Charity calls on firms to join Business for Clean Air initiative

Environmental charity Global Action Plan has launched its Business for Clean Air Initiative, a voluntary initiative that signals a company's commitment to addressing air pollution, after growing public concern over poor air quality returning post lockdown.

The initiate helps companies learn how to help tackle air pollution as they get back to business. It is being launched by the charity’s Business Clean Air Taskforce, which comprises comprises Uber, Philips, Canary Wharf Group, Engie, Blueair, Octopus Electric Vehicles, Ricardo, BP Chargemaster, Zehnder, LeasePlan and the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

A recent survey by the Business for Clean Air Taskforce found that incorporating air pollution in recovery strategies would be welcomed by the public, with 74 per cent of Brits wanting businesses to improve air pollution as part of their coronavirus recovery so that neighbourhoods don’t go back to the way they were.

Additionally, 85 per cent also listed at least one specific pollution-reduction measure they want businesses to take, including: working from home; flexible working hours; more electric cars/vans used for delivering goods; businesses taking steps to improve air quality in the workplace; increased number of click and collect grocery services; more cargo bikes used for delivering goods (within a 10 mile range); introducing workplace parking levies to discourage driving; personal deliveries banned in the workplace.

Chris Large, senior partner at Global Action Plan, said: “Business leadership on air pollution is imperative. It’s a health crisis that is crying out for business innovation, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses to radically improve the quality of life for their customers and employees. The steps that will cut pollution will also reduce road accidents, improve work-life balance, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance community connections. There’s a brighter future that any large business can help to bring about, and our taskforce is offering free support to help businesses begin the change.”

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “We know the impact that air pollution has on communities across the UK which is why - as set out in the Clean Air Strategy - the government, businesses and individuals all need to come together to tackle this problem. The Business for Clean Air initiative set a strong example for businesses to recognise the role they have to play. As well as congratulating those businesses who have already signed up, I’d also encourage more companies to make the pledge, taking action to make their operations cleaner for the good of their employees, customers and the wider community.”