The IDEAL cluster has recently published its first joint policy brief to improve indoor air quality in Europe.
The coordination of this publication fell to the Cluster’s Working Group 1 (WG1), which is focused on science translation into policy. This working group is led by K-HEALTHinAIR and SynAir-G and counts on the contributions of all the other Cluster projects, among which the LEARN project.
After developing the policy strategy for the Cluster, WG1 created this first policy brief, submitted it to the European Commission and distributed it through its website and other communication channels.
Key insights from the first IDEAL cluster policy briefs
Indoor air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to public health. This policy brief assesses the existing guidelines, policies and best practices for tackling this problem at the global, European, and national levels. Then, the brief addresses gaps in existing EU policies and legislative frameworks concerning health, environment, climate, and building policies, outlining the added value that its projects are bringing to them.
The IDEAL cluster’s policy brief also highlights essential policy questions, such as the legal definition of indoor air quality, the interplay between personal behaviour and environmental factors, and the importance of harmonizing approaches to indoor air quality measurement and regulation across Europe.
Finally, based on those questions, the policy brief gives some policy recommendations for the EU to address persistent challenges posed by indoor air quality. These include the following suggestions:
- Establishing a sound legal basis for action
- Adopting a common legal definition for indoor air quality
- Presenting a cohesive strategic plan to tackle it
- Facilitating and supporting innovation that ensures access for all
- Reinforcing the links between existing standards and regulations
- Developing new management standards
- Conducting a survey to assess the public perception
The LEARN project is a Horizon Europe project meant to monitor and evaluate indoor air quality at schools around Europe and its impact on children’s health. Our main goal is to develop and deploy novel sensors that can detect possibly harmful air pollutants, as well as advanced biosensors and optimised air remediation strategies. Find out more about our EU-funded project!
