy. Diffusion tubes were deployed at Queen Elizabeth (QE) and Heartlands Hospital sites to provide ambient NO2 monitoring for 1 year, and PM sensors are also located at QE and the Children's Hospitals (with the Women's Hospital to follow), in order to understand local air pollutant concentrations. The interim data has been analysed and was presented to the UHB Sustainability Group (14 July 2021), along with results from a previous project evaluating the Clean Air Hospital Framework. A full briefing paper has now also been submitted and approved. These outputs will inform actions to be taken both at a small area level (such as consideration to be given for patient/staff/visitor access and travel arrangements by UHB), to inform targeted air quality monitoring protocols arising within the NHS Green Plan (NHS SDU) and to guide future actions within the Birmingham Transport Plan (Birmingham City Council). Outputs may also be used to inform delivery of the NHS Long Term Plan commitments, including the transfer to digitally enabled outpatient care and target for cutting mileage and air pollution from rapid response vehicles, patient transport and staff journeys by a fifth by 2024. In the longer term, arising actions may inform the NHS Green Plan delivery framework, for wider use by commissioners for healthcare service contracts thereby achieving lasting impact at a national level. Outcomes arising from these findings will also benefit the health and wellbeing of staff, visitors and patients at the healthcare sites and lead to improved societal awareness of the links between air quality and healthcare service delivery. Ongoing: i) a case study / guidance on best practices for AQ monitoring for submission to NHS England; (ii) a briefing paper for Birmingham City Council, (iii) second deployment
Start Year 2020
 
Description Voi e-scooters 
Organisation Voi Technology
Country Sweden 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution (1) Collaborative project assessing the scale of benefit achievable (emissions avoided, estimated health gain) for different scenarios of scooter use / journey mode shift, linking to TfWM/DfT Future Transport Zones pilot project.
Collaborator Contribution (2) Provision of data (via API) and co-design of project
Impact (1) Ongoing
Start Year 2020
 
Description WMCA - Air Quality Framework and related projects 
Organisation West Midlands Combined Authority
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution In the West Midlands, action to improve air quality is currently lead by the local authorities with support from the combined authority. In 2021, the WMCA proposed developing an air quality framework building on Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) air quality policy statement and the work currently being done at a local authority level. WM-Air were approached to develop an options paper for a West Midlands air quality framework (https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/s6510/Appendix.pdf). Specifically, WM-Air undertook the following (via an Impact Fellow secondment to WMCA): 1. Worked with stakeholders at WMCA, TfWM and local authorities to identify successful actions and areas not covered by the current local and regional air quality strategies. 2. Brought together an evidence base for the future air quality strategy with 4 main focuses: a) Establishing the health impacts of poor air quality in the West Midlands b) Quantifying the impacts of air quality measures currently proposed c) Exploring issues impacting air quality that have not been considered in the current strategies d) Place-based inequalities Following-on from the approval of the AQ Options Paper by the WMCA Board, WSP were contracted to develop the AQ Framework, working closely with WM-Air for input, advice, guidance and support from WM-Air tools. As a direct outcome of working with WM-Air, the West Midlands AQ Framework was launched in November 2023: Framework: https://www.wmca.org.uk/documents/environment-energy/air-quality/west-midlands-combined-authority-air-quality-framework-reference-document-2023/ In addition, in conjunction with WM-Air, WMCA received £1m from Defra specifically to: - Install a network of air quality sensors that will provide real-time, publicly accessible data on pollution levels across the region - Run education and awareness campaigns in communities, including schools, to improve knowledge and understanding of main sources of pollution and their health impact - Develop an alert system when pollution levels are high - Research into the potential to positively impact air quality by reducing speed limits on high-speed roads and in urban centres - Devising regional targets that exceed current national and international guidelines on levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particulates, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). AQ Literacy Training course was developed in conjunction with WM-Air: https://share.dynamicbusiness.co.uk/2023/WMCA/Air_Quality_Literacy/Module1/story.html
Collaborator Contribution The air quality options paper was developed together with WMCA Environment team and the paper was taken to the WMCA board meeting in February 2022. The QM AQ Framework was developed by WSP + WMCA (with support form WM-Air) and approved by the WMCA Board in Nov 2024.
Impact Analysis and Briefing Paper on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality provided for BCC, TfWM, WMCA for advice and guidance purposes, now cited in WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Report: https://wm-air.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UoB-Briefing-May2020-WM-Air-Quality-Bloss-v2.pdf Options Paper: https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/s6510/Appendix.pdf Framework: https://www.wmca.org.uk/documents/environment-energy/air-quality/west-midlands-combined-authority-air-quality-framework-reference-document-2023/ £1m Defra Funding: https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/1-million-to-improve-air-quality-across-the-west-midlands/ (£120k went to WM-Air) AQ Literacy Training - https://share.dynamicbusiness.co.uk/2023/WMCA/Air_Quality_Literacy/Module1/story.html
Start Year 2019
 
Description WMCA - West Midlands Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 
Organisation West Midlands Combined Authority
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution To date, climate adaptation in the UK has largely been led by national policy and action. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are pioneering regional climate adaptation, to pool local resources and accelerate place-based improvements in climate resilience outcomes. This project leverages NERC RISE investment in the WM-Air project in support of this agenda, applying UKRI science to provide better data and understanding and improve regional policy. Activities will focus on spatial understanding, citizen engagement and addressing risks to infrastructure. Understanding spatial dimensions of climate vulnerability Through the NERC RISE programme, the WM-Air project at the University of Birmingham (UoB) has developed a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) mapping tool in partnership with Birmingham City Council (Greenham et al. 2023). In this project, WM-Air will work with the WMCA to expand this CRVA tool to the WMCA constituent authority area, to cover Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton council areas (in addition to Birmingham). This will allow consideration of climate risk and vulnerability, and hence the need for adaptation, varies across the region, and support prioritisation of where geographically interventions to reduce climate risk and vulnerability can also address health inequalities. This is of paramount importance for we know that health inequalities exist in the region and that the health impacts of climate change will exacerbate these inequalities. By undertaking regional CRVA mapping we can identify the areas with highest climate risk and vulnerability, and identify the most vulnerable communities by household and demographic group in order to understand where community adaptation interventions should be targeted to strengthen the physical and mental resilience of residents under current and future climate scenarios. Citizen engagement The above application of the CRVA methodology will inform the WMCA's Community Environment Fund (a £1m fund that offers grant funding to communities interested in preparing their local areas for climate change). The identification of local climate vulnerability will help identify which adaptation interventions are most appropriate in respective areas. Mapping of human climate vulnerability will be used by the established WMCA Citizens' Panel, to support a bespoke session on regional adaptation (the panel, Greener Together Citizens Panel, facilitated by Involve, has been carefully populated to be regionally representative). This will engage a representative cross-section of West Midlands residents in discussions around their understanding of climate impacts and attitudes to adaptation measures. The Citizen's Panel will gage understanding of adaptation and its relationship with the climate mitigation/net zero agenda. Improving insights into the climate risks faced by communities in the West Midlands will motivate and inform community engagement and adaptation action. Addressing transport infrastructure risks In addition to community risk, the CRVA will be developed to identify the climate vulnerability of transport infrastructure in the West Midlands. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has responsibility for projects across transport modes in the region, including bus, tram, rail, cycling and walking. There is an ongoing need to make public transport options as attractive as possible and service reliability is a key factor in people's choice of mode. Disruption to transport services risk disconnecting residents from employment opportunities and vital services with implications for productivity and beyond. Fundamentally, disruption has further consequence of pushing residents towards private vehicle use, causing not only congestion but also impeding the transition to low carbon living and air quality improvement. The cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating this by slowing the natural refresh of residents' vehicle stock to cleaner, greener vehicles due to affordability constraints, a problem further compounded by uncertainty over net-zero policy. We will address this by adapting the CVRA approach to select layers relevant to transport infrastructure, and information related to transport users. By adapting the CRVA to consider the distribution of climate risks and vulnerability for the transport networks we gain a deeper understanding of the potential for transport disruption in a spatial sense. This in turn will guide TfWM, alongside other considerations, in investment options to reduce climate risk to transport and active travel. The project involves a secondee (Nick Cork) from UoB to the WMCA to build adaptation integration capacity, and a PDRA (Sarah Greenham) focusing on the development and expansion of the CRVA. PIs: William Bloss (Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences), Emma Sakamoto Ferranti (Civil Engineering), Lee Chapman (Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences).
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative working and co-development of the project - they were sub-contracted as part of this work to cover WMCA Climate Adaptation Project Officer (who will be managing the CRVA project and integrating it into the work of the organisation) and for 2 x 1 day Greener Together Citizens' Panel sessions, bringing together 30 panellists. The panel is pre-established; therefore, recruitment costs are not included. They will also support regional understanding on the returns on investments to be gained from nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in urban settings. (Subtotal)
Impact TBC - ongoing work
Start Year 2023
 
Description Walsall Council 
Organisation Walsall Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Working in partnership to support the setting up a new air quality rural background site in Swindon (West Mids) (2) Running new WM-Air ADMS model to explore PM2.5 sources and hot spots for Walsall.
Collaborator Contribution (1) Setting up an air quality rural background site (described above) - data available for use in the project. (2) Data sharing activities (they provided many datasets and support needed to set up the WM-Air ADMS model). Advice on the West Midlands ADMS Air Quality model being developed, based on the Walsall AQ model - Curtis Dean (Walsall Council employee working on their air quality model) worked closely with the WM-Air team to co-develop the regional AQ model (details under secondments section).
Impact (1) Air quality rural site set up (2) ADMS Air Quality model
Start Year 2019
 
Description Walsall Council - support for health and economic impact assessment 
Organisation Walsall Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Support given by 1-1 meetings and integration of local air quality data to health and economic assessment tool
Collaborator Contribution Request made to integrate local air quality data into health and economic assessment tool for application to Walsall population
Impact Integration of Walsall local air quality data to AQ-LAT and provision to Walsall.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Wolverhampton City Council 
Organisation Wolverhampton City Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution (1) Roadside AQ exceedances: Use of ADMS model to explore NO2 hot spot areas (Lichfield St, Broadstreet, Ring Road) and consider impact of intervention plans. (2) Taxi licensing project: Assessment of taxi emissions arising from licensing scenarios
Collaborator Contribution (1) Data provision and co-design of project (2) Data provision and information access
Impact (1) Baseline AQ maps and initial briefing (2) Ongoing
Start Year 2019
 
Title ADMS-Urban model configuration for West Midlands (Beta version) 
Description The core of the tool is a commercial model, ADMS-Urban. The tool is built on ADMS-Urban by incorporating multiple local datasets from West Midlands. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2021 
Impact The tool is being used to model air quality for the entire West Midlands. After the final version of the tool is successfully completed, it will be used within the WM-Air project to simulate the consequences and impact of policy scenarios in future. 
 
Title Application of CMAQ - Community Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System - for WM-Air 
Description The Community Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System (CMAQ) is an active open-source development project of the U.S. EPA that consists of a suite of programs for conducting air quality model simulations. CMAQ combines current knowledge in atmospheric science and air quality modeling, multi-processor computing techniques, and an open-source framework to deliver fast, technically sound estimates of ozone, particulates, toxics and acid deposition. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2021 
Open Source License? Yes  
Impact The Application of the CMAQ model in the WMAir project permit to conduce air quality simulations over the region testing the impact of possible scenarios with reduced anthropogenic emissions in agreement with future mitigation policies. Moreover, the scenarios have been tested applying the emission reduction at national and local level evaluating the imapct of both cases on the resulting levels of air pollution in the West Midlands. Finally, the outputs from CMAQ model have been also used to create the boundary conditions of air contamination to conduce air quality simulation using the local model ADMS - urban. 
 
Description "End-user innovation of DIY Citizen Place-Making and Local Infrastructure Provision", Malvern Festival of Innovation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 45 people attended an event evolving presentations and then discussions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.festival-innovation.com/archives/2019-programme/2019-environment-sustainability
 
Description "Repatriation or Reshoring of Manufacturing to the US and UK: Dynamics and Global Production Networks or from Here to There and Back Again", invited presentation to the Social Situation Monitor Research Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact 2019 "Repatriation or Reshoring of Manufacturing to the US and UK: Dynamics and Global Production Networks or from Here to There and Back Again", invited presentation to the Social Situation Monitor Research Seminar, European Commission, SSM Seminar Global Value Chains workshop, Brussels, 17 December 2019, https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=88&eventsId=1542&furtherEvents=yes, 35 attendees
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=88&eventsId=1542&furtherEvents=yes
 
Description "The End of Manufacturing as we Know it: New Forms of Urban Production", invited seminar to the Conférence Urban Production 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact 2019 "The End of Manufacturing as we Know it: New Forms of Urban Production", invited seminar to the Conférence Urban Production, organised by Metrolab, Brussels. November 14 and 15, 2019, http://www.metrolab.brussels/events/conference-urban-production, 120 attendees
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL http://www.metrolab.brussels/events/conference-urban-production
 
Description 'A Bollywood Solution to Air Pollution: Linking Research and Policy to the Cinema Screen', City REDI blog, 19/03/2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact City REDI blog: 'A Bollywood Solution to Air Pollution: Linking Research and Policy to the Cinema Screen',
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/cityredi/a-bollywood-solution-to-air-pollution-linking-research-and-policy-t...
 
Description 'Spacetime and Singapore: Towards a Four-Dimensional Understanding of City-Region Economies', City REDI blog, 08/05/2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 'Spacetime and Singapore: Towards a Four-Dimensional Understanding of City-Region Economies', City REDI blog, 08/05/2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/cityredi/spacetime-and-singapore-towards-a-four-dimensional-understanding-of...
 
Description 'The Invisible Killer and London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone: Too little and too late?', Birmingham Business School blog, 12/04/2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 'The Invisible Killer and London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone: Too little and too late?', Birmingham Business School blog, 12/04/2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2019/04/12/the-invisible-killer-and-londons-ultra-low-emissi...
 
Description 'The Invisible Killer and Responsible Inclusive Prosperity: Tackling the Challenges of Urban Air Pollution - Delhi India, 6-7 March 2019', City REDI blog, 09/03/2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 'The Invisible Killer and Responsible Inclusive Prosperity: Tackling the Challenges of Urban Air Pollution - Delhi India, 6-7 March 2019', City REDI blog, 09/03/2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/cityredi/the-invisible-killer-and-responsible-inclusive-prosperity-tackling-...
 
Description A blog - Levelling-up and the Diocese of Worcester: What can be learnt? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This is a blog on levelling-up that draw upon the Urban Living and WM-Air projects
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2022/02/09/levelling-up-and-the-diocese-of-worcester-what-ca...
 
Description A blog on 'Good growth vs parasitic growth for responsible business', 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A blog that builds on these two projects - Urban Living Birmingham and Wm-AIR that explores good growth in the context of responsible business
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2021/04/13/good-growth-vs-parasitic-growth-for-responsible-b...
 
Description A blog on 'Climate change, pandemic preparedness, and a public inquiry' 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A blog on climate change and pandemic preparedness
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2021/05/17/climate-change-pandemic-preparedness-and-a-public...
 
Description Air Quality Forum 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prof William Bloss invited to give a presentation about WM-Air at the Air Quality Forum ('Practical guidance for planning and implementing targeted solutions to improve air quality through an interdisciplinary approach'), Tuesday 25 February 2020, Arup, London
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.waterfrontconferencecompany.com/conferences/air-quality-forum
 
Description Air Quality Innovation (Sustainability West Midland) 10 Dec 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Prof William Bloss and Omid Ghaffarpasand gave presentation at Air Quality Innovation (Sustainability West Midland) 10 Dec 2019 -
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Air Quality Resource for Schools 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Following on from initial enquiry from BCC to support their school engagement, we developed a regional-focused 'Introduction to Air Pollution: Resources for Schools (KS3-4)'. This resource was prepared by the University of Birmingham WM-Air team.
[Acknowledgements: WM-Air (wm-air.org.uk/) Team: Clarissa Baldo, Catherine Muller, Nicole Cowell, Suzanne Bartington, Jian Zhong, William Bloss. Original air pollution Independent Project by Georgina Smellie and Prof. Sophie Hadfield-Hill (University of Birmingham). Schools resource reviewed by Pete Mackintosh and Mandi Slater (Birmingham City Council), Prof Sylvia Knight (RMetS) and Dr Sam Dobbie (BiFOR)]: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/08/31/introduction-to-air-pollution-resources-for-schools-ks3-4/

An additional GIS task to accompany the WM-Air School Resources has been developed by Robert Lang at King Edwards Camp Hill Girls School, with support from Katie Hall at Esri UK, using modelled air quality data supplied by WM-Air:
https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2024/02/19/new-schools-gis-resource-developed-in-collaboration-with-king-edwards-camphill-girls-school-and-esri/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023,2024
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/08/31/introduction-to-air-pollution-resources-for-schools-ks3-4/
 
Description Air Quality and Climate Change Roundtable - Transport Professional Magazine 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Virtual roundtable discussion on the subject of the climate challenge and improving air quality. Specific discussion points:
* Whether the transport sector will be able to meet the 2050 net zero emissions target, and strategies for getting us there
* The need to improve air quality, whether we should set targets and the role of clean air zones
* The consequences of failing to make transport and mobility greener and cleaner
* Priorities and possible solutions (eg electric cars, more walking and cycling, road pricing)
* The role of governments, the transport sector and the public
* The impact of Covid on environmental ambitions and travel behaviours, both short and long term
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Air Quality in the West Midlands Covid-19 WM-Air Interim Briefing Note (on website) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Analysis and Briefing Paper on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality provided for BCC, TfWM, WMCA for advice and guidance purposes: Air quality has received much attention since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and changes in behaviour and economic activity over the past two months. The briefing paper looked at what we would expect to see, the observed changes in air quality and the implications for clean air policy and human health: https://wm-air.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UoB-Briefing-May2020-WM-Air-Quality-Bloss-v2.pdf

It is now cited in WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Report. Resulted in new work strand predicting air quality compliance for 2020 and 2021 requested by BCC, related to Clean Air Zone plans.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UoB-Briefing-May2020-WM-Air-Quality-Bloss-v2.pdf
 
Description Air pollution health risk continues in East Africa as policy 'tensions' endure 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact This piece explored air pollution in the context of East African cities with a focus on policy tensions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2022/air-pollution-health-risk-continues-in-east-africa
 
Description Al Jazeera TV Interview re: 'The COVID-19 Effect: why coronavirus is eclipsing Thunberg on climate change' Uni Birmingham blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Live Al Jazeera English television interview on air quality and Covid-19 to Research Fish. This occurred this evening (9.35pm - 11 March), and would have been seen by many millions internationally (potentially 54m according to the audience figures on-line).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/covid-19-climate-change.aspx
 
Description Allometry media 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Media coverage for MacKenzie et al. 2019, 'Urban form strongly mediates the allometric scaling of airshed pollution concentrations", Environ. Res. Lett.
Reach statistic by 15th Feb 2020 = 27 million, with a value to the funders calculated by the UoB press office as £502,000.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-51268918
 
Description Architect's Journal, 14 August 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Crooked House's Demolition highlights a major deficiency in the UK lisitng system
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/crooked-houses-demolition-highlights-a-major-defici...
 
Description BBC 1 BBC Breakfast, live interview from Birmingham Wholesale Market, on Wednesday 20 December 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A live interview from Birmingham's Wholesale Market that explored the economy and local and national impacts
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC News World Business Review (World Service), pre-recorded interview on the UK economy and broader impacts. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact A pre-recorded interview that explored the current state of the UK economy and wider impacts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC World Business Review, 13 December 2023, live interview on the UK economy and structural problems including impacts on local authorities 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A live media interview with World Business Review report that was broadcast from Dubai that explored the UK economy, business and local authorities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC interview about Clean Air Zones (used alongside the launch of the Sheffield CAZ), Feb 2023. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact BBC interview about Clean Air Zones (used alongside the launch of the Sheffield CAZ), Feb 2023.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC1 BBC Breakfast Live Interview from Birmingham's Wholesale Market, 16 August 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Live interview on the UKs national economy and the implications for the West Midlands, broadcast from Birmingham.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BLog on COP26 - Climate Change and the need to Shift Beyond 'Blah, Blah, Blah' towards Individual Responsibility 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A blog that drew upon the Urban Living project and the WM-AIR project to explore climate change and individual action - end-user engagement
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/cop26-need-to-shift-beyond-blah.aspx
 
Description Birmingham Connected AQ video - Impact of air pollution on plants and wildlife 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Birmingham Connected AQ video - Impact of air pollution on plants and wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR0gwWU3yQ4
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR0gwWU3yQ4
 
Description Birmingham Live Air Quality-focused articles 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact WM-Air were approached by Birmingham Mail/Live to contribute to a number of articles + video on air quality in Birmingham:

Bill's video: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/scandal-silent-killer-cuts-short-27998018

Bham Mail: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/news-opinion/what-found-measured-air-pollution-27994664

SOP: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/pollution-destroying-health-how-safe-28009910

SOP: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/revealed-exact-time-youre-most-28016065

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/5-things-you-can-improve-28026674

(Also Tweeted + on Facebook)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Bryson J.R., 'The COVID-19 Effect: why coronavirus is eclipsing Thunberg on climate change', read over 50,000 times by Jan. 2021
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/covid-19-climate-change.aspx
 
Description Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact COVID-19, the Domino Effect and Enhancing Pandemic Resilience across the West Midlands
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2020/09/14/enhancing-pandemic-resilience-across-the-west-mid...
 
Description Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Bryson J.R., 'Responsible Business and Responsible Citizenship: Mutual Aid, Self-Isolation and the Covid-19 Pandemic', https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/responsible-business-covid-19.aspx, 17 to 25 March 2020 on front page of the University website, viewed 923 times by 15 November 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/responsible-business-covid-19.aspx
 
Description Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Beyond Nation First? COVID-19, Climate Change and Global Solutions Required for Global Problems
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/debate/index.aspx
 
Description Blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A blog on "Overcoming wicked problems: structural inequality, discrimination and racism"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2020/06/09/overcoming-wicked-problems/
 
Description Blog on Building back better - Building Back Better and the UK's Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A blog on building back better and the new UK green strategy that was informed by WM-Air and Urban Living Birmingham project insights
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2021/03/15/building-back-better-and-the-uks-ten-point-plan-f...
 
Description Blog on Investment zones, regional economic development and the West Midlands 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Investment Zones and UK regional economic policy: a place-focussed, but exclusionary solution
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/investment-zones-and-uk-regional-economic-policy-a-place-focu...
 
Description Blog on the Spring Budget, 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Spring Budget 2024
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/spring-budget-2024-todays-budget-is-likely-to-be-another-miss...
 
Description COP27 and the highway to climate hell 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact This was a commentary on COP27 that explored some of the links between climate change and air quality
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2022/cop27-and-the-highway-to-climate-hell
 
Description Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation to Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation to support their forthcoming design guidance on climate change adaptation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.ciht.org.uk/event/ciht-masterclass-resilience/
 
Description Clean Air Day 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Clean Air Day 2020. An evening panel discussion organised by ST, chaired by ARMK, and including WJB on the panel.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Clean Air Day 2022 activities 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Clean Air Day (16th June): WM-Air staff contributed to a TRANSITION and UK-100 supported event 'Beyond Clean Air Zones', at Birmingham Library. The interactive workshop brought together 30+ elected Councillors, researchers, practitioners, and citizen representatives to consider evidence emerging from 'Clean Air Zone' initiatives implemented in UK cities, with a view to defining key challenges and future solutions. This was followed by a networking reception. WM-Air worked with the UoB sustainable transport team on a pilot study measuring air quality along the A38 cycleway using e-cargo bikes. WM-Air stand at UoB's Sustainability Town Hall event. WM-Air also supported a public engagement event at The Exchange which was attended by ~30 members of the public. Twitter posts can be viewed at @WMAir_UoB or #UoBCleanAirDay
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Clean Air Day 2022 public talk - 16 June 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Clean Air Day public talk to coincide with Mums for Lungs Guest Speaker (health impacts of air pollution in Birmingham)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/the-exchange/the-air-we-breathe/guest-speaker-series-mums-for-lu...
 
Description Clean Air Day 2023 Community of Practice stakeholder networking event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact WM-Air held a networking event at The Exchange on 24th January, to mark the first national Clean Air Night. The event brought together local and regional stakeholders and fostering networking and exchange of knowledge. It was attended by ~60 external stakeholders from across the West Midlands, including regional and local authority officers and councillors, NHS representatives, public health practitioners, air quality consultants, members of the Clean Air Justice Network and academics from local universities.
Bill Bloss introduced the sources of PM2.5 across the West Midlands based on filter measurements, and explored the relative contribution from woodburning, transport and other sources, which was followed with Q+A and discussion with the audience. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, closed the event emphasising the importance of addressing air quality in the region and setting out the actions which will be undertaken to address air quality as part of the WMCA air quality framework, which was developed in conjunction with WM-Air. The presentations and discussions were followed by a networking drinks reception.
This was the second 'Community of Practice'-type air quality event for the region, with the next one planned for Clean Air Day on 20th June 2024.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Clean Air Day 2023 Community of Practice stakeholder networking event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact WM-Air held an event at The Exchange on Clean Air Day, 15th June, bringing together local and regional stakeholders and fostering networking and exchange of knowledge. It was attended by ~60 external stakeholders from across the West Midlands, including regional and local authority officers and councillors, NHS representatives, public health practitioners, air quality consultants, members of the Clean Air Justice Network and academics from local universities.

Bill Bloss introduced and explored the implications of the new air quality targets and interim measures for the region (with accompanying Briefing Note), generating lots of discussion which continued into the well-attended drinks reception, a key objective of the event. The Air Quality-Lifecourse Assessment Tool (AQ-LAT) was also highlighted by Suzanne Bartington and a new Air Quality-Policy Evaluation Tool (AQ-PET) was introduced by Zongbo Shi and Bowen Liu.

This was the first 'Community of Practice'-type air quality event for the region and there is a plan to hold them annually going forwards as part of the WM-Air legacy.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4251/
 
Description Clean Air for All - COVID19, Clean Air and Mobility 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Clean Air Day webinar exploring the links between Clean Air, COVID-19 and Mobility. The expert panel explored COVID-19 impacts upon air quality, transport and mobility in the West Midlands region, including academic research, community action and future policy direction.

Speakers included: Professor William Bloss - Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Birmingham, Cllr Waseem Zaffar - Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Birmingham City Council, Clare Maltby - England Director (Midlands and East), Sustrans, Ali Bell - Head of External Communications, National Express, Shivaji Shiva - Charities Partner at law firm VWV and Co-founder of Cycling Works for Birmingham.

The event was also live streamed by Global Action Plan (Clean Air Day live)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/clean-air-day-live
 
Description Clean Air for All - Working together to improve the air we breathe for better health 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A public workshop was held on 20 November 2019 to inform the public about the health effects of poor air quality, explore their opinions about this issue and answer their questions. 108 people attended the event, of which just over half identified themselves as members of the public. Approximately half of the delegates reported that they, or a relative of theirs, had a lung condition. The majority of delegates were from Birmingham city with the remainder mainly from the West Midlands region.
Broadly speaking, the delegates were already engaged, interested and fairly knowledgeable about the issues which were being discussed. The lecture theatre session began and ended with interactive sessions using electronic polling devices to explore the knowledge base and canvass opinions from the delegates. A total of 71 feedback forms were received from the event and the feedback overall was overwhelmingly positive. Overall, 97% of delegates felt they had learned something new by attending Clean Air for All ('Strongly Agree' or 'Agree'), with only one delegate disagreeing with this statement. Free text responses indicated learning concerned factual knowledge of air quality statistics, the evidence base concerning health impacts and the role of the health service as both a contributor to poor air quality and relevant stakeholder for undertaking actions to mitigate impacts.

https://www.birminghamhealthpartners.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Clean-Air-for-All-Event-Report-Redacted-Version-16-Dec-2019.pdf
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.birminghamhealthpartners.co.uk/clean-air-for-all/
 
Description DEFRA Secretary of State Visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact DEFRA Secretary of State Visit: Hosted visit from Therese Coffey, Andy Street (Mayor of the WM) and Ian Courts (WMCA Environment lead) to UoB air quality supersite, with presentation of WM-Air regional impact benefits.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Editorial in Singapore's only national paper - The Straits Times 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact An invitation to write the main editorial in The Straits Times, Singapore's national newspaper with over 1.9m opportunities to see. Linked to WM-Air given the inclusion of an environmental pollution aspect
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/ukraine-and-the-putin-paradox
 
Description Engagement with school groups during half term - 31May 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Air quality engagement and presentation of interactive materials during half-term.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description EnvironmentalHealth 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited Chair and Keynote, Environmental Health 2019, A.R. MacKenzie: Not falling over: strategies for the three-legged race to better urban futures
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description FutureBuild 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited keynote by A.R. MacKenzie: Reduce, Extend, Protect: Practical and evidenced steps to reduce public exposure to air pollution
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/speakers/rob-mackenzie
 
Description FutureBuild2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact "Reduce, Extend, Protect: Practical and evidenced steps to reduce public exposure to air pollution". Invited keynote, FutureBuild, London, 5 March 2020.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Futurebuild Industry Insider Newsletter 330 - Guest edited by WM-Air 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to be a guest-editor of Futurebuild Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carbon-reduction-targets-challenges-meeting-pm25-target-urban-uhy1e/?trackingId=tkcdijnRRiGRGPbzOSMgLQ%3D%3D
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carbon-reduction-targets-challenges-meeting-pm25-target-urban-uhy1e/?...
 
Description Futurebuild Newsletter 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Guest Editor for the Futurebuild Newsletter going out to 90,000 people on 26th November 2023.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Hainan - Nature and World Heritage 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact In-person keynote, Main City Event of 2023 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, Hainan, China, 10/06/2023 followed by tour of Hainan prospective site for World Natural Heritage
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Health Economics Study Group - Winter 2022 Meeting Presentation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Health Economics Study Group Winter 2022 meeting - presentation and discussion paper "The WM-Air Air Quality Life Assessment Tool (AQ-LAT): Designing a health economic decision-making tool for local partners to estimate the economic impacts of changes in air quality". Discussant: James Shearer
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Inclusion in AQ News procurement guide 4th edition 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact WM-Air submitted an article based on our Briefing Note 'PROCURING AND DEPLOYING LOW-COST SENSOR NETWORKS: Guidance and questions for low-cost and commercial AQ sensing networks' (http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4238/1/LowCostAQSensors_Amend2.pdf) which was edited and included in the AQ News procurement guide 4th edition 2023: https://issuu.com/spacehouse/docs/aqn_pro_guide.2023.lo.res
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://airqualitynews.com/
 
Description Innovation challenge program (Sustainability West Midland) 13 Sep 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Innovation challenge program (Sustainability West Midland) 13 Sep 2019 - Short presentation on air quality and important challenges
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Institute of Physics (IOP) - Looking Glass Podcast (Air) - 11 July 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Ambient air pollution is responsible for 4.2 million deaths a year and almost all of the world's population are exposed to dangerous levels. How can physics help us to make our air cleaner? With Dr Suzanne Bartington and Dr Mark Richards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://shows.acast.com/looking-glass/episodes/episode-5-air-how-will-i-breathe
 
Description Interview for national news 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Live interview on BBC Breakfast on the UK economy, on 13 January 2023 that was also covered on BBC Radio 2, and the News Channel
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Interview for national news 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Live interview on BBC Breakfast and also covered on the New Channel on behaviour change
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Invited presentation to the Worcester Diocesan Synod on Where now for Church and Society 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This was an invited presentation to the Synod of the Diocese of Worcester to explore societal change that include a discussion of the reading cities approach developed from the Urban Living Project and air quality issues linked to WM-AIR
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Knowledge Exchange 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact This was a knowledge exchange event held on 14 Feb 2022 with the audience being postgraduate students from UCL on a professional planning degree. Thus, this is about educating future planners.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Levelling down rather than up? Crooked House pub highlights major deficiency in UK planning system 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A blog on the essence of place and the UK planning system's failure to preserve this that was then picked up by the media.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/levelling-down-rather-than-up-crooked-house-pub-highlights-maj...
 
Description Levelling up and the politics of place-based tokenism 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact This is piece that identified local policy challenges framed within the context of the levelling-up agenda in the UK
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/levelling-up-and-the-politics-of-place-based-tokenism
 
Description Live Interview, ITV News, Planning Policy and the West Midlands 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This was a live interview on ITV News in response to the Crooked House demolition and explored planning policy
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Local authority finances and individual responsibility, 17 January 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact University of Birmingham Expert asks: Is it time for us all to take some individual responsibility in order to relieve Local Authority Finances?
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://businessinthemidlands.co.uk/university-of-birmingham-expert-asks-is-it-time-for-us-all-to-ta...
 
Description MEG technical visit of Councillors to the University of Birmingham - 25 Jan 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A delegation of Councillors and senior officers visited the WM-Air programme on 25 Jan 2023 for a presentation, roundtable discussion and Q and A session. Specific enquiries were made about local sources and health impacts of air pollution (e.g., at ward level).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Media coverage for MacKenzie et al. 2019, 'Urban form strongly mediates the allometric scaling of airshed pollution concentrations' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Media coverage for MacKenzie et al. 2019, 'Urban form strongly mediates the allometric scaling of airshed pollution concentrations", Environ. Res. Lett. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab50e3 [Reach statistic by 14th Jan 2020 = 7.3 million, with a value to the University calculated by the press office as £174,000.]
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab50e3
 
Description Media interviews following the Birmingham Clean Air Zone Implementation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Clean Air Zone Launch - Communications Evaluation
On 1 June 2021, Birmingham City Council announced the launch of the city's Clean Air Zone. Working with professional services and academic colleagues, we used this as an opportunity to promote the world-leading clean air research, taking place across the University of Birmingham.
Communications Activity Total reach - 3,601,092

We contacted (and were contacted by) regional and national media outlets to provide expert comment on the introduction of the Clean Air Zone. Outputs include;
Date Outlet Media item Academic Reach
1 June 2021 5 News Birmingham launches 'clean air zone', but defers payments for the first 2 weeks
Professor Zongbo Shi 1,000,000
1 June 2021 ITV Central News Clean Air Zone Launch Professors William Bloss and Zongbo Shi 655,000
1 June 2021 Sky News Clean Air Zone Launch Professor Zongbo Shi 324,000
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdgqSO54x2U
 
Description Media re Clean Air Zone analysis paper 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Media pieces about the journal article:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/clean-air-zone-reduces-air-pollution-levels-in-birmingham-study

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/reducing-the-risk-clean-air-zone-sees-birmingham-air-quality-improvement

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-66660039
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Meeting with Turrock Council to discuss approaches to underpinning city-region policy with diagnostics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact A meeting with officers from Thurrock Council to explore Urban Diagnostics
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Meeting with policymakers 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting with DEFRA policymakers from the Air Quality Unit to explore air quality evaluation approaches
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Meeting with policymakers 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting with Birmingham City Council representative including a Councillor and representatives of the Clean Air Zone team
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Meeting with representatives from Birmingham City Council 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Meeting with Clean Air Zone leads to discuss the impacts of the CAZ
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Mobility as a Service (HSBC Bank) 21 Nov 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Discussions on roundtable at Mobility as a Service (HSBC Bank) 21 Nov 2019
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description PHE AQ review 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Public Health England (PHE) Air Quality Review, Advisory Group - Planning / Spatial. Public Health England (PHE) has been requested by government to review the evidence for effective air quality interventions and provide practical recommendations for actions to supplement those identified in the air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide in UK (2017), by August 2018. The recommendations must stratify interventions by their health and economic impact.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Panama - Urban Green Infrastructure and Urban Air Quality 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Opening speaker and panel member, session on "Nature Based Solutions for the mitigation of air pollution and climate change adaptation in Cities", Sustainability Research & Innovation, Panama 26th June 2023 (online attendance)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Participation in 'Birmingham Conversations' public engagement webinar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Participation as a speaker in the Birmingham Conversations event hosted online in association with The Air We Breathe Exhibition at the Exchange. The discussion series provides a relaxed environment for local citizens, community groups and university researchers to have conversations about issues that affect the lives of people across the city. The topic of this discussion was 'what it's like to live and breathe in Brum' and we presented and discussed findings of research arising from the consultation process for Low Traffic Neighbourhood implementation in Kings Heath. There were a range of insightful questions and links for future research, including with Sustrans West Midlands. It also provided additional ideas and suggestions for maximising reach of outputs for existing research in progress. The audience also showed a change in views about priorities for their own neighbourhoods as a result of participation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/birmingham-conversations.aspx
 
Description Policy U-turns and avoiding plan continuation bias 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A piece on the policy-making process intended to contribute to an on-going media and policy debate.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2022/policy-u-turns-and-avoiding-plan-continuation-bias
 
Description Prerecorded interview on UK local authority finances with the Xinhua Global News Service 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This was a pre-recorded interview for Chinese television that explored local authority finances and Section 113 with a focus on the West Midlands situation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation on Clean Air Zones as part of the UK Clean Air Day Conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation at Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum - Next steps for improving air quality at a local level in England - 13 Dec 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Presentation and case study discussion for policymakers in national and local government. local strategies: priorities for locally-based action to improve air quality in communities across England
policy and funding: assessing the current policy landscape, along with grants and other forms of support being offered to local areas - opportunities for funding, investment and sponsorship
best practice: latest strategies and approaches, both locally and nationally - Clean Air Zones, and supporting the uptake and use of zero emission vehicles
targeted action: developing and implementing measures to improve air quality near schools, care homes, businesses and communities - driving behavioural change - improving awareness
active travel: the cycling and walking investment strategy 2 (CWIS2) - encouraging zero emission travel - improving cycling and walking infrastructure - support for retrofit projects
collaborative structures: best practice in joint working between local authorities, as well as businesses, infrastructure providers, environment and health specialists, and other stakeholders
monitoring and guidance: building the evidence base - setting and providing guidance for industry and local stakeholders - measuring outcomes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/publication/Air-Quality-22
 
Description Presentation at the Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands (ARCWM) Public Health Summit - 26 Jan 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation and demonstration of the Air Quality Lifecourse Assessment tool for health and economic impact in the West Midlands region. This included consideration of the potential benefits delivered by future net-zero scenarios (for air quality and health). Questions and discussion considered further applications for tool methodology, including in Low and Middle Income country settings.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation to Public Health Specialty Registrars attending the Health Education West Midlands Regional Training Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact SEB presented to Public Health Specialty Registrars attending the Health Education West Midlands Regional Training Day to provide knowledge of air quality and health research and explore opportunities to integrate air quality within local authority training placements. (7 October 2019)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation to West Midlands Environmental Protection Group 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Demonstrated calculator and showed how model can be used to quantify monetised costs/benefits as a result of increase/drop in pollutant levels.
-
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation to academics 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation on Clean Air Zones and measuring their impacts to the Big Data and Economics Research Network (BVRN) Workshop", University of Birmingham, 6 June 2022
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation to end-user 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Presentation on New Approach to Identifying the Economic Impacts of Air Pollution to end-users engaged with the project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presentation to industry, public and civic sector representatives at the joint Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) - Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management seminar (5 June 2019). 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Suzanne Bartington presented to industry, public and civic sector representatives at the joint Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) - Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management seminar (5 June 2019). The session identified a number of synergies between emerging environmental health challenges.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation to the Coventry & Warwickshire Air Quality Alliance - 8 Dec 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation to Environmental Health/Air Quality officers and practitioners to share an update on WM-Air activities and support available for evidence based air quality actions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Presentation to the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Sustainability Group - 4 Oct 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation regarding sensor data acquisition at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Discussion of next steps for air quality monitoring/review.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Public Talk - Birmingham Conversations: What's it Like to Live and Travel in Brum? - 30 March 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This online event was presented as part of The Air We Breathe, a brand-new public programme, with an exhibition, activities and eventsthat explore the close relationships between us, our environment and our air quality.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/events/birmingham-conversations-whats-it-like-to-live-and-travel...
 
Description Public engagement at Alexander Stadium 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A mobile air quality supersite was installed at Alexander Stadium for the Commonwealth games. WM-Air researchers were on site before athletic sessions started at the stadium to engage with the public on air quality and answer their questions. This sparked questions on a broad range of topics from spectators including on cooking emissions, the Birmingham CAZ and travel to the Games.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/b2022/
 
Description RTPI CPD Urban Trees to Help Address Climate Change and Air Pollution 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Online presentation for regional RTPI (Royal Town Planning Association) as part of their professional CPD programme
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Radio interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Al Jazera English, 9.25pm. live interview on COVID-19 and climate impacts linked to the blog published on the University of Birmingham Perspectives Blog, Wednesday 11 March 2020, 53million reach.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Responsible Inclusive Prosperity, Infrastructure and the West Midland's Local Industrial Strategy", Westminster Business Forum Keynote Seminar: Next steps for the West Midland's Local Industrial Strategy 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact 120 people attended an event evolving presentations and then discussions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Responsible consumption and the decision over Heathrow's third runway, Birmingham Business School Blog, 28 Feb 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Birmingham Business School Blog: Responsible consumption and the decision over Heathrow's third runway
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2020/02/28/third-runway-at-heathrow/
 
Description Roundtable (Short Journeys) - University of Hertfordshire 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact An invited presentation given at a transport policy roundtable (convened by the University of Hertfordshire) to discuss the following points:
Many car journeys in counties and market towns are short distance. What can be done to move these away from cars? What is needed to move these to walking and cycling? Will micromobility substitute for car trips - e-bikes, scooters etc? In the wake of Covid-19, can the extra walking and cycling be retained and how can these be given priority in counties?"
The key arising output was a policy briefing note for the Department for Transport (Short Journeys). It also resulted in a new collaboration and invited member for the TRANSITION Clean Air Network advisory group.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Sounding Out Pollution: Can you hear whats in the air? 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sounding Out Pollution' is a novel collaboration between atmospheric scientists at the University of Birmingham and sound artist, Robert Jarvis. The engagement project applied innovative sonification techniques to enable people to 'hear' examples of contrasting air quality data from urban and rural locations across the UK, from a route across Birmingham, and at different times of the day, in order to stimulate curiosity and improve understanding of how to manage exposure to poor air quality, and to reduce emissions. The project culminated in a presentation of three audio-visual 'Chapters', both online (wm-air.org.uk/sound) and at "The Air We Breathe" exhibition at 'The Exchange', a new Birmingham city centre venue for public engagement.

Anonymised feedback has been collected both online and at the physical exhibition for evaluation purposes. A selection of quotes are included below:
• "The sound compositions communicate the 'ominous' nature of poor air quality very well. Really impactful."
• "I found it easier to follow the ideas via sound patterns than by a graph or other visual means."
• "Really thought provoking!"
• "The 2nd video ('Pick Your Moment') directly made me think about when is the best time to go out for my daily run. This was reinforced by the 3rd video. The messaging for the first 'Location Matters' video seems more obvious although the last slide is pretty powerful. All can be summed up as Avoid The Traffic!!!"

The physical and online exhibits engaged both local residents and also wider UK and overseas audiences.

All of those surveyed said the compositions successfully communicated where and when they might encounter less exposure to air pollution, with 67% stating that the exhibition had inspired them to consider actions to reduce their own emissions and/or their exposure to air pollution.

Since the exhibition launched (May 2022), press release had 50k+ views inc. article in MixMag - displayed at The Exchange (UoB), in the Sound Canopy at Glastonbury and ICAD2022.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/sound/
 
Description South East Online - Local authority finances and citizen-led approaches to place-making 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Is it time for us all to take some individual responsibility in order to relieve Local Authority Finances?
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://southeastonline.co.uk/2024/01/17/university-of-birmingham-expert-asks-is-it-time-for-us-all-...
 
Description System change, levelling-up and courageous policy objectives 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A piece that explores the levelling-up agenda that was part of an on-going media and political discussion.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://blog.bham.ac.uk/business-school/2022/04/14/system-change-levelling-up-and-courageous-policy-...
 
Description TfWM emissions data training and technical sessions 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Emissions data training (27th Jan 2023) + follow-up technical session (27th Jan 2022) with ~10 TfWM officers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description The Air We Breathe 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The University of Birmingham has opened a major new public engagement venue called The Exchange. The inaugural exhibition, called "The Air We Breathe", drew on many of the grants being reported here, both for air quality and for forests.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/index.aspx
 
Description The Air We Breathe Public Programme + Exhibition 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Bringing together cutting edge research from WM-Air and academics across the University of Birmingham, The Air We Breathe is a public programme of exhibition, activities and events exploring the relationships between people, the environment and air quality. The Exhibition has been open since October 2021 and runs until July 2022. To-date over 1,500 have visited the exhibition. An add-on exhibit 'Sounding out pollution' will be added in March 2022. Feedback will be analysed in due course in order to understand impact.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/the-air-we-breathe.aspx
 
Description The COVID-19 Effect: why coronavirus is eclipsing Thunberg on climate change - University of Birmingham blog 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Bryson J.R. (2020). "The COVID-19 Effect: why coronavirus is eclipsing Thunberg on climate change", Birmingham Perspectives, front page of the University of Birmingham website

The COVID-19 Effect: why coronavirus is eclipsing Thunberg on climate change - University of Birmingham

With action required to protect the environment Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography, John Bryson discusses if the COVID-19 effect may have had a greater impact than the Thunberg effect.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/perspective/covid-19-climate-change.aspx
 
Description The Conversation blog - 70 years on from London's Great Smog, we still need cleaner air to protect health 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Blog article co- authored by Prof William Bloss and Dr Suzanne Bartington, in response to the UK Chief Medical Officer's Anniversary Report and 70th Anniversary of the London smogs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description The Edge Debate (online): The nexus of clean air and urban climate resilience 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Short presentation then part of the debate panel
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description The Royal Society - You and the planet: air 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Panel webinar hosted by the Royal Society and undertaken in collaboration with Manchester Science Festival https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2021/02/you-and-the-planet-air/ exploring the science of air quality and climate change, the impact air pollution on the planet and people's health. The event was live-streamed on the Royal Society YouTube channel and made available as a recording on the Royal Society website.

Attended live by 520 viewers, with 90 questions submitted and over 2500 viewed the recording within a 24 hour period. The event led to several submitted questions which have since shaped new research ideas - for example with regard to impacts of domestic woodburning in the West Midlands region and introduction of 20 mph speed limits.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2021/02/you-and-the-planet-air/
 
Description The UK planning system, 14 August 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Loss of The Crooked House shows need for listing reform
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/dudley/2023/08/14/loss-of-the-crooked-house-show-need...
 
Description Transport for West Midlands 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Air Quality, Congestion and Environmental Sustainability: Invited presentation to transport professionals and local councillors on steps to improve air quality (Oct 2020)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description UK Business News - Local authority finances and citizen involvement in place-shaping 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Is it time for us all to take some individual responsibility in order to relieve Local Authority Finances?
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://uk-business-news.co.uk/2024/01/17/university-of-birmingham-expert-asks-is-it-time-for-us-all...
 
Description UKHSA Annual UK Research Review Meeting on Outdoor and Indoor Air Pollution research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Chairing of session on transport related air pollution at the UKHSA Annual UK Research Review Meeting
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description UoB Planetary Health workshop (24 June 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Suzanne Bartington organised the first UoB Planetary Health workshop (24 June 2019), including internal and external interdisciplinary academic researchers, clinicians, and local authority officers. The workshop identified a need for expert input for intersectoral horizon scanning, including identification of potential policy conflict areas with regard to climate change and air pollution mitigation measures.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Urban Effects of Lockdown - a UDG Coalition Conversation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The purpose of the online event - UDG Coalition Conversations - is to encourage built environment professionals to come together to share ideas and thoughts on how to tackle the most pressing crises facing towns and cities.

The first online conversation focuses on Urban Effects of Lockdown.

Professor Zongbo Shi gave a talk on the how lockdown affected air quality in global cities and what does it mean for future air pollution control. He also answered a number of questions by the audiences
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.udg.org.uk/events/2021/urban-effects-lockdown-udg-coalition-conversation
 
Description WJB interviewed on BBC News regarding woodburners 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Bill Bloss of filmed by BBC News commenting on government plans to plans to ban coal and wet wood from next January.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description WM-Air Annual Meeting 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact The fifth WM-Air ('Clean Air Science for the West Midlands') annual meeting took place at The Exchange on 18th October 2023. It was the largest event to-date, with nearly 80 delegates including the WM-Air team, wider University of Birmingham colleagues, local authorities, external stakeholders and cross-sector partners from across the region and beyond.
At the meeting, members of the WM-Air team and external partners provided a series of short updates on recent work, available capabilities and key case studies being undertaken with partners across the region, including: Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), exploring the sources of PM2.5 in the West Midlands, traffic reduction scenarios, low traffic neighbourhoods, and using integrated policy to create healthier cities. There was also a keynote presentation, 'Air pollution in the 21st Century: evidence and the case for action', by Dr Gary Fuller, Senior Lecturer in Air Quality Measurement at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine, UKRI Clean Air Champion and member of Defra's Air Quality Expert Group. Following the main event, there were opportunities for discussion and networking over lunch, and a workshop demonstrating the new Air Quality-Policy Evaluation Tool (AQ-PET).
The presentations can be viewed at https://wm-air.org.uk/project-resources/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/project-resources/
 
Description WM-Air Annual Meeting, 29th October 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Annual meeting to update stakeholders and partners about WM-Air project progress and to engage them in discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description WM-Air Briefing Notes 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Updated WHO Guidelines for Air Quality 2021 - West Midlands briefing note: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2021/09/24/briefing-note-on-new-air-quality-guidelines/ (12 downloads via webform)

Procuring and deploying low-cost sensor networks: guidance and questions for low-cost and commercial AQ sensing networks: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/4238/1/LowCostAQSensors_Amend2.pdf

First Steps in Air Quality for Built Environment Practitioners: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/3069/1/Ferranti_etal_2019_FirstStepsAQ.pdf

Urban design for air quality: http://epapers.bham.ac.uk/3493/1/WM-Air_Design_Charter.pdf

What is PM2.5? An introduction to particulate matter in the atmosphere: a briefing note: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/02/23/briefing-note-what-is-pm2-5/

Impact of woodburning on air quality: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/03/21/briefing-note-woodburning/

Ambient air quality monitoring for healthcare settings: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/06/15/briefing-note-ambient-air-quality-monitoring-for-healthcare-settings/ (14 downloads via webform)

New Air Quality Targets and Interim Goals for Fine Particulate Matter - PM2.5: Implications for the West Midlands (18 downloads via webform)

Improving in-vehicle air quality using activated charcoal air filters: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/02/22/briefing-note-improving-in-vehicle-air-quality-using-activated-charcoal-air-filters/

Trees and Air Quality: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2022/08/24/trees-and-urban-air-quality-a-briefing-note/

Mapping climate risk and vulnerability with publicly available data: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/07/10/briefing-note-mapping-climate-risk-and-vulnerability-with-publicly-available-data/ (9 downloads via webform)

Birmingham Health Impacts of Air Pollution: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/07/03/birmingham-health-impacts-of-air-pollution-briefing-note-released/ (23 downloads via webform)

Introduction to Air Pollution: Resources for Schools (KS3+4): https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2023/08/31/introduction-to-air-pollution-resources-for-schools-ks3-4/ (30 downloads via webform)

GIS school task: https://wm-air.org.uk/blog/2024/02/19/new-schools-gis-resource-developed-in-collaboration-with-king-edwards-camphill-girls-school-and-esri/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021,2022,2023,2024
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/news
 
Description WM-Air Quarterly Newsletter 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Quarterly e-newsletter outlining and updating audiences (stakeholders, partners and interested parties) on the work of the WM-Air project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description WM-Air Session at Futurebuild 2024 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Emma Ferranti from WM-Air Chaired a session at Futurebuild 2024, including presentations on: 1) WM-Air highlights (Cat Muller), 2) CRVA tool (Sarah Greenham), 3) AQ-LAT (James Hall), followed by a Q+A session with the audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/
 
Description WM-Air Twitter (@WMAir_UoB) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Twitter account for the WM-air project, currently 170 followers, 260 tweets sent out, 10,000 engagements.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
URL https://twitter.com/WMAir_UoB
 
Description WM-Air at Edgbaston Cricket Club's 'Go Green Game' 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Edgbaston Cricket Club held its first major sustainability match day on 3rd Sept 2023 for England men's Vitality IT20 game against New Zealand. The 'Go Green Game' encouraged spectators to leave their cars at home, and WM-Air were invited along to raise awareness of air quality issues. Bill Bloss, Joe Acton, and Ravi Sahu accompanied the Mobile Air Quality Supersite, which was located at Edgbaston Cricket Ground during the event, in order to engage visitors in the importance of clean air.

In addition to the supersite monitoring equipment, a low-cost air pollution sensor has been located at the site since 2021 - for air quality monitoring during the Commonwealth Games period - providing a good opportunity to assess to impact of the public-transport-only approach. Air quality during the match was good and the team had positive conversations on air quality with staff from the ECB and spectators from across the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://edgbaston.com/spectator-guide-england-v-new-zealand-vitality-it20/go-green-game/
 
Description WM-Air website 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact WM-Air project website, containing information about the project, aims, case studies, and partners, as well as resources for stakeholders, general public and interested other parties.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019,2020
URL https://wm-air.org.uk/
 
Description WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Cllrs knowledge transfer session at UoB 2023 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Cllrs knowledge transfer session at UoB (air quality and health), inc. visit to BAQS (26th Jan 2023).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description WMCA Transport Delivery Committee Councillors visit, 30th Jan 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact William Bloss and Catherine Muller welcomed a group of councillors from across the West Midlands (Cllr Richard Worral (Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council), Cllr Kath Hartley (Birmingham City Council) and Cllr Celia Hibbert (City of Wolverhampton Council)) plus representatives from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), who were interested in finding out about the WM-Air project and air quality impacts.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar - business 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited to participate and present on the Digital Leadership Programme organized by GBSLEP and targeted at future digital leader across the West Midlands, 'Reading Service Businesses: New Business Models and Value Creation Processes', 9 September 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar - business 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A national Webinar organised by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) a presentation and related discussion under the title "Managing your Business Strategy Post-Pandemic".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar - policymakers 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Invited to participate in the IGI, Birmingham, COVID-19 Webinar Series 'Living with the Pandemic', my topic was Social Distancing: People are the Problem (3 June 2020), about 300 people, with viewers from Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Romania, Belgium, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia and 'Facebook friends from the Arab world'.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar for Health Education England 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to participate and present in a webinar organised by Health Education England on 10 November 2020 (90 delegates) on the topic "Covid-19 and the Economy: Forms of Life and the Tensions between the Biological, the Biographical and the Environmental".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar targeted at American policy-makers and businesses 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Webinar discussion organised by Small Business Development Centre, University of New York (SUNY) on COVID-19 and the Management of Risk and Alternative Values, on Thursday 17 September 2020
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Webinar targeted at Business 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A presentation and discussion as part of the Business Bites webinar series run out of the Dubai campus of the University of Birmingham. The topic was: Covid-19 Pandemic and precarious Economies: Risk and Value in existing business models and the change required for recovery
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://anchor.fm/unibirminghamdubai/episodes/COVID-19-Pandemic-and-precarious-Economies-Risk-and-Va...
 
Description West Midlands Climate Change Adaptation Working Group 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Developing a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for Birmingham - presentation to working group.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner visit 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Visit by Adam Tranter - Cycling and Walking Commissioner for the West Midlands region (Transport for West Midlands) to the Edgbaston Campus, including tour of the Birmingham Air Quality Supersite.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://twitter.com/adamtranter/status/1496565518928650253
 
Description iLEAPS Global Interview 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact "Green Infrastructure for air quality benefits and Nature-based solutions for Clean Air and Climate". 90-minute interview as part of the iLEAPS Global Interview Series 2023 "Drive with iLEAPS on the Wheels of Science", 27th Sept.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023