City of Ghent and VMM measure air quality around school De Krekel
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Real-time air quality visible at the school gate
The surroundings of De Krekel school look a bit different this month. A large screen at the school gate displays the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air in real time for three weeks. These data, collected by VMM sensors, compare the air quality in the car-free school street with that in the nearby drop-off zone.
In addition to air quality measurements, the screen also shows how many pupils arrive on foot, by bike, or by car. This aims to raise awareness among both parents and children about their mobility choices and the impact on air quality.
Pupils committed to clean air
The project goes beyond the screen at the school gate. Pupils from the fifth and sixth grades participated in an educational session on air quality, delivered by VMM's Air Team. During the lesson, they learned about the causes and effects of air pollution and went out to measure the air quality in the neighborhood themselves.
It was remarkable to see how enthusiastically the pupils got involved. They're not only curious but also deeply engaged with the topic
Until the end of January, the pupils will work on creative assignments and drawings about the importance of clean air.
Aiming for behavioral change
The collected data and insights will be evaluated later. The goal is to investigate whether the visible real-time information at the school gate actually leads to behavioral changes, such as more pupils and parents choosing bikes over cars. The city also wants to assess public support for such changes and measure whether that support incraeses.