Home Energy Consumption ‘Contributes To Air Pollution’
[Air-polluting particles named PM10 are produced as home energy is used in heating systems, as well as arising from industry and vehicle emissions.]
While most of the coverage given to home energy use focuses on carbon emissions and the cost of the mains electricity and gas consumed, there is another element that is often overlooked.
Heating systems are not only a major consumer of home energy; they are also a major producer of air-polluting particles.
The European Commission is acting to reduce the prevalence of these particles, called PM10, with London among its target areas.
At the beginning of 2009, the UK authorities argued that eight regions of the country should be exempted from EU limits on levels of PM10 in the atmosphere.
However, many of the listed regions were already within the acceptable range, leading the European Commission to reject the request.
Now, of the territories controlled by the UK, only London and Gibraltar remain above the safe levels laid out by the commission.
Following a final warning issued by the commission, threatening action if levels do not drop in the months to come, Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat environment spokesman for the London Assembly, says it is time for action.
Tuffey said: “This announcement must act as a real wake-up call to both central government and the Mayor of London.”
While home energy consumption through heating systems is a contributing factor, work is also being done to combat the production of PM10 through both industry and vehicle emissions.
A possible way to do this for London in the years to come could come from the eco-friendly black cab unveiled in the capital this week.
Funded by the UK Government Technology Strategy Board and created through a partnership of Lotus Engineering, LTI Vehicles, TRW Conekt and Intelligent Energy, the vehicle appears as an ordinary black cab.
However, under the hood, it has a hydrogen fuel cell system that allows it to drive more than 250 miles on a single tank at a top speed of around 80 mph.
The tank can be refuelled in under five minutes and the only emissions from the vehicle’s engine come in the form of water vapour.
Bella Winterfold often writes about energy news, as well discussing electricity and gas in the home and office.
