Impact of Green Infrastructure on City Centre Traffic Pollution

Scientists from EarthSense Systems and the University of Leicester have published the results of a study into the effect of urban trees on air pollution. The results show a direct link between air pollution and green infrastructure, with trees and grass cover contributing to a reduction in concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Conducted on a larger scale than previous studies, the project utilised the latest geographic data from aerial mapping company Bluesky, including aerial photography, laser mapped LiDAR and the unique National Tree Map. The University of Leicester led study also used accepted modelling techniques, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), already validated for wind flow and particle dispersion modelling. EarthSense is a new joint venture between Bluesky and the University of Leicester, established to provide commercial access to a range of leading air quality technologies and research. www.earthsense.co.uk