About National Clean Air Day

The first ever National Clean Air Day (NCAD) will see local schools, hospitals, workplaces and communities across UK cities run events, and inspire local residents to act for their own health and the health of local children.

The themes for the NCAD are, 'healthy air, healthy future' and 'if you act today, we will all benefit today'.

Air pollution increases the risk of asthma attacks, heart disease, and diabetes and can be associated with dementia. The health problem of air pollution is completely unnecessary and NCAD is all about giving everyone the tools and inspiration to reduce pollution now.

Find out more about the National Clean Air Day

Events in the borough

The council is hosting a range of exciting events on 15 June including:

• school walking buses
• driverless car demonstrations
• a site tour of the Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon District Energy Centre
• electric bicycle (e-bike) and car demonstrations
• free bicycle repair stations.

Residents interested in the Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon District Energy Centre tour or the driverless car demonstration must register their interest so that tour numbers can be allocated - please email greener@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Residents can pop along to the Greenwich Centre anytime between 9am and 2pm to get a bicycle tune-up, find out more about more about the e-bike scheme and our Sharing Cities and Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) programmes.

Greener Greenwich Strategy

Working on reducing emissions is a key priority for the council and addressing current high levels of nitrogen dioxide air pollution, particularly along major roads. The council's Greener Greenwich Strategy, launched in 2016, outlines the actions the council intends taking to tackle climate change and air pollution across the borough, which includes a number of innovative local projects such as the introduction of a Low Emission Neighbourhood in west Greenwich last year.

Vehicle Idling Action

The Royal Borough of Greenwich will shortly be participating in Vehicle Idling Action, London-wide behaviour change campaign which aims to reduce localised air pollution caused by idling engine emissions. The campaign, now in its second year, is funded by the Mayor's Air Quality Fund and works with teams of local volunteers to educate motorists about the negative impact of idling on air quality. More details on the dates when these days will be held will be publicised soon.

'Importance of having clean air'

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, said: "National Clean Air Day is a great way of prompting people to leave the car at home. The aim is to encourage residents to try something new, such as walking the kids to school, working from home, cycling, using park-and-ride schemes or car sharing.

"These fun activities hosted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich will give our young people and residents generally an invaluable insight into the importance of having clean air and a clean environment."