New
Possibilities for the air quality improving in Bratislava, Trnava and Trenčín regions
02. 02. 2022
Awareness
Thanks to the measures taken in the field of air protection, the air quality in our cities is constantly improving. Air quality improvement programs and strategic planning documents, which are currently being prepared by district offices in the regional seat, also with the help of air quality managers, should also contribute to further positive change. Fresh information on this and other topics was provided at a workshop organized as part of the LIFE IP project - Improving Air Quality, which took place on January 26, 2022, focusing on the Bratislava, Trnava and Trenčín regions. Similar workshops for other regions were organized in 2021.
With the aim of inspiring representatives of local governments to engage in the preparation of strategic documents, as well as the fulfillment of set goals and measures in the field of improving air quality, various topics were presented at the workshop. The LIFE populair project was also presented, which has already become known to local governments thanks to air quality managers (AQMs).
The fact is that Slovakia is facing a lawsuit for insufficient activities in the field of improving air quality in previous years. The following steps should improve this undesirable situation: new legislation on the Air Act, boiler subsidy, AQM activities in individual regions, educational and awareness-raising activities, demonstrations, air quality monitoring, etc. All important information can be found on the websites www.populair.sk and www.dnesdycham.sk
In their lectures, AQMs assessed the current situation in the area of air quality in the monitored regions, the results of pollutant monitoring and the defined areas of air quality management (ORKO), including risk areas. Pollution sources were defined as local heating, critical points within car traffic and large sources of pollution by region. Suitable measures focusing on better air quality are also proposed in regional documents such as Economic and Social Development Programs, Spatial Plans, Low Carbon Strategies, Sustainable Mobility Plans and others.
The possibilities of using EU funds in the 2021-2027 programming period were also presented. Drawing funds for measures to improve air quality is possible, for example, through the Slovakia Program or the Renovation Plan within the framework of the renovation of family houses.
As concrete examples and demonstrations from practice, contributions were made on odor monitoring in Senec, mobile air quality monitoring in Ivanka pri Dunaji. The Low Carbon Strategy of the Trnava Self-Governing Region was also presented, as well as public education – one of the ways to achieve healthier urban environments and experiences with designing energy-efficient buildings oriented towards high energy efficiency. Finally, the inspiring project Tree to the House from Trnava was given space.
The participants agreed that coordinated preparation and subsequent implementation of air quality improvement programs (PZKO) are important for effective improvement of air quality in our regions. Our ultimate goal should be better air quality for all citizens.
All presentations from the workshop will soon be available at: https://www.populair.sk/sk/event/501
