Five startups spearhead coalition to put small air quality sensors at the heart of EU clean air policy

A new coalition, Clean Tech for Clean Air (CT4CA), has been established in Brussels to advocate for the integration of small, localized air quality sensors into the European Union's clean air policy framework. Spearheaded by Airly, a Polish tech company, and joined by Ecomesure, Ellona, Kunak Technologies, and Clarity Movement Co., the initiative aims to bolster the implementation of the revised EU Air Quality Directive by providing public authorities with enhanced data and tools for pollution monitoring and mitigation. The coalition emphasizes the critical need for more granular and actionable data to tackle persistent air pollution challenges across the continent. Despite progress, a staggering 95 percent of urban Europeans are still exposed to air pollutant levels exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines, contributing to severe health issues and premature deaths. CT4CA argues that while fixed monitoring stations are vital, high-quality small sensor systems can significantly complement these by identifying pollution hotspots and strengthening monitoring networks. CT4CA is calling for the formal recognition of these small sensors as a key tool to address monitoring gaps within EU member states. Furthermore, they advocate for the utilization of existing European technical specifications to facilitate sensor deployment and encourage greater acceptance of reliable sensor data by public authorities. This increased reliance on sensor data aims to enable more targeted and responsive clean air actions, ultimately fostering healthier urban environments.