![\"Traffic](\"https:\/\/www.eshcon.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Transport-traffic-jam-copy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWe don\u2019t think enough about the impact of air pollution \u2013 on our health, on society and indeed the economy.<\/p>\n
Air pollution loses 3 million working days<\/h2>\n
Research from the CBI and the Clean Air Fund has found that poor air quality in the UK causes 3 million lost working days, costing the economy about \u00a3600m per year. This is down to people getting sick or taking time off to care for sick children.<\/p>\n
Improving air quality standards could help improve productivity, actually benefitting the economy by about \u00a31.6bn a year and preventing a staggering 17,000 premature deaths of working age people. Then there\u2019s the benefit to the NHS from lower sickness rates.<\/p>\n
During the Covid-19 lockdown, we saw how reduced traffic levels can improve air quality. Data from the Clean Air Fund found a 25% reduction in NO2 emissions in London during the morning rush hour and a 34% fall at evening commuting times.<\/p>\n
Plus, for their daily exercise, you would see people going for walks or cycling with the family. It was great to see people slowing down and appreciate their surroundings.<\/p>\n
The ongoing pandemic, however, has seen traffic levels rise again, with more people driving instead of using public transport.<\/p>\n
What can you do?<\/h2>\n
It is important that we all consider the impact of our choices \u2013 governments in their policy decisions, business operations and indeed individuals\u2019 travel choices.<\/p>\n
As part of the \u2018green recovery<\/strong>\u2019 from Covid-19 it is important the country invests in low carbon travel (public transport and cycling), plus energy efficiency of businesses and the domestic sector.<\/p>\n As people continue to work from home it is anticipated that the increase in gas use over winter, from people having the heating on longer than usual, will also cause problems.<\/p>\n To help combat this, check out the Green Homes Grant<\/strong> for energy improvements to your home (up to a maximum government contribution of \u00a35,000). But hurry, the works must be done by 31st<\/sup> March 2021. More info here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some areas also have grants for businesses<\/strong> for energy efficiency projects. For example the LoCase grant has grants of \u00a31k-10k for SMEs in Kent, Essex and East Sussex. See here to register<\/a> your interest.<\/p>\n So do take some time to consider how you, your family and your business can contribute. Small changes can have a great, cumulative effect \u2013 helping to reduce pollution, improve our health and contribute to a thriving economy.<\/p>\n For more info on the CBI Economics \/ Clean Air Fund research \u2013 see here.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n _____________________<\/p>\n Liked this post?\u00a0Sign up for the Eshcon Newsletter.<\/a><\/p>\n