Vindico’s Director of R&D, Professor Paul Lewis, gives us the rundown of COP26 – and what’s next for carbon emissions and air pollution. COP26 was heavily focused on carbon emissions and the drive to net zero (also referred to as carbon neutrality). We heard a lot about the impact of carbon emissions on our planet, the environment, our businesses, and our sustainability. But carbon emissions can also directly relate to air quality – and ultimately our health and well-being, too. We sat down with air quality expert Professor Paul Lewis to find out more. Why is COP26 so important for air quality? Air pollution experts have shown a lot of interest in COP26. The reason why is because the main sources of carbon emissions are very often the biggest contributors to air pollution. This is especially true for fine particulates, often referred to as PM2.5, and Nitrogen Dioxide – two of which cause the greatest impacts on our health. What about coal burning? Coal burning was on the agenda for the first time at COP26.  Although this was a step forward, right at the last minute, there was the lack of a commitment to ‘phase-out’ coal use worldwide. Instead, 196 countries agreed to ‘phase-down’ coal. On the positive side, we’ll see a reduction in coal-fired power stations. But we won’t see the complete removal of coal in countries such as India. How does this impact air quality in the UK? Although the UK has been proactive in restricting coal-burning, a lack of a total commitment from other countries raises concerns over air pollution from our neighbours. Germany still has around 30 coal-fired power stations that won’t be phased out until 2038, while Poland still operates around 50. So, although the UK has only a few coal-burning power stations left, our concern is the fine particulates blowing over from the power stations actively operating in Northern European countries like Germany and Poland. Believe it or not, this can significantly impact our health and wellbeing. In  fact, our own modelling in Think Air has shown how PM2.5 can blow in from these countries, directly causing higher levels of air pollution in areas of Wales. What’s the deal with methane? Methane is a major source of ground-level ozone, which can be a real issue for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases. To tackle this, US President Joe Biden has launched the Global Methane Pledge at COP26, which is asking countries to cut their methane emissions by 30% by 2030. How will we help developing countries? Air quality is a global issue, so it was positive to see the Glasgow Climate Pact commit to doubling adaptation finance for poorer countries. For the first time, both the US and China agreed to contribute to this fund – so this is a major step forward. It means more support to reduce air pollution in those areas, and a request for countries to submit even more ambitious climate pledges at COP27 next year. Lastly, what about electric cars? COP26 also pledged an agreement to encourage both countries and major car manufacturers to aim for zero-emissions vehicles by 2035. This applies to new sales of both cars and vans in leading markets. The UK has signed this agreement, but other major countries, including the US, Germany, and China haven’t – at least not yet. To find out more about the impact of air pollution on your business, industry, and community – and for live updates – visit our sister

Vindico’s Head of R&D, Professor Paul Lewis, has been appointed regional Clean Air Champion for the UKRI and the Met Office’s Clean Air Programme. As a new regional Clean Air Champion, Paul Lewis joins the existing champions in supporting the national Clean Air Programme – a £42.5 million investment that supports high quality research and innovation to develop practical solutions for today’s air quality issues. It also equips the UK to proactively tackle future air quality challenges. As our Director of R&D here at Vindico, Professor Paul is already driving some of the most cutting-edge research, insights, and innovations around clean air and its impact on local communities. His most high-profile project to date is Think Air – Vindico’s self-funded background air quality monitoring and insights network – of which he is Co-Founder. Think Air is now the largest urban and rural background particulate network in Wales, covering the entire reach of the country. It provides air quality data  that supports agriculture, commercial, residential, and education environments. It’s also on track to being the largest non-governmental background air quality monitoring network in the UK by the end of 2022. Most importantly, it is collecting real-time data that is helping Professor Paul and the team to gain valuable data and insights into local air quality – what’s impacting it, and what we can do to improve it. “I am delighted to become the UKRI Regional Air Champion for Wales, supporting the work of the Clean Air Programme and Strategic Priorities Fund,” says Professor Paul. “The role will allow me to engage with key stakeholders from academia, industry, government, the NHS and third sector right across Wales to help develop new solutions and policies to reduce air pollution and the impacts on our health and wellbeing.” In addition to supporting the nationwide Clean Air programme, Professor Paul Lewis is a member of the Welsh Government Clean Air Panel. He’s also member of the Cross-Party Group for a new Clean Air Act, and sits on several advisory panels including the Wales Air Quality Direction Independent Review Panel and the Domestic Solid Fuel Burning in Wales, Task and Finish Group. You can fine out more about the Clean Air Programme and its regional champions

This week is National Coding Week – and it couldn’t be better timing for TASK. As its presence in Primary Schools continues to rise, TASK’s introduction to coding is helping pupils and teachers to embrace STEM in the classroom. But let’s rewind – what exactly is TASK? TASK is the UK’s first air quality activity kit designed just for kids. Pioneered Vindico’s Director of R&D, and UK air quality expert, Professor Paul Lewis, TASK is a science lab in a box that covers all areas of the curriculum in England and Wales. With a focus on learning by doing, TASK’s interactive experiences help raise awareness of air pollution in a way that’s easy to understand, measure, and report. It covers all six key areas of learning and experience in the Welsh curriculum, and supports numerous programmes of study in the UK curriculum. But back to coding. TASK’s drag-and-drop coding is the ideal introduction to computer coding and logic – and it’s been designed especially for key stage 1 and 2 (years 5 and 6). Once the air quality sensors are attached and operating, pupils can create alerts and triggers when different levels are exceeded. Imagine an alarm sounding when air quality drops, or a class becomes too rowdy! Beyond building the sensor, pupils use the same intuitive tool to create live dashboards (outputting via HDMI) with the same drag-and-drop interface. In fact, it uses the same methods and tools that create live sensor-based automation platforms in industry and construction. Pretty nifty, right? And the learning doesn’t stop there. When kids learn to code, they gain tons of other skills too. Coding helps primary school pupils to build their digital skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and teamworking skills. It also gives creative skills, too. TASK’s platform has also been designed to make sure knowledge is transferable to higher learning and activities beyond the classroom. If your classroom is new to coding and want to give it a go, you can find out more about TASK’s benefits

Think Air has officially launched – and we’d like to thank everyone who tuned in to support this virtual event.   This week saw Think Air officially launch – with hundreds of climate-conscious businesses tuning in to find out how they can make a difference to air quality in the UK.   The Welsh air quality sensor network – which has already been piloted at several locations, has had the thumbs-up from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and has been shortlisted for a national Small Award – is now rolling out to organisations, local authorities, research projects, and schools across the UK.   Hosted by Barry Kirby of K Sharp, the launch featured conversations with experts including:   Professor Paul Lewis – Head of R&D at Think Air and Professor Emeritus at Swansea University   Jo Polson – Award-Winning Tech Entrepreneur and MD of Think Air   Catherine Lloyd-Jenkins – Former Head Teacher, and Education Consultant to TASK   Sam Lewis – R&D at Think Air, and Swansea University PHD Student   Robin Cammish – Entrepreneur and Chairman of Think Air   The insightful one-hour virtual launch also highlighted the health, wellbeing, and environmental risks of air pollution – particularly PM2.5, PM10 and CO2 – as well as the benefits of real-time monitoring. Professor Paul Lewis also presented new and unique data and insights about air quality in Wales.   Of course, the focus always returned to the solutions – the three Think Air products being launched: Internal Air Quality Monitors, External Air Quality Monitors, and TASK (Think Air Schools Kit). The latter of which has been specially created with former head teacher Catherine Lloyd-Jenkins to fit seamlessly with the current national curriculum for Key Stage 2. It has also been developed to fill the STEM void in the current Welsh curriculum.   We’d like to, once again, thank everyone who joined us online for the Think Air launch event.   All three Think Air products are now available via the Think Air online store. You can also speak to one of the team to find out more about Think Air – and how it can help your business, organisation, or school – by clicking

Think Air will launch on 22nd June 2021 at Parc Y Scarlets with a FREE virtual event. Think Air has had quite the year so far. It now powers the largest non-governmental external Air Quality network in the UK. It’s also transforming public and private sector workplaces by internally monitoring CO2 for optimum health, wellbeing and performance. It made the shortlist at this year’s national Small Awards, and it was also presented to Prime Minister Boris Johnson at No 10 Downing Street.   Now – after a whirlwind 2021 so far – Think Air is officially launching – and we’re inviting forward-thinking organisation, individuals, and school who care about climate change to be the first to see why we need to think air.   Air pollution is a major concern in the UK – and this virtual event will reveal how the air around us is key to driving better outcomes – for businesses, stakeholders, schools, communities, and the next generation.   This free virtual launch event – which takes place on 22nd June 2021 – will give you an insight into: Air quality in the UK – and why it’s never been so important The benefits of external air quality monitoring (PM2.5 and particulate matter) Internal air quality monitoring (and the impact of CO2 on health and wellbeing) Think Air for Schools (TASK) and its seamless integration into the national curriculum (Key Stage 2)   You’ll also learn: What air quality monitoring can do for your business, your targets, your productivity, and your community How low-cost local monitors can help organisations drive measured improvement Why it’s crucial that we measure PM2.5 – and the need for background monitoring How it impacts the next generation – and what you can do to become a champion for change There will also be a live Q&A, where you’ll be encouraged to send questions in advance for: Professor Paul Lewis – Head of R&D at Think Air and Professor Emeritus at Swansea University Ryan Griffiths – Technical Director of Think Air Jo Polson – Award-Winning Tech Entrepreneur and MD of Think Air Catherine Lloyd-Jenkins – Former Head Teacher, and Education Consultant to TASK   We all have a responsibility to create a better future and now you’re invited to join other environmentally conscious organisations and see how you can play your part, too. Click here to get your

This week marked the first Cross-Party group session for the Clean Air Act under the new parliament – and Paul Lewis was there to lend his advice. The Clean Air Act Cross-Party Group was formed in January 2019 to deliver a Clean Air Act for Wales. Originally chaired by Dr Dai Lloyd MS, the membership included Members of Senedd (MS) across major political parties, Professor Paul Lewis (representing Swansea University), and representatives from non-governmental organisations. These include British Lung Foundation, Sustans Cymru, Friends of the Earth, Living Streets, British Heart Foundation Cymru, Royal College of Physicians and Renewables UK Cymru. More than just a meeting, these groups provide an important opportunity to bring academia, the public sector, and commercial enterprises together to find tangible solutions. “Cross-Party Groups provide an opportunity for Members of Senedd to engage with external stakeholders on a particular subject,” explains Vindico Head of R&D, Paul Lewis. “Given the major and growing concerns about air pollution in Wales there was an obvious need for politicians and experts to engage on a regular basis to help deliver and change and improved legislation.” Meetings are held quarterly. The Clean Air Act for Wales sessions usually involve a presentation from an expert on air pollution, followed by important discussions on strategies for clean air zones in Wales, transport improvements, and awareness campaigns. Following the 2021 Welsh Parliament elections, the group was reformed with a new chair, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who now leads the group to debate the needs of the Clean Air Act – and how air pollution continues to impact on the health and wellbeing of people in Wales, and its biodiversity. The first meeting of the reformed group took place on 9th June 2021, and Vindico’s Head of R&D, Paul Lewis, was there to advise on air pollution patterns in Wales, and the impacts of pollutants – such as fine particulates – on health and wellbeing. “The Cross-Party Group – A Clean Air Act for Wales – through its members – have played a significant role in discussing air pollution problems in Wales, and what the requirements should be for new legislation,” says Paul. “Following the introduction of the Clean Air Act White Paper in January, the group now has a critical role in ensuring that the Act is delivered as soon as possible by the new Welsh Parliament. “The group will strive to ensure that Members of Senedd and Ministers are kept informed of new evidence on how air pollution impacts lives through continued engagement with experts until at least the Clean Air Act is delivered.”   And leading the way for the essential data needed to shape these decisions is Think Air. The largest non-government urban and rural background particulate monitoring network in the UK, Think Air is now live across over 100 locations in England and Wales. It officially launches on 22nd June 2021. Click here to find out more.    

Vindico Managing Director Jo and Technical Director Ryan were at Downing Street on Friday to help Boris Johnson launch the new ‘Together for Our Planet’ campaign. The event at No 10 Downing Street launched the nationwide campaign that will roll out across the UK in the run up to the UN Climate Summit in October. With the aim of encouraging small businesses to commit to cutting their carbon emissions, the campaign celebrates small businesses – like us at Vindico – who are taking steps to decarbonise their businesses. Only eight small businesses from across the UK were in attendance, and we were over-the-moon to be chosen as a UK Business Climate Leader for our leading air quality monitoring and measuring network, Think Air. Officially launching on 22nd June 2021, our Think Air network is already gathering live data across Wales and England. It’s also the largest non-governmental particulate monitoring and measuring network in the UK. Following months of research and development, we used Friday’s event to unveil our latest Think Air product: “TASK” (which stands for ‘Think Air Schools Kit’). We developed the latest product alongside head teachers – so it sits in line with the current Welsh and English curriculums. And it’s been specially designed to get children aged 9 to 11 building, coding, and measuring the air quality around them – at school, at home, and on the daily commute. Who was the first person outside of Vindico to get their hands on TASK? Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, of course. The PM not only built the product, but also praised Vindico’s vision and commitment to the next generation. “I’m not just a business owner, I’m a parent as well. And I, like many parents, want a better, more sustainable world for my children,” said MD Jo. “It’s our job to make sure that children have the tools and knowledge to deal with the challenges ahead. TASK delivers this in a practical and fun way, while learning about the importance of sustainability. “Sustainability spreads – and we’re lucky that we get to work with some of the UK’s most carbon-conscious clients. But now’s the time to help spread the message to the next generation. “Being a part of the Together for Our Planet campaign, and being able to present at Downing Street, has been a huge opportunity for us as a small business. By committing to Net Zero, we’re just trying to do our bit, and to be recognised for our carbon-conscious efforts is incredible.”   Click here for more information about Think Air, TASK, and our official

We’re buzzing about Think Air’s new collaboration with UK honeybee experts, Thriving Hive.  Thriving Hive is a Coventry University project that will see scientists and beekeepers work together to help bees in the UK to thrive in their environment. Honeybees today face many threats to their environment – and air pollution could be a key contributor.   We don’t yet know how much air quality impacts our bees – but Think Air is about to help change this.   Up until now, air pollution has been the subject of little research, but our collaboration will help us top understand the direct effect of toxic air (especially fine particulate matter, or PM2.5) on honeybee health and productivity.   How?   Well, it’s not an easy task, but Think Air will be working with Thriving Hive to map particulate presence across the UK. The project will help us to monitor – and better understand – the impact of small particle air pollution on the honeybees, their hives, and their hive products.   60 beekeepers from various locations across the West Midlands will take part in the project. Each one will receive a Think Air sensor to record local air pollution. They’ll then work together with Thriving Hive’s team of scientists to analyse results and put measures in place that will help UK honeybees thrive.   We’ll be reporting back with the latest buzz on this project when it gets under way.   You can find out more about our cutting-edge Think Air sensor and software network here, or by dropping us a

A coroner has called for a change in the law after air pollution led to the death of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Vindico’s Head of R&D, Professor Paul Lewis explains why this is the right decision. According to the BBC, the inquest found air pollution “made a material contribution” to her death, adding that there’s “no safe level of particulate matter”. And we couldn’t agree more. Ella is the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as the cause of death on their death certificate. And it’s a trend we could see escalate if we continue to produce – and breathe in – particulate matter (PM2.5) at our current levels. But the report is a new milestone in the drive to get the UK government to adopt the WHO recommendation of a PM2.5 annual limit value of 10ug/m3. It means that some areas of the UK could be in breach of legislation in the future, and legal action could be taken against governments – in a similar way to what we have seen for NO2 over the last few years. The major area of concern from this report though is that people don’t know where to find information on air pollution. The adverse impacts of air pollution on patients are also not being communicated properly by carers and healthcare providers. We know that this needs to change, and we’re actively promoting air quality measuring and awareness through our Think Air network. Think Air is the only project in the UK to take on the challenge of understanding background and wide range air quality on this scale, and it’s changing the way we understand and measure the impact of toxic air – particularly PM2.5 – at a local level. Today, Think Air is on track to being the largest live air quality sensor network in Wales – and the largest in the UK by the end of 2021. To find out more about Think Air – and how your business can benefit – drop us

Vindico have been chosen as a finalist for Britain’s best environmentally sustainable business. Our commitment to air quality in the UK through our self-funded Think Air network means we’ve been shortlisted for the UK’s best environmentally sustainable small business at this year’s Small Awards. Think Air is on track to being the largest live air quality sensor network in the UK. It’s already helping to gather the data and insights we need to raise awareness and understanding of air quality and Pm2.5 levels across the country. And it’s also supported by Welsh organisations including Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Devils, Niche, and Zip World. “It’s the only project in the UK to take on the challenge of understanding background and wide range air quality on this scale, and it’s changing the way we understand and measure the impact of toxic air at a local level,” Says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. Think Air’s success means that Vindico has been chosen as one of five finalists for the new ‘Net Hero’ Small Award, launched in the run-up to this November’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), to recognise small firms demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. Now in its fifth year, the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It’s organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK. With eleven unique categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism of the UK’s small business sector, across everything from longstanding family businesses and innovation-led start-ups, to social enterprise champions. “After what has been a difficult year for the whole small business community, it has been inspirational to hear about phenomenal small businesses across the UK,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain. “The Small Awards exist to celebrate and champion the amazing contribution of fantastic small firms like Vindico. We received a record number of applications this year, with an incredibly high standard of entry, so all of the small businesses shortlisted should be rightly proud of this achievement.” Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners of all award categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced on 13th