Clean air project reaches thousands of Reading students

Clean Air Living Matters (CALM) project raised awareness about air pollution with almost 9,000 students in Reading. The project visited 28 different schools over two years.

The team also talked to about 900 parents, carers and community members. In total, between 26,000 and 33,000 people learned about clean air through this program.

How it worked

The CALM team ran 53 different sessions. These included:

• workshops in schools
• school assemblies
• all-day events at Reading University
• talks with parents at school gates
• community events around the town

The project ran from January 2024 to July 2025. The team visited 20 primary schools and 8 secondary schools.

What students learned

Students learned about what causes air pollution, like cars and wood burning. They also learned how pollution affects health and what they can do to help.

Schools got special air quality monitors. Students used these to check the air inside and outside their schools. They looked at the results and talked about what they found.

84 secondary school students also went to Reading University for special workshops. They did science experiments and checked air quality on the campus.

What teachers say

Teachers say students now care more about their school environment. Students enjoy checking the air quality monitors. When needed, they open windows and doors to help the air.

The program helped children understand what causes air pollution and how it affects people. It started bigger talks about caring for the environment and how their actions help everyone.

What community leaders say

Councillor John Ennis, Reading's Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport said:

“Improving air quality in Reading is a high priority for the Council and the CALM programme has been a brilliant way of engaging young people, their families and the wider community on this important subject.

“Although air quality is improving in Reading, pollution still poses a health risk, particularly for children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions, which is why this Council continues to invest heavily in public transport, whether that is buses and bus lanes, rail travel or improved pedestrian and cycle facilities.

“The CALM project has delivered fun and engaging sessions to more than 9,000 Reading children who now have much more knowledge and awareness of air quality, the common causes of air pollution and ways of reducing it.

“I would like to thank the Council’s partners and all the schools and teachers who got involved and helped make the CALM project such a success.”

What the experts say

Emma Rigler, Principal Air Quality Scientist at Stantec, said:

“Our teams were incredibly encouraged by the high levels of engagement shown by both primary and secondary school students throughout the CALM programme, as well as the far-reaching impact of this behavioural change scheme.

“Poor air quality in urban areas is a critical issue which local authorities, schools, and even members of the public can all positively influence. Through this important public health and awareness initiative, Reading Borough Council was able to reach more than 30,000 people – a significant portion of the accessible population.

“We were proud to support our client with the educational, technical, and outreach components, which should ultimately contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities. We hope CALM will serve as a model for other local authorities, inspiring similar programmes and helping to spread awareness of urban air quality management nationwide.”

Mark Mason, Company Director at Design Nature CIC, said:

“Over the past two years, Design Nature has had direct engagement with over 7,000 pupils in Reading as a key part of the CALM team, sparking curiosity and creativity around one of today’s most pressing issues: air quality. Through our hands-on workshops and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Maths) inspired activities, linked to the curriculum, young people were enabled to explore the science and stories of clean air, leading to pupil-led air quality monitoring projects across schools.

“This journey has been inspiring, not only for the students but for us too — shaped by collaboration, imagination, and the shared belief that the air we breathe matters.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to nurture and cultivate a new ‘Community of Practice’ with Reading schools, parents, and local change-makers. Together, we’ll keep supporting creative education on air quality, championing clean air initiatives, and strengthening our collective commitment to healthier, more sustainable living. We invite educators, parents, and community members to join us in shaping this growing movement for clean air.”

Marta O’Brien, Research Scientist, University of Reading, said:

“At the University of Reading, we focus on maximising our research impact and supporting positive change through engagement with local communities, particularly in addressing air quality issues.

“Thanks to the collaborative work on this project, we have created opportunities to expand environmental education, increase understanding of air quality, and support behavioural change through work with schools and communities.

“In doing so, we are helping families reduce their exposure to air pollution and make a positive difference in their daily lives.

“As our air quality research continues, we are pleased to see the impact this project has already had.”

Results and future plans

70% of schools want to keep using their air quality monitors. Schools have materials to continue exploring air quality even after the program ended.

The team plans to create a "Community of Practice" with Reading schools, parents, and local change-makers. They want to keep supporting education about air quality and clean air projects.

Why this matters

Air pollution poses health risks, especially for children, elderly people, and those with lung and heart problems. By teaching young people about clean air, the program helps create healthier communities.

The project shows how schools, universities, and local government can work together to tackle important environmental issues.

More information on the CALM project