Air quality project reaches thousands of pupils

About 9,000 students have been involved in the CALM project raising awareness about air pollution

Thousands of schoolchildren across Reading have taken part in a major initiative to raise awareness of air pollution.

For two years the Clean Air Living Matters (CALM) team has visited schools across the town running interactive workshops, talks about air quality and events at the University of Reading.

Almost 30 different schools hosted the sessions, partly funded by Reading Borough Council, with more than 9,000 children taking part.

Marta O'Brien, a research scientist at the university, said the project was helping families to "make a positive difference in their daily lives".

The university also supported the initiative, alongside engineering consultants Stantec and the social enterprise Design Nature.

As part of the programme, pupils were involved in workshops and events at the University of Reading

Experts have been delivering the CALM programme to primary and secondary school students - increasing their knowledge of air quality, the causes of air pollution, its impacts and encouraging them to explore solutions.

As part of the programme, air quality monitors were also given to participating schools for pupils to carry out indoor and outdoor checks, before analysing the results.

Councillor John Ennis said improving air quality in Reading was a "high priority" and the CALM programme had been a "brilliant" way to engage with young people.

"Although air quality is improving in Reading, pollution still poses a health risk, particularly for children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions," he said.

Off the back of the success of the two-year programme, Design Nature Community Interest Company said it would continue to support air quality projects

Emma Rigler, principal air quality scientist at Stantec, added: "Our teams were incredibly encouraged by the high levels of engagement shown by both primary and secondary school students throughout the CALM programme, as well as the far-reaching impact of this behavioural change scheme."

She said the programme had a "positive influence" on the community and there are now hopes other local authorities will use it to inspire similar programmes.

Mark Mason from community interest company Design Nature said the success of the project meant they were now supporting a Community of Practice project for schools, parents and changemakers in Reading.

He said: "Together, we'll keep supporting creative education on air quality, championing clean air initiatives, and strengthening our collective commitment to healthier, more sustainable living."