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Description
The subject of the project is a mobile measurement of air quality in the city of Brno for one year at 12 new locations (including laboratory tests) in order to obtain current and accurate data for calibration and dispersion model, which will be the basis for updating the Brno Air Quality Action Plan, including SEA processing. The statutory city of Brno is a typical urban (heavily urbanized) area, where air quality is a crucial point, and development priority. Brno, as the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, faces relatively high concentrations of pollutants in the air, especially in the winter. The project doubles the potential of measurement accuracy compared to the existing capacities of CHMI measuring stations. The project also brings a communication plan aimed at the general and professional public, which will enable targeted and more favourable presentation and communication of new measures within the Action Plan and scientific results from the analytical studies and calibration models. Brno, with its strong commuting links beyond the borders of the South Moravian Region, also represents a target population of over half a million inhabitants, whose quality of life will be positively affected by project results and their implementation through the Action Plan, with emphasis on high-risk age groups of children and the elderly. ) contributing to the improvement of public health. The added value of partnership cooperation lies primarily in the intensive cooperation of the academic, self-governing and commercial sectors in the design and implementation of a strategic document based on the latest scientific results and experience from domestic and foreign institutions.
Summary of project results
We conducted a comprehensive mapping of the air pollution levels in Brno and identified specific areas where the immission load is highest. Based on these findings, we proposed a series of measures aimed at improving air quality across the city. Our objectives included not only identifying key sources of pollution, such as traffic, industry, and residential heating, but also assessing how these emissions impact various population groups, with a particular focus on the exposure and vulnerability of children.
To enhance the effectiveness of our efforts, we developed a targeted communication strategy to raise public awareness about air pollution issues. This strategy includes informative campaigns, community engagement, and educational programs designed to empower residents with knowledge on how air quality affects health, especially for young children. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a more informed and proactive community, encouraging both individual and collective actions to reduce pollution and contribute to a healthier, cleaner urban environment.
We conducted comprehensive air quality monitoring, examining both ambient and personal exposure levels. Measurements were taken at selected sites across the city, including 12 new monitoring locations established through the project, along with personal-level monitoring that tracked the emission exposure of over 150 primary school pupils using small, mobile sensors. To gain additional insights, the children’s parents participated in a complementary questionnaire survey, enhancing our understanding of household-related factors.
Following a detailed analysis of the collected data, the project team worked with key stakeholders to propose targeted measures for the Air Protection Action Plan for Brno. We engaged actively with municipal districts, NGOs, city companies, and other stakeholders through a series of round-table discussions, gathering input and fostering collaboration. As part of this process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (SEA) was also conducted to ensure the proposed measures were sustainable and beneficial.
In March 2024, the Brno City Council approved the new Air Protection Action Plan, marking a significant step toward improving air quality. Alongside these efforts, we carried out a series of public awareness initiatives to engage the community on air quality issues. These included a competition for secondary school students, exhibitions, a campaign with the Brno City Transport Company, and educational workshops for primary school pupils. Through these activities, we sought to raise awareness, encourage community participation, and foster a proactive approach to air quality improvement among Brno’s residents.
We created an analysis of the emission burden in Brno and at the same time contributed to the creation of an air protection plan based on the underlying data, which responds to the real situation and is also communicated with the necessary stakeholders. Thanks to the project, the topic of air protection was also made visible to the wider public and the media. In the long term, we helped to prepare the city of Brno for the recently approved new and stricter air pollutant limits by the EU. Thanks to the cooperation between researchers and the municipality, the city of Brno has an up-to-date analysis of the air quality and a plan for its improvement.
Summary of bilateral results
The project involved close cooperation with the City of Oslo''s Agency for Urban Environment and the University of Stavanger. Overall, we regard this partnership as highly successful, with each partner contributing unique expertise and experience that enabled us to achieve our objectives and support improvements in Brno''s air quality. This project stands as a model of effective international cooperation and the exchange of best practices between cities and academic institutions.The partnership with Oslo, Norway''s capital, was particularly crucial in transferring proven strategies for air quality improvement. Oslo’s extensive experience in addressing air quality challenges in topographically complex environments provided invaluable insights and practical knowledge. This collaboration allowed us to adapt and implement best practices tailored to Brno’s specific conditions, adding essential scientific expertise to the project.