Improving air quality at eight Hungarian regions
through the implementation of air quality plan measures
Project duration: 01.01.2019.-31.12.2026.
Coordinating Beneficiary: Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd.
Associated Beneficiaries: Hungarian Meteorological Service,
VITO - Flemish Institute for Technological Research NV,
Association of Everyday Cultures, University of Miskolc,
10 municipalities and their service companies: Békéscsaba, Budapest, Debrecen,
Eger, Kaposvár, Karcag, Miskolc, Pécs, Szolnok, Tatabánya
Project budget: 15 967 741 €
Contribution of the European Union: 60%
This 8-year project aims to solve one of the most significant environmental problems, improving unfavourable air quality in 10 Hungarian municipalities across 8 of the country's regions. It is realized through the development of emission databases, comprehensive awareness raising activities and the establishment of a national network of experts and consultants.
Installation of new air quality monitoring stations
The Hungarian Air Quality Network is responsible for the measurement and evaluation of air quality in Hungary. As part of the project new automatic monitoring station are installed at two partner settlements that have not had such monitoring station yet.
Establishment of the eco-manager network
One of the main goals of the project is to establish a consulting eco-management network for air protection. Tasks of the experts of the network include coordination of local project activities in the given municipalities, participation at awareness-raising activities, active contribution to the development of municipal mobility plans and workplace travel plans, furthermore guidance to facilitate the submission of successful applications funded by local and EU sources to improve air quality.
Promotion of environmentally friendly modes of transport
To reduce air pollution caused by transport various awareness-raising activities and local pilot actions are launched, such as the implementation of public bicycle systems and the development of intelligent urban transport systems.
Development of a decision supporting modelling tool for air-quality
As part of the project, a GIS database and a high-resolution air quality modelling tool will be developed to support the biannual review of municipal air quality plans. The decision support system makes it possible to estimate the impact of different measures and to identify key areas where effective measures can be taken.
Awareness raising and knowledge transfer
The municipalities involved in the project are starting awareness-raising campaigns to disseminate measures to improve air quality in the region. Key elements are the demonstration of good solid fuel burning techniques and environmentally friendly combustion methods, the promotion of environmentally friendly transport methods.
Reduction of emissions from the residential sector
As part of the project, comprehensive awareness-raising and local pilot actions will be started to reduce air pollution from residential heating, examples of pilot actions are the promotion of district heating, composting, optimization of solid fuel supply, and development of green spaces in city centres.
Application of environmentally friendly agricultural technologies
The project will also collect good practices to reduce air pollution from agricultural sources and support the training of farmers and the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies.