Air quality programme shortlisted for national award

A project by Shropshire Council to monitor and reduce ammonia in the air caused by intensive farming practices has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Digital Leaders Net Zero 50 List is a list of the top 50 individuals, organisations, products and initiatives that are helping us to reach Net Zero in the UK. As the first list of its kind, the Net Zero 50 showcases the work already underway, the 50 most inspiring individuals, organisations, initiatives, products and services cross-sector and across the UK driving forward sustainability.

Shropshire Council’s ecology team has been recognised for developing county-specific guidance on how planning applications for intensive livestock units will be assessed for their impacts upon the natural environment as a result of ammonia emissions.

The ecology team has been listed under the Net Zero public sector category, and is now looking for the ‘people’s vote’ for further success.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said:-

“It is a tremendous result for our team involved in this project.

“By examining emissions and overall air quality at specific sites, the team is able to assess and recognise practices that may cumulatively result in excessive amounts of ammonia. They are looking at the information available as a whole and not just in isolation, which gives a more accurate picture of what is going on.

“I am delighted for Shropshire that they have been recognised in the inaugural Net Zero 50 list, and I will be casting my vote to support them in the People’s Choice Award.”

Matt Farmer, Shropshire Council’s ecology team manager, said:-

“By looking at air quality in the natural environment in conjunction with the emissions created from intensive farming, we are able to gain better insight into potential impacts and help avoid them.

“It is about taking a holistic approach to the data and not looking at the figures in isolation.”

The People’s Choice Award goes to the list member who receives the most votes, and will be given out at the Net Zero 50 List official reception on 16 November 2022. The vote is open until midday on Tuesday 15 November 2022.

Click here to cast your vote for Shropshire Council.