New sensor boxes measure the air quality in real-time in Ghent. The sensors measure the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a pollutant mostly originating from traffic. The new sensors will be put to use for the coming two years at different locations in Ghent.

Quicker method and real-time results
The city already uses measuring tubes to measure air quality. Those tubes need to go to a lab for analyses. The advantage of the new sensors is that the results immediately show on an online platform. The Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) monitors the quality of the sensors and makes sure the data can be consulted in real-time via the data portal of Together for Clean Air.

With this project, the city and the VMM investigate whether real-time sensor measurements are usable for the evaluation of policy interventions. Through a dedicated approach, the air quality in the city can be monitored more effectively. The project also contributes to the scientific knowledge of air quality sensors and their use in policy.

Future projects
At this moment, the 15 boxes hang on different locations in the Dampoort district. They’re partly located at the same locations as the measuring tubes. This offers the possibility to compare both measuring methods and map the pro’s and con’s. In 2025, the boxes will move to the Muide and the surroundings of Dok Noord to map the impact of the new Verapazbrug.

Next school year, a project will start to measure the local effect of a school street on the air quality. The data will be shown live at the school gate. In this experiment, the city of Ghent will investigate whether measuring and visualising air quality impacts the behaviour of students and their parents in choosing a mode of transportation from and to school.