The West Midlands is working towards reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, with a goal of retrofitting 300,000 homes by 2026. Retrofitting means upgrading homes with better insulation, ventilation, and cleaner energy solutions to make them more energy-efficient. However, we still need real-world data to understand how these changes affect both indoor and outdoor air quality—which is exactly what the WM-Net Zero project is investigating.

In Brockmoor, a designated Net Zero Neighbourhood (NZN), we are using advanced tools to monitor air pollution before, during, and after retrofitting efforts. This will help us understand how these changes impact the air residents breathe inside their homes and in their local environment.

How Are We Measuring Air Quality?

To better understand air pollution in Brockmoor’s Net Zero Neighbourhood, we are using a combination of cutting-edge air quality monitoring tools, such as: a mobile air quality lab, a network of street-level sensors, and indoor air quality monitors in homes.

These help us track both outdoor and indoor air pollutants, providing valuable insights into how pollution levels change over time and how they are influenced by daily activities, weather, and home improvements.

Here’s how we are gathering this data (click on each title to expand information):

Super-Laboratory on Wheels

A mobile air quality lab, funded by NERC (the UK’s Environmental Research Council), is stationed in Brockmoor to monitor pollution levels. It focuses on measuring particulate matter (PM) in different size fractions, including PM2.5 and PM10, as well as black carbon. These pollutants are significant because black carbon contributes to atmospheric warming, while fine particles can pose serious health risks. Understanding their levels is essential for assessing both environmental and public health impacts.

Street-Level Air Quality Sensors

Six small air sensors have been placed on lampposts around Brockmoor, especially near the school. These sensors track key air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10), and ozone (O₃), as well as temperature and humidity. By collecting this data continuously, we can identify pollution hotspots and understand how air quality changes over time.

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring in Homes

Sensors are being placed in the kitchens and living rooms of selected homes across Brockmoor to track PM2.5, CO₂, temperature, and humidity. These sensors help us understand how everyday household activities—like cooking, cleaning, and ventilation—impact indoor air. Since people spend around 90% of their time indoors, this data is essential for improving air quality inside homes.

Why This Matters

By comparing air quality before and after retrofitting, we can see whether home upgrades help reduce pollution exposure or if additional improvements—such as better ventilation—are needed. The data collected will also help policymakers, local authorities, and researchers develop smarter, healthier, and more effective Net Zero solutions.

How Can You Get Involved?

We are inviting households in Brockmoor’s Net Zero Neighbourhood to take part in this important study by hosting indoor air quality sensors in their homes. By participating, you’ll help improve our understanding of how home environments affect air quality and contribute to research that could lead to healthier, more sustainable homes across the West Midlands.

For more information on how to participate, visit Indoor Air Quality Sensors-Brockmoor or contact wm-netzero@contacts.bham.ac.uk.