Project results | HungAIRy

The ATMO-Plan decision support application

ATMO-Plan is a user-friendly, web-based application that allows users to assess the air quality impact of urban-scale scenarios that include measures to improve air quality.

Currently, the pollutants that can be examined are NO₂ and particulate matter (PM). The application was developed by the Belgian company VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research) and has been optimized for Hungary as part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project.

But what does this mean in practice? In Hungary, air pollution is currently dominated by two main sectors: transport and residential heating. Therefore, the measures that can be introduced into ATMO-Plan are also categorized according to these two factors. The application uses Hungarian data, including background concentrations for the examined pollutants, emissions from transport and residential heating, and meteorological data.

The background concentration of pollutants is determined by the RIO software, which uses interpolation and geospatial data to take into account the local characteristics of air pollution, even in areas where there are no air quality monitoring stations. Thanks to RIO, the pollutant background concentrations are available in ATMO-Plan at a 3 km x 3 km resolution.

Meteorological data (such as air temperature and wind conditions) are provided by the AROME weather forecasting model for every day of the base years (covering more than 3 years).

For transport emissions, mobility data is required – including the vehicle fleet (types of vehicles, number of vehicles, and mileage) and the road network (speed limits and road types).

For residential emissions, information is needed about what types of fuels and heating equipment people use in a given area. The application can distinguish between biomass, coal, and gas as fuels; between apartments and family houses as building types; and between boilers and stoves as types of heating equipment.

Regarding transport, the application can assess the impact of the following measures: banning certain types of vehicles from specific road sections, determining the number of different vehicle types, modifying speed limits, adding new road sections, or examining the impact of closing a road section.

Measures related to residential heating include: improving energy efficiency of buildings, modernizing heating equipment, and assessing the impact of changing fuels or heating devices. In addition, the system allows for the addition or removal of point sources (e.g., industrial emissions), and their effects can also be examined.

ATMO-Plan primarily supports policy decision-makers (e.g. eco-managers) in their work. With its help, more effective air quality improvement measures can be defined.

Our common goal is to improve air quality, reduce pollutant emissions, and thereby mitigate harmful health effects.

A.1.1 Deliverables (2) - Regional database for use in CTM model + EISSA application configured

A.1.2. Deliverable - High resolution emission database as input for the air quality modelling action

C.1.1. Deliverable - A user friendly map viewer to visualize and analyse the resulting high resolution pollutant concentration maps

C.1.1. Deliverable - Validation report for the ATMOSYS modelling chain

C.1.2. Deliverable - Deployment of the ATMOSYS Planning decision support tool in Hungary

Developing green forest sectors in Debrecen

As part of the pilot action of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, protective forests were planted in the western part of the city of Debrecen in the autumn of 2022, using forestry and horticultural methods.

The main purpose of the pilot forest area and afforestation is to reduce dust pollution coming from the west, from agricultural areas. In addition, the wooded areas are also suitable for recreation, relaxation and awareness-raising.

In 2020, a feasibility study was prepared for the pilot action of the HungAIRy project. One of its aims was to identify potential areas suitable for tree planting with a dust filtering function in an 850–850 metre wide strip along the Tócó stream, from Debrecen International Airport to Debrecen-Józsa.

In the geospatial analysis of the designated sector, the location of protected and inhabited areas, as well as areas already covered by trees or forests, was taken into account, along with the expected space requirements of ongoing and planned developments in the target area, and the property ownership status in Debrecen. In addition, the location of public utilities, the shape and size of potential areas, and the statistical analysis of wind directions and wind speeds were also examined.

Out of the 40 potential sites listed in the study, four were selected: horticultural-quality saplings – a total of 725 trees (columnar oak, small-leaved linden, silver linden, field elm) – were planted near Vezér Street and around the Vértessy Mansion. The forestry saplings – around 20,000 field maple, Norway maple, silver linden, field elm, narrow-leaved elm and wild pear saplings – were planted along Vincellér Street and Derék Street.

In addition to the physical implementation of the pilot action of the HungAIRy project, the Debrecen project team also provided information and awareness-raising opportunities for the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the protective forests. The city’s eco-managers showed both children and adults how to plant saplings and explained the process of forest cultivation.

The highlight of the planting was the community tree planting event held on 9 November 2022 in the area behind the Vértessy Mansion.

Beyond improving air quality, the afforested and greened areas will also serve as places of recreation for city residents and visitors to Debrecen.

A.12. Deliverable - Feasibility study of green area pilot action

C.13. Deliverable - Creation of green area(s) in the western part of the city

Developing a community cycling system in Eger

One way to reduce pollutant emissions from transport is to implement investments that promote and support alternative modes of transport, as well as provide the necessary infrastructure. In addition, raising public awareness of the problem through ongoing awareness-raising campaigns will help to achieve the objectives and improve air quality.

With the development of a public bicycle-sharing system, an initiative has been implemented that primarily encourages local residents to use bicycles in their everyday lives instead of relying on their own cars.

The bicycle system in Eger can be considered experimental, as it consists of 2 stations and a total of 20 traditional bicycles.

The north-south valley location of Eger determined the route of the cycling "network" backbone. The densely built city, and especially the historic city center with its old street layout, is not ideal for placing a main bicycle route. Due to these limiting factors, the main cycling route had to be created along the non-buildable strips by the Eger stream, primarily promoting this efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport among commuters and travelers heading to the city center.

The two docking stations are located in Árva and Kallómalom streets, forming a bridge between the residential area and the city centre. The two stations have 30 hybrid docking stations, which will be suitable for storing electric bicycles in the future.

The Eger Bringa bike-sharing system is supported by a user-friendly application (Android, iPhone), through which occasional users can access and pay for the bikes. Season ticket users can get an RFID card at the Eger Tourinform office to use the system. The Eger Eco-manager Office and the Tourinform office are happy to welcome visitors during opening hours.

Improving the K-Puszta background pollution monitoring station with calibration equipment

The two main tools for analysing air quality are the measurement and modelling of pollutant concentrations in the air. Measured data provide a point-specific picture in space and time, which is then extended by calculations in order to gain insight into air quality even in areas where no measured values are available. Measurements are needed not only during the preparatory phase of air quality planning, but also for validating and supporting the results of modelling. In Hungary, two standardised monitoring networks carry out high-quality, reliable and verifiable measurements. One of them is the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (OLM), whose stations monitor air pollution observed in settlements.

It is also necessary to know the air quality in areas further away from direct pollution sources — places not affected by roads, settlements, industrial or agricultural facilities — as this value indicates the ever-present background pollution onto which emissions from direct sources are superimposed.

This background pollution is monitored by the background monitoring network operated by the Hungarian Meteorological Service (OMSZ) and its legal successor, HungaroMet Nonprofit Ltd. The main station of this network is located in K-Puszta, in the centre of the country, and has been continuously transmitting data since 1983 to EMEP (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme for long-range transmission of air pollutants). As such, it is one of the oldest operating stations in both the national and international monitoring networks. At K-Puszta, standard sampling and measurement of background pollution is carried out using real-time monitors and 24-hour samples analysed in a laboratory.

Pollutants measured long-term using automated equipment include tropospheric ozone and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). In 2018, the station was expanded with four additional automatic instruments that measure carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonium. As part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, calibration equipment — including calibrators, zero gas generators, gas cylinders and pressure reducers — was installed for the existing automatic instruments. This makes the K-Puszta standard reference background monitoring station a reliable environmental measurement and validation tool, completing the monitoring network.

Air quality monitoring stations - Békéscsaba, Kaposvár

The National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (OLM) continuously measures the concentration of the most common air pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulate matter, benzene) in various areas of Hungary, as well as certain meteorological characteristics of the station’s surroundings (wind direction, wind speed, temperature, air pressure, relative humidity).

The production, installation and operation of these stations involve high costs, which is why their measurements only cover certain areas of the country. It is important to explore alternative ways to involve more cities and regions in data collection to obtain a more accurate picture of Hungary’s air quality.

The Municipality of Békéscsaba and Békéscsabai Városfejlesztési Nonprofit Ltd. are participating in the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, the main goal of which is to improve air quality in eight regions of Hungary. The project supports the implementation of air quality plans for municipalities through the development of emission databases, comprehensive awareness-raising and information activities, the establishment of a national network of experts and consultants, and the installation of a new permanent automatic monitoring station in both Békéscsaba and Kaposvár.

Until now, there was no automatic air quality monitoring station operating in Békéscsaba and its surroundings, which is why one of the project's objectives was to procure and install an automatic air quality monitoring station to assess the state of air quality. In order to determine the location, four 2-week periods of standardised measurements were carried out between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020. Based on the results of these measurements, the Air Quality Protection Reference Centre of the Hungarian Meteorological Service recommended the monitoring point located in the Jamina district of Békéscsaba (33 Kolozsvári Street, in the courtyard of the outpatient clinic) as the location for the new automatic monitoring station. The installation of the station was completed on 30 November 2021, followed by a one-month trial operation by 31 December 2021.

The automatic air quality monitoring station in Kaposvár - which measures background pollution from residential sources - began test operation on 4 July 2023 in the area next to the Kaposvár Ice Hall.

The monitoring stations measure the concentration of ozone, nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOX), sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) 24 hours a day. In addition, meteorological characteristics are also continuously monitored and recorded. The data is transmitted to the operator via an automatic internal data transfer system, where it is processed and reviewed continuously.

The monitoring station is part of the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network, within which it also provides data to the staff of the Hungarian Meteorological Service — which, following its reorganisation, now operates as HungaroMet Hungarian Meteorological Service Nonprofit Ltd. The data is continuously available at https://legszennyezettseg.met.hu/, where specific time periods can also be selected. The stations are operated by the territorially competent Government Offices, and from 1 July 2024 by HungaroMet.

The importance of the monitoring stations is undeniable, as access to meteorological data allows for much more accurate forecasts, well-founded analyses and reports supported by comprehensive data in the field of air pollution. The results help guide decisions on how to improve air quality.

Air quality pilot house in Karcag

As part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, a unique building created in Erzsébet-liget, Karcag - both in design and function - demonstrates solutions that have a positive impact on air protection.

The pilot house has 14 solar panels on its roof, which - in suitable weather conditions - are capable of covering the building’s entire energy needs. The roof is oriented south and has a 30-degree tilt, which is the optimal angle for solar panels on an annual basis.

Two sides of the house feature pergola extensions, demonstrating passive protection from heat load caused by sunlight on the building’s glass surfaces.

Motorized external sunshades have also been installed on the two side walls. Under optimal conditions, using only the sunshade allows the indoor temperature in summer to be maintained 3°C lower than without it.

A green roof has been installed above the main entrance canopy, and green walls have been planted on the side facades. The clean rainwater running off the roof - used to irrigate the surrounding area and the green walls - is collected in a rainwater reservoir located beside the building.

The building’s heating and cooling are provided by a 12 kW air-to-water heat pump system; this would be sufficient to meet the heating needs of a 120–150 m² family house. The system operates with eco‑friendly refrigerant gas.

A central heat recovery ventilation system ensures the right air exchange: it removes used air and replaces it with filtered fresh air at the right temperature. In a fan-coil system, the heat exchange between the outside and the inside is not gas (as in air-conditioning systems) but water.

Within the 167 m² building there is an exhibition hall, a presentation room for awareness‑raising, and the Eco‑manager’s Office.

The exhibition area is designed so that the built-in building‑mechanical solutions can be seen: the underfloor heating is visible through a glass panel in the floor, and other mechanical equipment is seen through a glass door. This allows visitors to learn about various environmentally friendly architectural and building‑mechanical solutions and energy‑efficiency measures.

The presentation room is also suitable for hosting awareness‑raising events and school lectures.

HungAIRy PM monitoring network in Miskolc and Kaposvár

One of Hungary’s most significant environmental health challenge is air pollution, which shortens the lives of residents by several years. The PM monitoring network aims to raise awareness of this issue by visualising, in near‑real time and at district-level resolution, the concentration of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), while also providing information on individual adaptation and emission‑reduction options, supported by broad public awareness-raising. The system’s innovation is that, although measurements are made with non‑certified, low‑cost sensors, the data accuracy is sufficient for monitoring urban air pollution trends and informing the public - thanks to calibration, validation, and continuous maintenance performed by the University of Miskolc.

The official handover of the monitoring network and the pmmonitoring.hu website took place at the University of Miskolc on 2 September 2021, and the Kaposvár system became operational on 12 November 2021. Within the framework of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, the University of Miskolc, in collaboration with experts from the Municipality of Miskolc, established the monitoring units and the PM network. The innovative, budget‑friendly system now measures airborne particulate concentrations at 60 locations in Miskolc and 20 in Kaposvár using solid-particle sensors.

All measured data are available to the public on the pmmonitoring.hu website and the PM monitoring app (Android, iPhone). Current air quality data are displayed on a map using different-colored emoticons to indicate levels, and historical data are shown in graphs. The site also offers health advice to tailor activities to current air quality, and the “What can I do?” section provides suggestions for reducing pollutant emissions.

How does the PM monitoring network work?

The University of Miskolc has developed a measuring unit with a PMS7003 type PM10 and PM2.5 low-cost measuring unit and a BME680 type low-cost sensor measuring environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure). A Raspberry Pi-based unit continuously logs sensor data and transmits 15‑minute averages via 2G to a central server. The server stores all data from the network in unified databases. The sensors are housed in a 3D‑printed louvered enclosure, and the particulate sensors are calibrated in a climate chamber under controlled temperature and humidity using reference instruments. Measurements from three units are compared with data from the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (OLM), so that the resulting figures also reflect the accuracy of the entire monitoring network.

Since the network uses low-cost sensors, it does not provide certified data; however, the accumulated data and experience offer a clearer understanding of smog formation, the most polluted districts, patterns of pollutant dispersion, dispersion trends and rates, heating practices, and local air pollution characteristics. Maintaining and operating the network is one of the greatest challenges, especially regarding unit longevity and data continuity. The University of Miskolc, with cooperating partners, is responsible for instrument maintenance, data availability, and the development of the pmmonitoring.hu site.

Where else can you find the PM monitoring network?

In order to reach as many people as possible about air quality and the PM monitoring network, the Miskolc Eco-manager Office, MIKOM (Miskolc Communication Nonprofit Ltd.) and the University of Miskolc are working together, using all communication channels - especially during the heating season. The network has been featured on Duna TV, is a regular guest on Miskolc TV, in news and magazine programmes, on local radio stations and in the daily news section of minap.hu. Short films run on local public transport vehicles, LED screens and social media. Educational and awareness-raising articles, posters and creative content appear in the local print and online media, as well as on the ZöMi - Zöld Miskolc Facebook page, and on several other social media platforms. City and university events, green and commemorative days, and educational institutions also feature these messages. The residents of Kaposvár were first introduced to the PM monitoring network via the “74nullanulla” platform. The pmmonitoring.hu is always promoted at awareness-raising events (Clean Air for Blue Skies, Ecological Footprint Hour) held in schools and at the Climate Den (Klímakuckó).

More information:

www.pmmonitoring.hu

www.facebook.com/ZoldMiskolc

www.youtube.com/@zoldmiskolc2193

A.13. Deliverable - Installation plan of monitoring system

A.13. Deliverable - Periodic report of PA phase 1

A.13. Deliverable - Technical description, operation and maintenance plan of the monitoring system

C.14. - Deliverable - Operating downloadable mobile application for monitoring system

C.14. - Deliverable- Educational material and plan for the involvement of seconday schools

Reducing green waste incineration in Miskolc

The open-air burning of green waste has been a harmful practice in Hungary for decades and is still considered by many as the only way to manage garden waste. However, the process causes significant air pollution, while also harming the soil and the local ecosystem. The high moisture content of the waste results in heavy smoke, and the incomplete combustion generates dangerous pollutants that can travel several kilometres, mostly within the lower layers of the atmosphere – precisely where people breathe (1.5–2 metres above ground).

The smoke has a strong, unpleasant smell, infringes on the right to clean air, makes ventilation in nearby buildings difficult, and may cause serious respiratory problems for people with chronic conditions. Fires, once lit, are also dangerous in themselves, as they can spread and burn down large areas. For these reasons, Miskolc City Municipality, as part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, aims to reduce the open-air burning of green waste. This goal is supported not only by efforts to eliminate burning but also by promoting composting as a viable and sustainable alternative.

Since September 2020, the Municipality has banned the burning of fallen leaves and garden waste. To support compliance with this regulation, the Eco-manager Office regularly launches awareness campaigns highlighting the ban and its environmental and health impacts. The Miskolc Municipal Police is a key partner in both education and enforcement – they do not only issue fines but also provide information and support to residents.

An annual report is prepared on the outcomes of these activities. According to these reports, the number of complaints and enforcement actions initially increased after the regulation came into effect, then started to decline. This indicates growing public awareness and a willingness to follow the rules. Although the problem has not been completely eliminated, further awareness-raising and enforcement remain necessary.

Composting is an excellent alternative to burning. To encourage this, the Eco-manager Office supports residents through training, advice, and free compost bin distribution. The bins are available to those who attend an informational session. On average, 300 bins are distributed each year, with a total of 1,733 handed out by spring 2024. Eco-managers also provide on-site advice for about 10% of the distributed bins during follow-up visits. These visits offer an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of composting over burning and to promote other ways of utilising green waste (such as raised beds or mulching). They also allow residents to share good practices and inspiring solutions that others can adopt.

In addition to these consultations linked to the compost bin programme, the Eco-manager Office is available to the public throughout the year, providing information on air quality and environmental awareness – in person, by phone, online, and in writing. Their awareness-raising work includes intensive media outreach: they are regular guests on Miskolc TV and local radio stations, their articles, posters and videos frequently appear in local print and online media, and their “Green Miskolc” (ZöMi) Facebook page has reached nearly 150,000 people in four years. Since the start of the project, they have had more than 1,600 media appearances. They also organise their own events (bin distributions, environmental days, school and kindergarten sessions, lectures, workshops, etc.) and work with partners such as the University of Miskolc, Bükk National Park Directorate, Miskolc Zoo, Miskolc Cultural Centre and MiReHu Nonprofit Ltd. to run joint events and participate in city-wide programmes. So far, they have reached over 8,000 people through around 230 occassions.

The goal of the Eco-manager Office in Miskolc is to continue and expand these activities, reaching more and more people in the future. By promoting mindset shifts and environmentally conscious behaviour, they aim to further improve air quality in Miskolc and the Sajó Valley.

A.14. Deliverable - 1st phase report PA

A.14. Deliverable - Action plan of composting program

A.14. Deliverable - Awareness raising programs’ action plan and curriculum

A.14. Deliverable - Strict local government regulation of waste burning

A.14. Deliverable - Survey report 2019 of waste burning

A.14. Deliverable - Training of 50 Municipal Inspectors

C.15. Deliverable - Audit report on waste incineration I.

C.15. Deliverable - Audit report on waste incineration II

C.15. Deliverable - Audit report on waste incineration III

C.15. Deliverable - Report on the results of the composting program I
C.15. Deliverable - Report on the results of the composting program I._Annex 5
C.15. Deliverable - Report on the results of the composting program I._Annex 6

C.15. Deliverable - Report on the results of the composting program II

C.15. Deliverable - Reporting on the implementation of awareness-raising activities I

C.15. Deliverable - Reporting on the implementation of awareness-raising activities II

Smart parking system in Pécs

Air pollution can have multiple sources – in the city of Pécs, one of the most significant contributors is traffic. Exhaust gases emitted by cars, buses, and other vehicles greatly impact air quality. These emissions include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The introduction of a smart parking system can help improve air quality by reducing traffic congestion and the time spent searching for parking, thereby decreasing emissions and promoting more efficient, conscious transport.

Due to the city’s layout and geographical setting, traffic in Pécs is concentrated along an east-west axis, which places a heavy burden on the downtown area, especially its lower-lying parts. Parking infrastructure in this zone is under significant pressure. Several supermarkets and shopping centres are located at the edge of the city centre, attracting additional car traffic. Often, vehicles searching for parking further increase the already high volume of traffic.

The time spent searching for available spaces, the distance driven for this purpose, and the emissions released during this process are all factors that can be reduced by building smart parking infrastructure. Sensors installed in parking spaces detect whether a spot is occupied or available, helping drivers decide whether they can stop there at that time.

As part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, the Municipality of Pécs and its technology partners launched a smart parking system in August 2022 in selected streets of downtown Zones 1A and 1B. The system consists of 640 sensor-equipped parking spaces and electronic information boards placed along main access routes to larger parking areas. These boards display the number of available spaces. The embedded sensors detect whether a space is free or occupied, and this information is instantly displayed in a dedicated mobile application called Parker (Android, iPhone).

A web-based interface was also developed for parking attendants to support the monitoring of these spaces.

Analysis of data collected since the system was launched confirms its effectiveness: while the number of parked cars citywide decreased slightly in 2023 (by 5.27% compared to 2019), the drop was more than double – 11.44% – within the target area, Zone 1. At the project location, utilisation of the upgraded parking spaces is clearly high – in 2023, for example, occupancy during paid hours reached 91%.

Based on current experiences and the latest data, it is also clear which locations are the busiest and most suitable for further expansion of the digitalised system.

The introduction of the smart parking system has significantly reduced parking times, which contributes to smoother traffic flow and less congestion in city streets. As a result, unnecessary cruising for parking has declined, along with related emissions.

A.16. Deliverable - Detailed concept of the smart parking system

A.16. Deliverable - System description of the mobile application

C.17. Deliverable - 640 parking spaces equipped and final version of mobile application

C.17. Deliverable - Operating mobile application

Green Space Inventory - systematic registration of green spaces in Pécs

Pécs faces a number of environmental and urban challenges, and managing them effectively requires a well-organised and efficiently maintained green space network. This is the purpose of the Green Space Inventory. The register was created to help the city manage and develop its green areas more effectively, improve air quality, mitigate the impacts of climate change, increase biodiversity, and contribute to the overall well-being of residents.

Urban vegetation produces oxygen, which improves air quality. The foliage of trees and other plants acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, pollen, and other harmful substances from the air, thus reducing pollution. Green areas also help cool the urban microclimate and reduce the formation of heat islands. Recognising and optimising the role of green spaces is crucial for improving air quality in cities. The inventory keeps track of plant stocks, making green spaces easier to manage and more transparent. Healthy green spaces also support better physical and mental health for residents. The Green Space Inventory not only supports the preservation and expansion of green areas but also contributes to sustainable urban development and a higher quality of life in Pécs.

The Pécs Green Space Inventory is a digital database that contains detailed and comprehensive information about the city’s green areas. It records and monitors green spaces maintained by the Municipality. In addition to map-based visualisation, the system documents various parameters of vegetation in public areas, including plant species, age, size, value, and any necessary maintenance actions. In total, 26 parameters are recorded for each individual plant.

During the implementation of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, survey data is being added to the register in a phased manner, area by area. Currently, information on the Western and Southern districts is available to the public. The vegetation survey of the Central districts is still ongoing.

The register helps identify areas where further development or protection is particularly important for maintaining a resilient green infrastructure. It also highlights places where new trees can be planted, green spaces can be created, or existing ones need to be preserved.

The Green Inventory can guide the city in managing and maintaining its green areas more effectively. Based on the data, the planning and scheduling of maintenance activities can be made more efficient – including irrigation, vegetation maintenance, and tree pruning. This helps make updates to the city’s green infrastructure more predictable and can even lead to reduced operational costs.

An important element of the Pécs Green Space Inventory is that it also records the root zone dimensions, which are derived from canopy size. These values are particularly important when planning underground infrastructure (such as water pipes or electric cables), as they can help predict potential root conflicts. The new system also allows the identification of public properties where planting is still feasible, taking into account legal parameters related to the required safety distances from utility lines. This data, along with the necessary local regulations, supports the protection of the existing urban vegetation.

The Green Inventory is not only a useful tool for urban maintenance companies, but also for the city’s communities. If this data becomes publicly accessible, it can help residents better understand and appreciate the value of green areas and provide opportunities for more active involvement in their maintenance and development. The public interface is available at https://zoldpecs.hu/.

In summary, the Green Space Inventory of Pécs is a valuable tool that supports the efficient management and development of the city’s green infrastructure, while also helping residents connect more closely with and enjoy the green spaces the city has to offer.

C.18. Deliverable - Available test version + Released version of the web interface

Traffic monitoring in Szolnok - for cleaner air

Within the framework of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, the first components of a new, modular Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) were introduced in Szolnok in 2022, through the development of a real-time, automatic traffic monitoring system at key traffic junctions across the city.

By professionally modelling the collected data — including increasing or decreasing the capacity of individual routes and introducing potential changes to traffic regulations — vehicle traffic can be regulated more effectively. The system includes 17 locations equipped with optical (infrared) sensors, all connected via GSM data transmission. As part of the development towards a comprehensive urban ITS system, congestion detection will also be integrated — this is expected to be implemented in 2024. With this functionality, bottlenecks can be identified, and proposals can be made for improved traffic management. Based on the measured data, not only will it be possible in the future to adjust traffic light settings, but also to carry out intersection planning based on real-world data and simulations. This would support the design of new junctions, as well as the optimisation and restructuring of existing ones.

The plans for the automatic traffic monitoring system were completed in spring 2022, and implementation began in May of that year. The full system — covering all 17 locations — was completed on 31 October 2022. Since the handover, traffic counting has been operating continuously, in real time.

The information collection process is fully anonymous. It does not contain any personal data or license plates and only monitors the passing traffic, making it favourable from a data protection perspective.

The principle of the measurements is based on infrared distance sensors that detect passing traffic. These sensors are connected to signal processing units, with a maximum of two infrared sensors per unit. Power is supplied by batteries integrated into the processing units during daylight hours when the street lighting poles are not connected to the electricity grid. The battery capacity allows the system to operate even during the longest daylight periods around the summer solstice (up to 16 hours), while recharging takes place at night.

The measured data is transmitted via GSM connection from the signal processing units to a central server, where it is stored. Operators can access the data through a web interface, which allows for real-time monitoring — even per measurement point — and enables structured queries from the database. The software environment also supports basic reporting and data analysis, with traffic data visualised through graphs.

A.18. Deliverable - Detailed plan of the automatic traffic counting system
A.18. Deliverable - Detailed plan_Annex_1_Elhelyezesi_terv_Szolnok_forgalomszamlalo_felszerelese
A.18. Deliverable - Detailed plan_Annex_2_ Szenzor_telepítési_terv

Public bicycle system development in Tatabánya

One way to reduce emissions from transport is to invest in promoting and supporting alternative modes of transport and providing the necessary transport infrastructure. In addition, raising public awareness of the problem through ongoing campaigns will help to achieve the objectives and improve air quality.

With the establishment of the public bicycle system in Tatabánya, an initiative was implemented that primarily encourages local residents to use bicycles for everyday transport instead of their own vehicles.

Six stations were set up during the development of T-Bike to ensure that the system works well and efficiently in the city. These were designed to fit Tatabánya's spatial structure and the existing and planned cycle routes.

Following the approval of the extended technical content and the completion of the conditional public procurement procedure, the selected contractor began the planning and implementation of the stations in March 2023.

A total of 75 hybrid docking units, one control terminal and one emergency return barrier per station, as well as 25 traditional and 25 electric pedal-assisted (pedelec) bicycles were procured for the six stations.

The pilot operation of the T-Bike system started on 8 April 2024, involving staff from the Mayor’s Office of the Municipality of Tatabánya and the Komárom-Esztergom County Police Headquarters, as well as students from the Árpád High School in Tatabánya.

During the transitional period between 6 and 30 May 2024, anyone could try the public bike system for a symbolic daily fee of 500 HUF. The aim of the pilot and transition period was to identify any malfunctions with the stations or bicycles before the official launch.

The system officially went live on 3 June 2024 and can be used via an application (Android, iPhone).

Installation of air quality monitoring stations with sensors in Tatabánya

Tatabánya considers it a key responsibilty to investigate complaints about air pollution and take appropriate measures. Within the framework of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project, three mobile air quality measuring instruments were purchased and installed to measure current air quality and inform the public.

These three mobile micro-sensor air quality monitoring stations are easily relocatable, have a built-in battery and solar panel kit, and contain 6-6 sensors:

- CO sensor (0-20 ppm)

- NO₂ sensor (0-250 ppb)

- O₃ & NO₂ sensor (0-250 ppb)

- SO₂ sensor (0-1000 ppb)

- NMVOC sensor (0-16 ppm)

- PM10/2.5/1 sensor (0-1000µg/m3)

The measured data is transferred via SIM card to the manufacturer's web interface and from there to the city's website. The instruments can be relocated and installed not only on flat roofs but also on utility poles, allowing for air quality measurements across various districts. This mobility makes it easier to investigate air quality complaints from residents.

Most of the sensors used in the monitoring stations detect various gas components using electrochemical methods, such as NO₂, O₃/NO₂, SO₂, CO, H₂S/CH₄S, and NH₃. Measurement of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC) is carried out using a PID (Photoionisation Detector). Particulate matter of different sizes (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) is detected using optical methods.

The instruments were initially installed in the Felsőgalla district in May and October 2023. In cooperation with the environmental and climate protection officer, the sensors are relocated annually by the supplier to areas in the city with potentially higher pollution levels. Where indicative measurements consistently detect elevated pollution levels, mobile accredited measurements may be initiated.

Real-time measurement data is available to the public on the city’s website.

By the end of the project implementation period, the collected data will be used to prepare a study plan, which will propose air quality protection measures. These may include:

Making the TaBi system and/or public transport free of charge during smog episodes;
Amending and supplementing local government decree 51/2012. (XI.23.) on the implementation of the Smog Alert Plan;
Developing traffic control interventions in case of limit value exceedances, such as traffic diversion, the development of alternative routes (e.g. traffic light adjustments, informational signage, etc.).