The City of London is asking city businesses and employees to help improve local air
quality. The smogs in London before Easter served to remind us how bad London’s air can
be. Pollution in London is mainly caused by traffic and the heating and cooling of buildings.
We all contribute to poor air quality, but the people at most risk are children and the elderly.
The government’s own advisors, the committee on the medical effects of air pollutants
(COMEAP) have stated that air pollution still makes a significant contribution to mortality in
the UK, having a greater impact than passive smoking.
Businesses are being asked to take simple steps to reduce emissions of pollutants. This
could be:
- The transport choice of employees – to walk or cycle rather than take a taxi
- Reducing the number of deliveries - eg avoid taking personal deliveries at work
- Building management and procurement policies that help improve air quality.
Further information
Details of the campaign are available at the
City of London website. Follow CityAir on Twitter
@_CityAir for the latest advice and information.
