A brand new research has revealed a major shift within the sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) air pollution in central London, with fuel boilers used for heating now recognized as the first contributor.
The analysis discovered that the combustion of pure fuel in boilers accounted for 72 per cent of NOx emissions inside a number of kilometres radius of the BT Tower between 2021 and 2023.
Transport
The findings spotlight the success of transport interventions, such because the London Low Emission Zone and the Extremely Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), in considerably decreasing NOx emissions from autos.
NOx emissions – the identify for a gaggle of various nitrogen oxides – from autos in central London are estimated to have fallen by about 73 per cent between 2016 and 2025.
As well as, the rising prevalence of Euro 6 autos and electrical automobiles has additionally contributed to this decline.
The research, revealed within the journal Environmental Science & Expertise,was led by Professor James Lee, professor of atmospheric chemistry on the College of York.
Air high quality
He mentioned: “Our analysis highlights how a lot NOx emissions from transport have improved, but in addition the duty nonetheless forward in getting combustion out of cities.
“While discuss of switching from fuel to warmth pumps is especially framed across the decarbonisation advantages, it will be a significant acquire for air high quality too.”
Dr Sam Cliff, who carried out the analysis whereas finishing up a PhD at York and is now primarily based within the US, mentioned: “With out motion on fuel boilers it may very well be arduous for central London to fulfill the WHO (2021) guideline values for NO2, irrespective of how clear the automobile fleet.”
The research pinpointed the supply of air pollution by analyzing the ratio of NOx to CO2 which differs between site visitors and boilers, utilizing measurements taken from the BT Tower.
Warmth pumps
The researchers say whereas the decarbonisation advantages of switching from fuel to warmth pumps are broadly mentioned, the research emphasises the numerous air high quality enhancements this transition might additionally ship.
The researchers famous that industrial and non-domestic boilers, that are bigger than these in non-public houses, are the principle contributors in central London, which isn’t a extremely residential space.
Whereas decrease emission boilers have been launched, Professor Lee believes {that a} transition to warmth pumps is probably going the simplest long-term resolution, though he acknowledges the present price challenges related to widespread adoption.