Why Air Quality Matters
Poor air quality is a major environmental and health concern, contributing to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and climate change. It relates to sustainability because reducing air pollution supports healthier ecosystems, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes long-term well-being for communities and future generations. Cleaner air aligns with global sustainability goals by improving public health and reducing environmental degradation.
Why Schools Should Engage
Schools play a vital role in tackling air quality issues. Engaging with initiatives helps protect students’ health, enhances learning environments, and fosters responsible citizenship. Teaching students about the benefits of clean air, such as improved health, reduced climate impacts, and safer communities, empowers them to make informed choices and advocate for sustainable practices. Schools can also influence families and local communities, amplifying positive change beyond the classroom.
Actions and Embedding Sustainability
Practical actions schools can take include promoting active travel like walking and cycling, implementing “no-idling” policies for vehicles, and creating green spaces to absorb pollutants. Schools can integrate air quality topics into science, geography, and citizenship lessons, run awareness campaigns, and involve students in monitoring local air quality. Embedding these actions into school culture requires linking clean air initiatives to school values, celebrating achievements, and maintaining regular communication. By modelling sustainable behaviour and prioritising clean air, schools help build healthier communities and inspire the next generation to champion environmental responsibility.
Air Quality Resources
Heath Primary School
Primary pupils explored air pollution dangers for Clean Air Day 2022, creating posters and comic strips. Heath Primary won with an impressive news video, earning a Scooter Pod, while Ranelagh, Stratford St. Mary, and Barnby & North Cove received runner-up prizes.
Lets Go Zero Webinar
This Let’s Go Zero webinar on Clean Air Day explores practical support for schools tackling air pollution. Discover Clean Air for Schools projects, resources, action plans, and community engagement ideas to improve health, sustainability, and student learning.
Ipswich Borough Council provide schools with air quality resources, including educational materials, practical guidance to reduce pollution exposure, and links to local monitoring data. It also offers contact details for Ipswich Borough Council’s environmental health team for further advice and support.
Schools can access free resources from Global Action Plan including the Clean Air for Schools Framework, curriculum-linked materials, an air pollution calculator, intervention toolkits, a London helpdesk, funding guidance, template letters, and Clean Air Day resources to improve air quality and protect children’s health.
The Teacher Resource pack from SAMHE provides schools with the opportunity to build understanding of indoor air quality using high-quality, ready-made teaching materials. It’s curriculum-linked activities support science enquiry, empower pupils to investigate their environment, and encourage action for healthier learning spaces.
