AIR4EU

Coordinator: Dr. Peter Builtjes, TNO, The Nederlands

Title: Air quality assessment for Europe:from local to continental scale

Aim: To provide recommendations on integrated AQ assessment for different temporal (hourly to annual) and spatial scales (Hotspot/street to continental) in support of the CAFE programme.

www: http://www.Air4EU.nl/

Project summary

1. Problems to be solved

There are a wide variety of AQ assessment methods based upon monitoring and modelling, but these methods depend on the spatial and temporal scales, and are often not or only partially compatible. Consequently, there is a need for scientific sound and practical recommendations on how to integrate monitoring and modelling methods into internally consistent, comprehensive and cost-effective assessment methods in Europe. AQ assessment has been recognised a priority issue within the "Clean Air for Europe- CAFE" programme. At a local level, especially, within the major cities in Europe, local authorities responsible for implementation of the European Air Quality Directive need adequate and harmonised AQ assessment methods to comply with the limit values of AQ, to develop Action Plans (in case of non-compliance) and to perform Environmental Impact Assessment activities.

2. Scientific objectives and approach

AIR4EU has the objective to recommend on AQ assessment based upon monitoring and modelling at different temporal and spatial scales for regulated components in Europe: PM10 (and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, O3 and benzene. The approach to achieve this objective is based on an evaluation and comparison of existing monitoring and modelling methods, experience exchange and consultation with urban, regional, national and European policy makers, research by the core-group scientists, and a peer review by a high-level reference group.

Co-operation of European top-scientists from six member states representing four universities (University of Hertfortshire, University of Stuttgart, University of Aveiro and University of Thessaloniki), two research institutes (NILU and TNO) and eight user-partners will support the establishment of the European Research Area. AIR4EU will co-operate with on-going relevant projects (e.g. ENV-e-CITY; OSCAR; CLEAR; MERLIN) and networks (e.g. INTEGAIRE, CITY-Delta; POLIS), and specific liaison will be established with the CAFE programme.

3. Expected impacts

Case studies are implemented with the user partners in Paris, Rome, Prague, London, Athens, Rotterdam and Oslo, to test and further develop recommendations on AQ assessment. AIR4EU will also prepare AQ maps at different scales in Europe based upon available data sets (monitoring, meteorology and emissions) and the recommended methods.

AIR4EU will disseminate its results by its Website and through Newsletters and Workshops to the scientific community, environmental authorities, policy makers and other stakeholders in AQ in Europe.