Pollution and air quality

Pollution and air quality

Objective

Prevent pollution, and reduce emissions and discharges to land, air and water.  ('Pollution' in this context does not include carbon emissions - please see the 'Energy and Carbon' pages for further info on this topic.)

LSE's Air Quality Position Statement demonstrates how LSE will approach the challenge of poor air quality in London amidst growing public concern on this issue. 

 Initiatives

LSE has a very low potential to cause pollution, as we have no industrial processes or laboratories.  However, in addition to continuing our ongoing maintenance works to keep all our buildings' plant equipment in good working order, we have undertaken the following:

  • We use Orbio's innovative cleaning technology, avoiding the need for traditional cleaning chemicals.

  • Working with Steer Davies Gleave, we identified opportunities to improve travel and delivery strategies. This has resulted in consolidating deliveries, cutting our weekly deliveries seven fold, and reducing traffic and associated air pollution in the local area. 

  • LSE has commissioned an independent study of air quality on the campus. The data analysed over 12 months validates existing models developed by King's College London, which indicate that concentrations of NOx and particulates around LSE's campus are in line with local levels. NOx and PM 10 levels exceed EU targets, whilst PM2.4 levels are within the limit. We will continue to monitor air quality on campus and LSE's Air Quality Position Statement outlines our response to the findings.

  • Signed the Air Quality Pledge of the Mayor of London and the Borough of Camden 2013/14. The Mayor of London's Clean Air for London campaign has more details on air pollution in the capital, and what can be done about it.

  • Worked with suppliers to encourage them to travel by public transport or share vehicles where possible. For info on the London 'Low Emission Zone' (aka Congestion Charge zone), visit the TfL website