We are commitment to improve local air quality, are you?
Together, we can substantially reduce air pollution emissions
What are we doing about improving air quality locally?
We have published the Air Quality Action Plan (draft) in 2010 that provides a set of measures which will aim to reduce air pollution levels in the City to within the government National Air Quality Objectives.
Because the problems of air quality are related to traffic we are considering ways to control traffic in the city as well as encouraging the use of public transport and cleaner newer vehicle technologies.
Cars and heavy diesel vehicles are affecting air quality, causing the pollution in Portsmouth to be above government levels for nitrogen dioxide at a selection of locations.
In order to improve air quality, Portsmouth needs to make the most of cycling and public transport. Reducing car traffic into the city centre and other congested areas will lower emissions of harmful pollutants and allow delivery vehicles and buses to access their destinations quickly and efficiently.
By not using your car for your travels you will be producing no pollution and you will be helping to improve air quality for others.
What are you doing to improve air quality locally?
Local air quality can be impaired by the choices that are made by everyone of us on daily basis. Therefore, a change in behaviour in the way we approach our daily activities and choices can have a tremendous effect and result in a reduction of your air pollution footprint.
You can reduce your effect on your local air pollution level by adopting new air pollution conscious approach.
We make choices everyday that can help reduce air pollution. To assist you, these are only some of the ideas to explore and adopt whenever possible:
Environmentally friendly living
- Produce some of the energy that you consume; for example through the installation of photo-voltaic (PV) solar panels.
- Buy green electricity-produced if available from low-or even zero-pollution facilities.
- connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
- Conserve energy - turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater and central heating.
- Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminium cans to conserve energy and reduce production emissions.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
- Turn off all home electrical appliances if not in use and not to leave them on stand-by.
Environmentally friendly shopping.
- Use energy efficient lighting and appliances.
- Acquire efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
- Pick up products that have less packaging and are reusable.
- Shop with reusable bags such as canvas bag.
- Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.
Environmentally friendly driving.
- Avoid congested junctions and road links.
- Be an Eco- Driver to:
- reduce fuel use,
- save money at the gas station,
- reduce automotive emissions.
- Drive less and only if required.
- Encourage your employer to set up transport strategy.
- Give priority to using, when possible, public transport, walking, or riding a bike along less polluted roads.
- Join local car sharing clubs.
- Keep your car properly maintained according to the manufacturer specifications:
- Tires have to be kept properly inflated and aligned.
- Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.
- Check the engine regularly and keep it well tuned.
- Replace, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter on regular basis.
- Keep the radiator’s cooling liquid well toped-up.
- Plan your trips not only to make financial saving but also to reduce air pollution.
- Report smoking vehicles to your relevant authority.
- Take on flexible work schedules or telecommunicating if offered by your employer.