The city of Bruges measures air quality in real time with own monitoring network
Frequent measurement and proper monitoring of air quality is important for a healthy city. The air quality in Bruges has improved systematically over the past few years. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization’s advisory rules are still frequently exceeded. Eighteen new sensor boxes immediately measure air quality and the data can be consulted by residents.
The installation of eighteen innovative sensor boxes is part of the European LIFE CityTRAQ project. The aim is to finely measure the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM2,5). With the project, Bruges and the Flemish Environment Agency are investigating how air quality evolves over a day, a season and a year, and where the bottlenecks are.
"The sensor box emits a colored light so passer-by can quickly see if the air quality is currently good."
Alderman for Climate, Environment and Energy Minou Esquenet: “Last year, we drew up a comprehensive report in which we collected all available data on air quality in Bruges. To further strengthen the data collected, we have made additional investments in a more finely meshed measurement network for Bruges. At various locations in Bruges, 18 innovative sensor boxes have been installed to monitor air quality in real time. The sensor box emits a colored light so that passer-by can quickly see if the air quality is good at that moment. Anyone can follow the measurementes of air quality in the city via a link on the city website or via the Airly app. At the end of this year, we will also install an interactive display so that Bruges residents and visitors can be openly informed and sensitized about the city’s air quality.”
Over the next two years, these sensor boxes will be tested in Bruges to measure air quality in real time. The Flemish Environment Agency is providing implementation and analysis support for the project in Bruges.
