OPENAIR

Introduction

OPENAIR is an initiative led by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Smart Sensing Network. The aim of this initiative is to provide local governments with the latest technology and information on inexpensive air quality sensors. For the first time in Australia, this group will establish a best-practice methodology for all aspects of council-led air quality monitoring. 

This will result in creating healthier communities throughout NSW.

Multi-award recognised project:

• Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards 2024: Healthy Planet, Healthy People
• 2024 IoT Awards: Research (Finalist)
• 2024 IoT Awards: Environmental Monitoring (Finalist)

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Challenge 

Summer heat waves, urban heat islands and air pollution are increasingly common challenges for both local governments and state government agencies.  

Local environmental data is needed to address problems impacting how we live in our cities and regional centres. 

Understanding what’s happening before and during air pollution and heatwave events can help us build systems that warn us. It also helps us develop policies and interventions to protect the vulnerable.  

Our world is changing. People are getting older. We are using our land differently. The weather is getting warmer. The air might not be as clean. We need to be aware of these problems as they arise. If we do, people who make plans for our cities can help us be ready for these issues. They can make sure our cities are strong and safe for the future. 

Of the 128 local governments in NSW, only a small number can effectively plan for, deploy and use environmental sensors to address air quality issues. 

Solution  

Low-cost environmental sensors for checking air quality let us gather information on air pollution in cities. We can then share this data with people at the local level and with researchers and within government. 

This program will create a blueprint for local government, incorporating best practice standards, policy and globally significant case studies.  

The approach will be piloted in a range of metropolitan, urban and regional local government areas addressing real, locally relevant environmental issues in each local government area. 

Expected outcomes  

Smart Places outcome areas:

• environmental quality
• health and wellbeing.

The project is also:

• supporting healthier communities throughout NSW
• increasing capacity across local councils in the use of environmental sensors. 

Resources

Want to implement a similar project? Visit our Smart Places Playbook for help.

Explore other smart projects in NSW