We have another target in the Netherlands. By 2030, 50% health gains must be achieved compared to 2016 through cleaner air. At least, that's what the Clean Air Agreement states. With this, the central government wants to improve air quality for all of us. And for good reason. Every year, 12,000 people die and 100,000 become ill in the Netherlands because indoor and outdoor air is polluted and unhealthy. This puts air pollution in the top 4 causes of illness and death in our country (in the same place as smoking and obesity).
Concerned about air quality
Although harmful emissions from industry have fallen sharply in recent decades, the industry is still responsible for 10 per cent of health problems due to air pollution. In addition, employees, customers and residents of industrial companies are also increasingly concerned about the effect of (ultra)fine dust and other air pollution on their health. Of course, the corona crisis and spread of COVID-19 have also increased the focus on clean air.
Investing in clean air
At Hitma, we want to raise awareness of the need for clean, healthy indoor and outdoor air. That is why we have entered into a partnership with Viridi Air. Jan-Joris van de Riet, founder of Viridi Air, believes that whilst there has been much talk about clean air in recent years, too little concrete action has actually been taken. “The Clean Air Agreement is a step in the right direction, but encouraging businesses in a positive way to invest in healthy indoor and outdoor air is the most effective solution,” says Van de Riet.
Partnership Viridi Air
We agree with that at Hitma, which is why we have joined Viridi Air with our Sysinno measuring instruments. This line includes sensors for monitoring, measuring and controlling air quality in buildings. In addition, Sysinno develops instruments to measure outdoor air quality. These air quality sensors have been assessed by Viridi Air and received the Clean Air Certificate (category 'products').
Outdoor filter project and donation to LungFonds
The partnership also includes participation in Viridi Air 's outdoor filtration project to make outdoor air cleaner and healthier in a green and sustainable way. Viridi Air removes particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, NOx, ozone and CO2 from the air with natural filters using the BBA technique (Soil, Trees, Architecture, a practical application from scientific research by Alterra, Wageningen University). Viridi Air also donates an annual amount to the Lung Fund for each Partner Hap.
Join us too!
Are you also aware of the need for clean air and is your company already taking concrete steps to prevent or reduce air pollution? Or do you produce products that contribute to clean, healthy indoor and/or outdoor air? Then sign up with Viridi Air as well. Companies that meet the assessment criteria can join the networking club and exchange knowledge and information with other specialists in the group. And as a partner of Viridi Air, you automatically help expand the outdoor filtration project and support the Lung Fund. I hope the network grows quickly. If we put our shoulders to the wheel together, we will definitely achieve that 50% health gain through cleaner air in 2030.
