Case Studies
Air quality screening tool
We support the Highways Agency (HA) on air quality matters, from providing extra resource on projects to undertaking research and development. We have investigated the effectiveness of emerging pollution abatement technologies for the HA and are currently redeveloping the DMRB Air Quality Screening Tool, the most commonly-used atmospheric dispersion model for roads in the UK. It is extensively used by consultants and local authorities to assess air quality near roads across the UK. The system also allows detailed scheme drawings to be imported and there is now increased speed and accuracy of air quality calculations with the option to present outputs graphically.
Air dispersion studies and Emissions Trading Scheme
We undertake air dispersion studies using state-of-the-art modelling techniques as part of the environmental impact assessment and planning processes, for a variety of industrial facilities including those in the energy, oil and gas, waste and wastewater sectors. We provide estimates of the atmospheric concentrations of pollutants such as combustion gases, particulates, metals, VOCs and odour. We also estimate rates of acid deposition as part of an ecological assessment.
We helped regulators in Scotland to set up and manage the procedural and technical assessment of applications under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. We also assist industrial and energy generation operators with implementing the guidance that we developed.
ROCC
We applied our experience of greenhouse gas management to develop many of Atkins’ carbon calculation tools including the online Remediation Options Carbon Calculator (ROCC). We are the technical managers for Atkins’ “100 weeks” programme of carbon critical design tools.
Motorway schemes
We are developing bespoke assessment techniques for estimating the air quality impact of managed motorway schemes. We are developing intelligent transport system techniques to actively and dynamically manage traffic to improve driving styles leading to reduced emissions. These require considerable data on profile and second by second movements, and are intricately tied into state-of-the-art emissions models, micro-simulation traffic models and the latest in traffic control centre functionalities (many also developed by other parts of Atkins).
We developed action plans for road, shipping, rail and public transport modes, as well as land development management plans, to assist a major Scottish city to abate the significant air quality problems in its city centre. This work involved detailed modelling of the interaction between these factors, and involved presentation and negotiation for the client with local officers, politicians, transport operators, as well as with national carriers and agencies.
Heathrow airport
We worked with the Department for Transport on the Project for Sustainable Development at Heathrow, improving the understanding of emissions, modelling air quality impacts from aircraft and ground-based vehicle fleet, surrounding major roads and abatement options at one of the world’s busiest airports. The lessons learnt and the tools and databases developed are recognised by international bodies such as ICAO and CAEP as being at the leading edge of understanding.