Citizen Science on Air/Noise quality to increase H&WB awareness

General Description

The use of distributed sensor technologies is the core concept behind this intervention where science is citizen led by means of installations in outdoor areas of people’s homes or in public spaces. Sensors are installed at various locations to identify various pollutants and the quantities of air pollution of interest.

Timeline to reach full potential

0-2 years

Co-benefits & spatial impact assessment

Co-creation roadmap

Lessons learnt

Co-creation process

Format: Workshops with “hands-on activities” proved to be more engaging and well received.
Mutual Benefits: Inviting local event organisers and musicians to the workshop, who would then play music, was an innovative way of getting a greater attendance and shaped community engagement in a fun way.
Stakeholder Fatigue: Initial interest can fade rapidly; engaging people from start to end required more creative solutions.

Implementation process

General

Better preparation needed ahead of the installation of sensors.
Flexibility over the type of sensors; It is advised to specify sensors that are easy to install in residential settings.
Citizen involvement strategy is very important: It is important to implement a citizen engagement strategy focusing on sensors’ installation.