Nottingham City Council is being given £400,000 to tackle air quality in the city – investing in low emission cars to be used in the NHS.
Nottingham has been declared one of five ‘Clean Air Zone’ cities in the country and will also receive a share of £539,120 from the Joint Air Quality Unit, part of a Government plan to tackle air pollution.
It comes after bodies including the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the city’s air pollution level represents a significant threat to human health.
In May the WHO ranked the city as one of the worst offenders in the UK, with levels of pollution above the recommended safe levels.
Nottingham was listed as ninth-worst in the UK for air quality, with Derby and Leicester not appearing on the list.
Half of the £400,000, funded by a yearly Air Quality Grant, will be used to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by trialling fuel cell technology in three high-energy, council-owned sites.
The rest will pay for more ultra-low emission vehicles to be used by the local NHS.
Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for business and transport, said the authority recognises there will always be a need for cars – but the ‘Go Ultra Low Nottingham’ programme is helping to ensure more cars are low emission.
The authority says buildings equate to 40 per cent of the city’s emissions and finding new and efficient ways to power them can improve air quality.
Fuel cell systems, the most efficient way to heat properties, will replace gas boilers.
How the money will be used:
- £200k will trial fuel cell technology in three council-owned sites, replacing gas boilers
- £200k will fund low emission cars in the local NHS
Councillor Alan Clark, portfolio holder for energy and sustainability, said: “Early indications show this technology could be really effective in reducing harmful emissions.
“Buildings, that use these new systems, will also see significant reductions in their energy bills. This could have a huge benefit not only for the city council but also for local businesses and households.”
Cllr Clark added each site could save £28,000 on their energy bills, and this trial will determine whether more widespread investment in fuel systems will be viable in the future.
Environment minister Therese Coffey said tackling poor air quality is a government priority and local authorities need to play a big part.
She said: “I was delighted at the broad range of ideas submitted by Nottingham City Council – from using the latest technology to promoting cleaner taxis and increasing the uptake of electric vehicles.
“These projects will help to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in our towns and cities, both now and in the future.”
More than £2 billion has been pledged nationwide since 2011 to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles and support greener transport schemes.
In last year’s Autumn Statement, a further £290m was allocated to support the Government’s Clean Air Zone programme to support electric vehicles, low emission buses and taxis, and alternative fuels.
Birmingham, Southampton, Derby and Leeds are all part of the programme.
