Air quality modelling and impact assessment
From local dispersion assessments to national modelling programmes we support a comprehensive range of assignments.
Effective air quality modelling and assessment
Our world-class air quality modelling and assessment team provides policy support for diverse clients, supporting compliance with air quality assessment obligations and focusing on health impact reduction. Our comprehensive range of air quality assessment services support clients worldwide throughout the planning application and permitting processes. We also provide specialist air quality assessment services as part of Ricardo's wider Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) team.
Projects
Ricardo appointed by Defra to develop and maintain UK Air Quality Emissions Scenario Modelling Tool
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Ricardo air quality expertise to help European Commission reduce premature deaths from air pollution
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Air quality support to the Scottish Government
Read case studyOur services
Our modelling services include:
- Air quality measurements: Robust monitoring for understanding compliance with regulatory limits and designing effective and targeted actions to improve air quality
- RapidAir® modelling software: Revolutionary computational speed for emissions baseline setting and road traffic scenario testing
- Scenario modelling: A bespoke scenario-modelling tool to inform better policies on air pollutant emissions
- Data visualisation & public engagement: Providing the latest data visualisation techniques to help you understand and communicate air pollution information to the public and relevant stakeholders.
- MODUS data mangement suite: Robust, reliable and effective management of air quality data, enabling automated data collection, validation, quality assurance and dissemination through websites and apps.
- uBreathe - free app for iPhone, iPad & Android: Giving you air pollution health advice where and when you need it most. A colour-coded UK map locates where you are to give you instant access to current and forecast air pollution information, complete with health advice and useful links.
- Low emission strategies: Ricardo experts support the development of an integrated approach for a range of complementary measures that not only solve air quality problems, but help mitigate carbon emissions and ensure a vibrant and liveable city for your residents. Our approach has under pinned our work with cities in developing Air Quality Action Plans, Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones. We have helped cities secure significant investment in low emission vehicles, sustainable transport measures and access management and charging schemes.
We are experts in assesing impacts from a variety of sources:
- Road traffic
- Commercial and residential developments
- CHPs and boilers
- Industrial sites
- Waste
- Construction
- Airports
Our services include:
- Screening and scoping, DMRB Screening Assessments and D1
- Stack Height Assessments
- Construction Dust Assessments and Management Plans
- Detailed air quality modelling
- Odour modelling
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
- Site Suitability Assessment
- Air Quality Neutral Assessments
- EIA Review
- Expert witness support
We also provide training on the air quality impact assessment process through our EMAQ+ programme.
Key examples include:
Air quality and health risk assessment of Keighley Clean Energy Facility
Ricardo was commissioned by Endless Energy to carry out a detailed air quality and health risk assessment of a proposed Keighley Clean Energy Facility. This included assessment of a waste to energy facility using advanced thermal treatment technology.
Air quality impact assessments for Vital Energi
Ricardo supports Vital Energi by carrying out air quality impact assessments for a range of projects. Typically, these require detailed dispersion modelling of emissions from upgrades to critical energy centres and combined heat and power (CHP) and boiler systems in large buildings such as hospitals, where the limitations included in the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) have to be considered.
Planning and environmental permitting application for Christie Hospital Manchester
Air quality impacts arising from the project needed to be carefully considered as the hospital is located in a fairly densely populated area. Two designated habitat sites were also identified nearby, so consideration was given to the protection of the sensitive vegetation and ecosystems in these habitats.
Related capabilities
Air quality modelling and impact assessment Resources
Ensuring your organisation's AQAPs meet Defra's updated requirements
Read blogFinal report on flagship air pollution reporting pilot scheme released
Read reportA Climate Action Plan for Santa Cruz
Read RQRicardo clocks up over 1 billion records of UK air quality measurements
Read articleMeet the experts
Rachel Yardley
Business Area Manager – Air Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories, Tools and Projections
