Air Quality sensors installed at three primary schools

New air quality sensors have been installed at three Dundee primary schools to provide awareness of pollutant levels, helping with educating about emission reduction and cleaner air for communities as part of a collaborative project.

The sensors have been introduced at Glebelands Primary School and at North East Campus for St Francis RC Primary and Longhaugh Primary, and kick start a new campaign, supported by Urban ReLeaf, to engage pupils in real-world STEM learning while encouraging positive behaviour change.

The Urban Releaf project is co-funded by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Innovate UK agency and Horizon Europe.

As part of the campaign, ‘What Are We Breathing?’ educational booklets have been developed which include engaging activities for pupils to learn more about pollution and its long-term effects.

Climate, Net Zero & Environment Convener Cllr Lynne Short said: “The new air quality sensors monitor PM2.5 in real-time, tracking key data including at the peak times of morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.

“The health benefits are clear, with bairns especially vulnerable to pollutants.”

City Growth & Infrastructure Depute Convener Cllr Siobhan Tolland added: “By making this real-time data available, it’s hoped the campaign will encourage more children, parents and families to consider walking, cycling or scooting to school as healthier options to driving, and for those that do choose to drive, we ask that they turn off their engines when stopped to prevent idling.

“These methods obviously decrease congestion and provide cleaner air for the surrounding area while having the added benefits of boosting mental health and usually being cheaper.”

Children and Families Convener Cllr Stewart Hunter said: “This campaign has been designed to support public health and wellbeing goals while also providing pupils with real-world STEM learning opportunities.

“Through developing positive habits and through education, as a city, we can tackle pollution and bring about cleaner air for communities.”

The real-time air quality readings are publicly available on the Purple Air website and the booklet can be found on the Dundee City Council website.