A brand new examine has revealed a big shift within the sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) air pollution in central London, with gasoline boilers used for heating now recognized as the first contributor.
The analysis discovered that the combustion of pure gasoline in boilers accounted for 72 per cent of NOx emissions inside a couple of kilometres radius of the BT Tower between 2021 and 2023.
Transport
The findings spotlight the success of transport interventions, such because the London Low Emission Zone and the Extremely Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), in considerably decreasing NOx emissions from autos.
NOx emissions – the identify for a gaggle of various nitrogen oxides – from autos in central London are estimated to have fallen by about 73 per cent between 2016 and 2025.
As well as, the rising prevalence of Euro 6 autos and electrical vehicles has additionally contributed to this decline.
The examine, revealed within the journal Environmental Science & Know-how,was led by Professor James Leeprofessor of atmospheric chemistry on the College of York.
Air high quality
He stated: “Our analysis highlights how a lot NOx emissions from transport have improved, but in addition the duty nonetheless forward in getting combustion out of cities.
“Whilst talk of switching from gas to heat pumps is mainly framed around the decarbonisation benefits, it would be a major gain for air quality too.”
Dr Sam Cliff, who carried out the analysis whereas finishing up a PhD at York and is now primarily based within the US, stated: “Without action on gas boilers it could be hard for central London to meet the WHO (2021) guideline values for NO2, no matter how clean the vehicle fleet.”
The examine pinpointed the supply of air pollution by analyzing the ratio of NOx to CO2 which differs between site visitors and boilers, utilizing measurements taken from the BT Tower.
Warmth pumps
The researchers say whereas the decarbonisation advantages of switching from gasoline to warmth pumps are extensively mentioned, the examine emphasises the numerous air high quality enhancements this transition might additionally ship.
The researchers famous that industrial and non-domestic boilers, that are bigger than these in non-public houses, are the primary contributors in central London, which isn’t a extremely residential space.
Whereas decrease emission boilers have been launched, Professor Lee believes {that a} transition to warmth pumps is probably going the simplest long-term answer, though he acknowledges the present value challenges related to widespread adoption.
