Take A Deep Breath For Guildford’s Clean Air Day This Thursday

Published on: 6 Oct, 2020
Updated on: 10 Oct, 2020

Guildford Borough Council will be celebrating Clean Air Day on Thursday (October 8), with a renewed commitment to improving air quality and reducing air pollution throughout the borough.

It states that in July, it agreed a new high-level action plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, and councillors are discussing the Citizens Assembly on Climate Change petition. Plans for a Car-Free Day are also being considered by its joint committee with Surrey County Council.

Guildford Borough Council’s Clear Air Day on Thursday, October 8, aims to raise awareness about improving air quality and reducing air pollution.

Cllr Jan Harwood (Lib Dem, Merrow), lead for climate change, said: “Air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK every year, and NHS England attribute 5% of deaths of people over 30 to air pollution. The council has already reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 43% since 2009. In the past decade, we have invested approximately £10 million on energy-saving projects. Energy-use accounts for 80% of all council emissions. and so is a vitally important part of our action plan.

“On Clean Air Day, everybody can do their bit by making some small changes to their lifestyle and daily routine, walking, cycling or using public transport more, sharing cars with work colleagues, turning off your engine if you are stopped at a junction or outside a school for more than 10 seconds, buying local produce, and not burning waste can all make a real difference.”

Guildford Borough Council is partnering with Surrey County Council, the University of Surrey, Guildford Environmental Forum, Highways England, the Environment Agency, Easit network, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Surrey Environment Partnership, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Plastic Free Guildford, Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and Surrey Air Alliance.

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