Brighton & Hove City Council has launched one of the UK’s most extensive real-time air quality monitoring networks by installing 50 EarthSense Zephyr® sensors across Sussex. The majority of these, 40 units, are placed in Brighton & Hove, with additional sensors located in Horsham and Newhaven. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive overview of air quality in the region.
The sensors measure pollutants such as hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, ozone, and particulate matter. They also capture ambient data, including temperature, pressure, and relative humidity. The collected information is made available through the Brighton & Hove and Sussex Real-Time Air Quality Portal, offering residents continuous access to real-time air quality updates.
This network is part of the council’s broader strategy to improve air quality and address sources of pollution, such as particulate matter from solid fuel burning, including wood-burners and open fireplaces. The project focuses on building a detailed understanding of pollution patterns to inform actions and policies that prioritize public health.
The initiative is funded by a DEFRA air quality grant and the council’s Carbon Neutral Fund, aligning with efforts to meet environmental and public health goals.
