Modelling air quality at preschools - influence of vegetation, building morphology and traffic emissions
Abstract
The aim of the proposed project is to identify and evaluate effectiveness, health benefits, and costs associated with local air and noise abatement measures introduced to ensure a healthy environment at preschools, in order to facilitate a sustainable urban development where the environmental objectives are fulfilled. In the recently updated Gothenburg City environment and climate program 2021-2030, children’s exposure to air pollutants and noise is targeted as especially important, with the goal that the environmental objectives for air and noise will be fulfilled at all preschool yards by 2030. It is also concluded that active measures for abating air and noise pollution are needed to meet this goal. We will identify preschools where the risk is tangible that air and noise pollution exceeds the environmental objectives, and evaluate the most effective measures. A range of local mobility measures as well as different types of barriers and vegetation will be assessed. A comprehensive effectivity analysis will be based on measurements and scenario modelling and include pollution exposure and connected health effects, as well as costs, suitability, synergies and conflicts of the different measures. By framing the study to represent preschools in typical high-risk areas, we will ensure scalability of the findings. The end goal is to provide a comprehensive policy guide for selecting effective and cost-effective measures for improving the air and noise environment at preschools.
