Air Quality Archives - Environmental Industries Association

Government’s EV Tax Plans Risk Undermining Air Quality Progress

Posted on 26 November 202526 November 2025 by Michael Lunn

The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has issued its response to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, highlighting mixed signals for the UK’s environmental ambitions. While the government has pledged significant investment in infrastructure and housing, concerns remain over measures that could slow the transition to cleaner transport.

Electric Vehicles and Air Quality

The Chancellor confirmed a new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty, introducing a 3p-per-mile charge for battery electric cars and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids from April 2028, alongside existing Vehicle Excise Duty. Although intended to address falling fuel duty revenues and fund road maintenance, the Office for Budget Responsibility warns this could result in 440,000 fewer EV sales by 2030, undermining efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality. Environmental campaigners have called the move “premature,” stressing that incentives, not penalties, drive adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Air pollution remains the UK’s largest environmental health risk, linked to 28,000–36,000 premature deaths annually and costing the NHS an estimated £1.6 billion between 2017 and 2025.

Jim Mills, Chair of EIA’s Air Quality Working Group, said:

“Introducing taxes on electric vehicles without a clear plan to reinvest in clean transport risks reversing decades of progress. Air pollution remains the UK’s most significant environmental threat to public health. Fiscal policy should accelerate—not obstruct—the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The Environmental Industries Association believes this initiative will do little to address the air quality crisis. It requires urgent reconsideration. With the new vehicle excise duty and now a proposed per-mile charge, running many EVs could soon cost more than operating large diesel cars. That is counterproductive and makes no sense.

Water and Environmental Infrastructure

The Budget aligns with Ofwat’s recently approved £104 billion water infrastructure upgrade, aimed at reducing sewage spills by 50%, building new reservoirs, and improving river health. These measures will enhance resilience against climate change and support biodiversity, while creating thousands of skilled jobs.

Brownfield Remediation and Housing

Government plans to accelerate housing delivery include renewed support for brownfield-first development, backed by remediation funding programmes and tax relief consultations. Unlocking contaminated land for housing could deliver over 1.4 million homes, reducing pressure on greenfield sites and contributing to net-zero goals.

Infrastructure Investment

The Chancellor reaffirmed a £120 billion capital investment commitment for roads, rail, and energy, alongside planning reforms to fast-track nationally significant projects. These steps aim to stimulate growth and modernise the UK’s built environment, with a strong emphasis on decarbonisation and regional development.

Peter Atchison, Chairman of the Environmental Industries Association, said:

“Today’s Budget is a tale of two priorities. On one hand, we welcome the scale of investment in water infrastructure, brownfield regeneration, and housing – these are critical for sustainable growth and environmental protection. On the other, the introduction of a mileage-based tax on electric vehicles risks slowing the UK’s clean transport transition and jeopardising air quality improvements. Government must ensure that fiscal measures do not undermine climate commitments or public health. The EIA stands ready to work with policymakers to deliver joined-up solutions that balance revenue needs with environmental progress.”

Call for Action

The EIA will continue to engage with the government on these matters and continue to campaign to increase funding for green industries and technologies. “We urge the Chancellor to consider the long-term benefits of investing in our environment. Sustainable growth is not just an option; it is a necessity for our future,” Atchison concluded.

For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@EIAssociation.co.uk

Making Buildings Better, One Breath at a Time

Posted on 30 October 202530 October 2025 by Michael Lunn

EIA talks to Nathan Wood, MD to Farmwood about its work, and what its like to be Deputy Chair of the EIA Air Quality Working Group.

When people ask what Farmwood does, the easy answer is ventilation, air quality and mechanical and electrical services. But that’s just the surface. What we actually do is make buildings safer, healthier, and compliant for the people who live, work, and learn inside them.

Since 2002, we’ve worked across every sector and every kind of place, from a shed to The Shard. Domestic, commercial, or industrial, if it moves air or manages energy, we’ve been there. Our work spans everything from home ventilation systems to large scale HVAC plant and full M and E infrastructure.

We refurbish air handling units (AHUs), flat pack and rebuild them on site, keeping manufacturer warranties intact and giving systems a second life. We integrate smart technology and IoT controls to bring older plant into the modern age, improving performance, monitoring energy, and keeping systems running at their best.

When things go wrong, we problem solve. When systems fall behind, we upgrade. And when clients want long term assurance, our service and maintenance contracts make sure performance, safety and compliance never slip.

We’re proud to be service partners to almost all of the major UK ventilation and HVAC manufacturers. That trust has been built through years of competence, reliability, and delivering quality workmanship that protects their reputation as much as our own.

We invest heavily in our teams and technology, from digital reporting and commissioning tools to advanced diagnostic equipment that helps us find and fix the root cause, not just the symptoms.

And the team itself, they’re the heart of Farmwood. Every single person here understands our mission, to be the best of the best and to own it 100 percent every single day. They bring not just skill, but the right morals, the integrity, pride and commitment that make us who we are. Our competence isn’t claimed, it’s evidenced through SKEB, Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour, the foundation that keeps us compliant, capable, and consistent in everything we deliver.

Over the years, that commitment to doing things properly has earned us multiple national awards. From winning BESA’s National Contractor of the Year to receiving recognition for Health and Safety excellence and compliance leadership, we’ve consistently set the benchmark for professional standards. Our work in indoor air quality has also been recognised with several industry awards, celebrating both our innovative initiatives and the products we’ve helped bring to life.

We’re also active beyond the job site. We support initiatives such as GO AQS (Global Open Air Quality Standards) and the UK Centre for Mould Safety, because cleaner, safer air starts with awareness, education, and action.

We’re members of Future Homes groups, involved in regulation reform, and lobbying for stronger skills pathways and apprenticeships to secure the next generation of engineers. Competence must be built, not assumed, and we’re helping shape how that’s done.

Farmwood is part of several leading associations across the built environment, more recently joining the Environmental Industries Association (EIA). These collaborations keep us at the table when it matters most, influencing standards, improving guidance, and ensuring real world experience feeds into national policy.

We also work closely with All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and give our time freely through advocacy and expert support to many brilliant people and charities who share our mission to make homes healthier, safer, and fit for future generations. This is the part of the work that matters most. Not because it wins contracts, but because it changes lives.

Alongside this, we proudly lead World Ventil8 Day (WV8D), which has grown into a global movement promoting the importance of good ventilation for health and wellbeing. What started as an idea led by a small UK SME now reaches across continents, with support from universities, professional bodies, and experts around the world. For a company of our size, being recognised globally for leadership in indoor air quality and awareness shows just how far purpose and passion can reach.

That commitment to wider impact is also why I took on the role of Deputy Chairman of the EIA’s Indoor Air Quality Working Group. It’s not a title, it’s a responsibility. The EIA brings together people who understand that clean air is not a luxury, it’s essential to public health, safety, and sustainability. My aim is to make sure practical, competent voices like ours are heard. To push for joined up thinking between government, regulators, and industry. And to show that SMEs can lead when it comes to integrity and innovation.

We’re always open to collaboration with policymakers, health professionals, and other industry leaders because improving indoor air quality isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people. Every improvement we make to a home, school or hospital reduces preventable illness, supports wellbeing, and ultimately helps ease the strain on the NHS. The societal impact of healthy buildings is real, and it’s time that became part of the national conversation.

We can’t reach net zero or improve health outcomes without tackling the air inside our walls. It’s that simple. And at Farmwood, we’re proving that competence, compliance, and care can coexist, and that when they do, everyone breathes easier.

“Because good ventilation isn’t just good engineering. It’s good humanity”

For more information visit: Home – Farmwood – Ventilation Systems Servicing and Support

Environmental Industries Association Calls for Safe and Compliant Decommissioning of Liquid Fuel Storage Tanks Amid Net Zero Transition

Posted on 21 October 202521 October 2025 by Michael Lunn

London, 21 October 2025. The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) is calling for urgent attention to safe and compliant decommissioning of liquid fuel storage tanks as the UK accelerates its transition to low-carbon heating. With the Government banning the sale of fossil-fuelled boilers from 2026, an estimated three million domestic oil tanks and hundreds of thousands of commercial tanks will need to be decommissioned over the next decade.

Industry forecasts suggest that up to 300,000 domestic tanks per year could require removal between 2026 and 2035, alongside thousands of large-scale commercial installations. This represents one of the most significant infrastructure changes in the heating sector in modern times.

Compliance and Safety Are Critical
Under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and related legislation, improper tank removal can lead to severe environmental contamination and legal penalties. Domestic tanks—typically 1,000 to 5,000 litres and often made from polyethylene—require different handling compared to commercial tanks, which can hold several million litres and involve complex pipework and bunded steel construction.

Key Requirements Include:

Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) before work begins.
Removal of residual fuel by a licensed waste carrier with an ADR-certified driver.
Issuance of Gas-Free Certificates after degassing tanks to below 10% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
Proper disposal of contaminated polyethylene tanks at licensed hazardous waste facilities.
Full documentation, including Duty of Care Waste Transfer Notes, Hot Work Permits, and Completion Certificates.

Bruce Woodal, Founding Member of the Fuel Experts Association, said:
“The scale of tank decommissioning over the next decade is unprecedented. Every uplift, every cut, every disposal must be done by the book. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting our environment and ensuring the safety of those carrying out the work. Cutting corners is not an option.”

Michael Lunn, CEO of the Environmental Industries Association, added:
“As the UK accelerates towards Net Zero, the environmental sector has a critical role in managing the legacy of fossil fuel infrastructure. The EIA is committed to supporting best practice, providing guidance, and working with regulators to ensure that tank decommissioning is carried out safely, legally, and sustainably.”

For more information on technical guidance, including OFTEC TI/133 and TI/134, and the full list of applicable legislation see below.

Documentation and Record Keeping

The following documentation should be maintained for each decommissioning project:

Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
• Permit to Work (including Hot Work and Confined Space permits)
• Gas-Free Certificates (valid for 24 hours)
• Duty of Care Waste Transfer Notes / Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes
• ADR Driver and Vehicle Certification
• Insurance and Lifting Plan (where applicable)
• Site Clearance / Completion Certificate

Applicable Legislation and Standards

Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001
• Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
• Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
• BS EN 60079-10-1: Explosive Atmospheres
• OFTEC Technical Information TI/133 – Decommissioning of Oil Storage Tanks
• OFTEC Technical Information TI/134 – Removal of Domestic Oil Storage Tanks
• BS 7121 – Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes

The Invisible Threat: Air Quality and Health

Posted on 29 August 202529 August 2025 by Alisonadmin

Air quality is a critical issue, hitting deprived communities the hardest. These areas often find themselves near industrial zones and busy roads, lacking the green infrastructure that could naturally clean the air. This unfortunate reality places a disproportionate health burden on residents already facing socioeconomic challenges.

The health consequences are severe and far-reaching. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are rampant, with air pollution worsening conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and other toxic gases such as Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone can trigger heart attacks and strokes, leaving these communities highly vulnerable. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible, experiencing higher rates of respiratory infections and reduced lung function.

Beyond immediate physical ailments, air pollution has insidious neurological and developmental impacts. Research links long-term exposure to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. For children, it can impair cognitive development and academic performance. Pregnant women in polluted areas face higher risks of adverse birth outcomes like low birth weight and preterm births, with potential lifelong health implications for the child. Additionally, certain pollutants are carcinogenic, contributing to lung cancer, and have been linked to diabetes, weakened immune systems, and reproductive problems.

Effectively combating this invisible threat demands a multi-pronged approach, beginning with better monitoring and data collection. Official monitoring stations provide valuable regional data but often miss the hyper-local pollution hotspots prevalent in deprived communities. This is where low-cost sensors can prove invaluable. These affordable, easily deployable devices offer granular, real-time data at a neighbourhood level, empowering communities to understand and advocate for cleaner air. Complementing these ground-level efforts are satellite monitoring and sophisticated atmospheric models, which provide a broader perspective, identifying large-scale pollution patterns and even predicting future trends. This comprehensive data picture highlights areas most in need of intervention.

Addressing the issue also requires robust policy and infrastructure changes. Urban planning must be re-evaluated to prevent the placement of polluting industries near residential areas, especially in vulnerable communities. Investing in green infrastructure, such as parks and tree-lined streets, acts as natural air filters. Expanding and improving public transportation networks reduces reliance on private vehicles, cutting emissions. Crucially, stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles are essential to reduce the overall pollutant load.

Technological advancements also offer promising solutions. The transition to electric vehicles, supported by widespread charging infrastructure, is vital. Industries must be incentivised and regulated to adopt advanced pollution control technologies. Smart city solutions, like intelligent traffic management systems, can optimise traffic flow and reduce idling emissions. At a household level, providing access to air purifiers and optimal ventilation can offer immediate, though often temporary, relief from indoor air pollution.

Behavioural changes and community engagement are equally important. Educating the public about air pollution risks and promoting sustainable living practices, like walking, cycling, and public transport fosters environmental responsibility. Empowering communities to participate in air quality monitoring and decision making ensures solutions are tailored to their specific needs. Healthcare providers also play a crucial role in advising patients on minimising exposure and managing pollution-related health conditions.

The ESS Expo featuring AQE (Air Quality & Emissions), taking place in Birmingham, UK, on September 17th and 18th, 2025, offers a significant opportunity to explore many of these solutions. This leading exhibition and conference for environmental services and strategies brings together experts from various sectors. Attendees can expect to see innovations in air quality monitoring technology, learn about sustainable urban development best practices, and discover new approaches to waste management – all contributing to better air quality. The expo will feature exhibitors showcasing solutions for reducing industrial emissions, improving vehicle efficiency, and developing green infrastructure. Conference sessions will cover environmental policy, public health implications of pollution, and community engagement strategies. For those interested in environmental management and its impact on public health, especially in vulnerable communities, the ESS Expo in Birmingham will be a valuable platform for networking, learning, and collaborating on actionable solutions. Registration is free.

"Ultimately, clean air is a fundamental human right, not a luxury. Its provision must be equitable, ensuring no community is disproportionately burdened by pollution. Addressing this moral imperative will lead to healthier individuals and more resilient communities for generations to come".

Jim Mills, Managing Director, Scotswolds, and Air & Emissions Ambassador at ESS Expo 2025

Jim is Managing Director of Scotswolds and a long-standing specialist in air quality monitoring and environmental instrumentation. Originally trained as an industrial chemist and chemical engineer in Paisley, Scotland, he began his career in optical spectroscopy before founding ETI Ltd. in 1992, which grew to become the UK’s largest air quality monitoring company. This was later sold as part of EMC Group Ltd. in 2001. He went on to co-found Air Monitors Ltd. in 2002, establishing it as a UK and European leader in monitoring technologies before selling to ACOEM Group in 2019.

Now leading Scotswolds, Jim focuses on the design, deployment and quality assurance of sensor networks to improve access to air quality information. He is a founder member and director of the Environmental Industries Association (EIA Ltd), chairs its Air Quality working group, and acts as its Scottish lead. He also sits on the air quality working group of Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS), supporting efforts toward a cleaner and healthier environment. For the past several years, he has chaired the scientific committee of the UK’s largest air quality and emissions conference and exhibition, AQE, helping to shape the national agenda on air pollution.

Jim Mills is a Founding Member, Director and Air Quality Chair of the Environmental Industries Association. Jim is acting as the Air & Emissions Ambassador at ESS Expo 2025, taking place from 17-18^th September 2025 at the Birmingham NEC.

Visit our stand at AQE - P100.

EIA responds to Spending Review

Posted on 12 June 202512 June 2025 by Michael Lunn

EIA Raises Concerns Over DEFRA Cuts and Potential Delays to Environmental Permitting

London, 12 June 2025 — The Environment Industries Association (EIA) today voiced serious concerns over the implications of recent funding decisions for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), warning that budget cuts could lead to further delays in environmental permitting and licensing processes managed by the Environment Agency.

Following the Chancellor’s Spending Review announcement yesterday, the EIA policy team have been closely analysing the details behind the headline figures. While the review outlines long-term investments in infrastructure—including rail, nuclear, carbon capture, NHS, and housing—these projects are unlikely to deliver immediate economic growth. This concern is underscored by today’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) report showing a 0.3% contraction in the UK’s economy.

Michael Lunn, CEO to the Environmental Industries Association stated “While we welcome the government’s commitment to long-term infrastructure, the lack of short-term support for business and specifically the Environmental Services and Technology Sector and continued constraints on specialist environmental consultancy spending are troubling”.

“The Chancellor is clearly banking on future growth, but the timeline for returns is uncertain—and the risk of further tax measures in the Autumn Budget remain high”.

Buried within the 128-page Spending Review document, the EIA has identified specific concerns regarding DEFRA’s financial settlement. Although DEFRA is set to receive £7.4 billion in total funding by 2028–29, and £16 billion in capital funding over the review period (representing an average real-terms growth rate of 2.5% per year), this comes with a mandate to deliver at least 5% in savings and efficiencies during Phase 2 of the review.

These savings include £144 million in technical efficiencies identified through the Zero-Based Review (ZBR), and a shift toward increasing in-house digital capabilities to reduce reliance on external contractors. While digital transformation is welcome, the EIA warns that such measures must not come at the expense of timely and effective environmental regulation.

To meet these financial targets, DEFRA will explore a range of cost-saving measures, including the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. With rapid advancements in AI capabilities, the department is assessing which operational workloads—such as data entry, support services, analytical functions, and communication roles—could be enhanced or replaced by automation.

AI systems offer significant potential to improve efficiency through faster data processing, streamlined communication, and reduced administrative overheads. Technologies such as AI-native languages, including Gibber Link, enable machines to exchange and interpret data at unprecedented speeds, offering a transformative opportunity for internal operations.

While AI cannot replace all human-led tasks—particularly those requiring in-person research and fieldwork—it can support the department by accelerating data interpretation and publication, ultimately reducing wage costs and enhancing service delivery.

In parallel, DEFRA is reviewing its permitting and licensing frameworks. Many current processes are seen as overly complex and time-consuming. By redesigning these systems, the department aims to reduce administrative burdens, improve user accessibility, and lower operational costs.

However, DEFRA acknowledges the potential risks associated with regulatory relaxation. Looser controls could lead to increased environmental degradation, including higher emissions, waste, and habitat destruction. The department remains committed to balancing efficiency with its core mission: protecting green spaces, promoting soil health, supporting agricultural productivity, and conserving wildlife.

Peter Atchison, Chair of the Remediation of Land Working Group stated that “Delays in permitting and licensing not only hinder environmental protection but also stall investment and innovation in the green economy. We urge the government to ensure that cost-cutting within DEFRA does not compromise the Environment Agency’s ability to deliver on its critical responsibilities.”

The EIA will continue to monitor developments and engage with DEFRA and other stakeholders to advocate for a balanced approach that supports both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Flood Defence Funding

The government has committed £4.2 billion in Total Departmental Expenditure Limit (TDEL) over the period 2026–27 to 2028–29 specifically for flood defence infrastructure.
This represents a 5% annual increase in the flood defence budget, aimed at protecting communities across England from increasing flood risks due to climate change and extreme weather events.

Nature-Based Solutions and Reservoirs

While there is no direct mention of new reservoir construction in the Spending Review, the funding strategy includes nature-based solutions that may indirectly support water storage and flood mitigation.
DEFRA’s broader capital funding of £16 billion over the review period includes investments in sustainable farming, nature recovery, and environmental resilience, which are often linked to catchment-based flood management and wetland restoration.

DEFRA Operational Budget

Despite capital investment increases, DEFRA’s day-to-day spending will decrease in real terms—from £4.8 billion in 2025–26 to £4.7 billion by 2028–29, a 2.7% annual reduction.
This may place pressure on staffing and operational delivery, even as capital projects expand.

But there were some winners:

The government will invest in the critical national infrastructure needed to connect this country‘s cities and towns. The settlement will provide £10.2 billion for rail enhancements (excluding HS2) over Phase 2, including:

£3.5 billion to drive delivery of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, improving connectivity and reducing journey times between Manchester and Leeds, from 55 to 41 minutes. This will be delivered by the early 2030s;
Continued delivery of East-West Rail with £2.5 billion investment to provide new connectivity and unlocking growth across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor;
£300 million for rail investment in Wales, including for the Burns Review stations, North Wales Level Crossing, Padeswood Sidings and Cardiff West Junction. This SR and the upcoming 10-year Infrastructure Strategy will recognise Wales’ long-term infrastructure needs and will deliver at least £445 million of rail enhancements to realise them;
Funding to progress the next stage of Midlands Rail Hub West, strengthening connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands and to other regions.
£25.3 billion is provided under this settlement to progress delivery of HS2 from Birmingham Curzon Street to London Euston. This funding will support the full reset of the HS2 programme under the leadership of the new Chief Executive, addressing longstanding delivery challenges.

Angela Rayner’s department emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Spending Review, despite a challenging fiscal environment:

Capital Investment:
The department secured £39 billion in grants over the next 10 years to support new housing developments. This funding will be distributed among local authorities, private developers, and housing associations to accelerate housebuilding and regeneration efforts. However, with the current skills shortages the delivery of spades in the ground will be challenged in the short term.
Day-to-Day Spending:
Despite the capital boost, the department faces average annual cuts of 1.4% in its day-to-day operational budget from 2025–26 to 2028–29. The total settlement for this period is £16.7 billion
Policy Focus:
The funding is intended to support Rayner’s ambitions to revitalise local communities, expand affordable housing, and devolve more powers to local governments. However, the operational cuts may challenge the delivery of frontline services unless offset by efficiency gains. This may lead to Councils turning to the need to uplift their local Council precepts to balance Council budgets.

Local Government and Devolution

The Spending Review includes a renewed focus on regional rebalancing, with significant infrastructure investments directed toward Northern and the Midlands regions.
Local transport projects, such as tram expansions in Manchester and Birmingham and upgrades to the Tyne and Wear Metro, are part of a broader strategy to stimulate regional growth

Sunil Shah, Chair of the EIA Sustainable Buildings Working Group said

“We welcome the Government’s £13.2 billion commitment to home decarbonisation through the fully funded Warm Homes Plan”

This initiative represents a vital step forward in delivering warmer, more energy-efficient homes, reducing household bills, and addressing the climate crisis. Last week’s announcement that all new homes in England will be equipped with renewable energy as standard was a significant milestone. Yesterday’s announcement builds on that momentum, offering much-needed certainty for both industry and consumers.

By supporting the rollout of low-carbon technologies, including retrofitting, the Warm Homes Plan will help accelerate the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. We look forward to reviewing the full details of the plan in due course.”

Jim Mills, Chair of the EIA Air Quality Working Group expressed disappointment that Air Quality did not feature significantly with only one mention, however, that was in the context of agricultural impacts presumably linked to methane emissions.

For more information please contact:

Environment Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk
www.EIAssociation.co.uk

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