The Guildford Living Lab Team Participates in Inaugural Guildford Green Day
On Sunday, 09 June 2024, the GLL team proudly contributed to the first-ever Guildford Green Day, a community event dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living. Held in the heart of Guildford, the event attracted a diverse crowd eager to learn about various green initiatives and environmental issues.
At our booth, attendees had the opportunity to engage with interactive air pollution displays. One of the highlights was our live air quality feed, which provided real-time data on local air pollution levels. This feature allowed visitors to see firsthand how air quality fluctuates throughout the day and understand the factors that influence these changes.
To make learning fun and engaging, we offered a quiz on air pollution, focusing on common pollutants encountered during daily commutes. Participants tested their knowledge and learned new facts about the sources and effects of air pollution, as well as strategies for reducing their exposure.
In addition to outdoor air quality, we addressed concerns about indoor air pollution, particularly in kitchens. Our team discussed the various sources of indoor pollutants, such as cooking fumes and household cleaning products, and provided practical tips on how to minimize their impact. Attendees left with a better understanding of how to create a healthier indoor environment for their families.
he team also presented the impact of air pollution on children, especially in school settings. Parents and educators were keen to learn about the measures they can take to protect children, including the implementation of air purifiers, regular monitoring of air quality, and advocating for green spaces around schools.
Professor Prashant Kumar, director of the Guildford Centre for Clean Air Research said: “The Guildford Green Day provided a wonderful platform for our GCARE team to engage with the community, disseminate important information, and encourage collaborative efforts towards promoting cleaner air and sustainable urban development. We take pride in our partnership with the local community and council as we work together to develop environmentally friendly solutions for air pollution and climate change through our Guildford Living Lab initiative, while also raising awareness among the general public.”
Lucy Green, PhD candidate added: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Guildford Living Lab stall for Green Day which is an event that aligns well with my PhD research. This experience allowed me to engage with the community and have important discussions about air quality and monitoring with those who visited our stall. Engaging with local residents about the importance of air quality not only raises awareness but also inspires collective action towards a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Nathaniel Prodger, Climate Change Officer for the Guildford Borough Council adds: “Guildford Green Day was great and a real team effort! As our first event, we were really excited by the positive response from everyone. It was lovely to see businesses, residents and organisations come together to explore how they can really make a difference on climate change. We were thrilled that the team from the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) , who run Guildford Living Lab, participated in the event by showcasing their latest research and engaging with the public on air pollution challenges and solutions. This event has set a great foundation for future projects, and we can’t wait to keep this important work going with the support of our community.”
If you want to learn more about the Guildford Living Lab activities, we will be at the Guildford Clean Air Day on the 29th September!