Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Environment, concerning the approval of the final Air Quality Strategy 2025 to 2030.

A Member raised that the greatest source of particulates in the City was construction, yet the City Corporation had an objective within its draft City Plan 2040 to deliver more office buildings, and greater emphasis needed to be placed on better working practices. The Committee heard that the largest local source was from construction activity, however 90% of PM10 did not originate from within the City. There was a code of practice that construction companies were expected to adhere, and equipment used at construction sites were regulated. Officers also made visits to construction sites to check compliance. In addition, a section of the Strategy focused on collaboration with stakeholders outside of the City as there were many factors that were outside of the control of the City Corporation.

It was noted that the biggest source of PM2.5 was cooking fuels, and it was queried whether this included schools within the City. The Committee heard that cooking fuels used in the City should be smokeless, such as specific charcoals and woods (i.e., solid fuels). The City Corporation advised on cooking fuels as this was a soft approach and a raising awareness exercise with restaurants and would be followed up if they continued to use unauthorised fuels. This would also include schools.

RESOLVED – That the Port Health and Environmental Services Committee approve the final Air Quality Strategy 2025 to 2030.