CONSULTORIA
We face significant environmental challenges, both global and local, that require effective actions to mitigate the impact on the environment. Expert advice is key to properly managing current air quality issues. The effects and costs of air pollution have driven international organizations, national and local authorities, industries, and NGOs to take action.
Our expert team offers consultancy on air quality, air pollution, and climate change, providing tailored solutions for governments, local and regional authorities, organizations, and European agencies.
We offer practical support and advice to address a wide range of environmental challenges. Our goal is to provide concrete solutions to solve both local and global issues, complying with current regulations and other requirements.
Support to the European Environment Agency (EEA)
We support the EEA in air quality, air pollution, and climate change mitigation through the European Topic Centre on Health and Environment (ETC/HE). We collaborate closely with the EEA, providing management and technical support in various tasks related to air quality data across Europe, including management, data exchange, and data communication, as well as analysis and data interpretation.
With the current EU Air Quality Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC), we have been part of the transition to new electronic information mechanisms for the submission and exchange of data. Currently, we are leading the support for the EEA in the implementation of the new revised European Air Quality Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/2881) and in the transition to Repornet 3 of the EEA.
More information
The key aspects of our support are:
- Implementation of air quality data exchange
- Verification of compliance with official air quality data deliveries according to EU legislation
- Management of the European Air Quality Portal
- Planning and execution workshops
- Development and consolidation of air quality data exchange
- Management of data providers across Europe for updated data
- Close communication with thematic and IT managers at the EEA
- Development and maintenance of quality control for data delivery
- Air quality data visualisation tools
- Support for the development of the European Air Quality Index (AQI)
We continue to support the EEA in the modernisation and streamlining of data exchange systems, contributing to the creation of an efficient mechanism for sharing information with the support of the member states and the EIONET countries.
Implementation of Legislation at the Local and National Level
We provide technical and strategic support in the transposition and implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/2881, which replaces the previous Directive 2008/50/EC.
We actively collaborate with the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment, and national, regional, and local authorities to:
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- Adapt national legislation to the new European requirements.
- Facilitate the transition to the new data exchange mechanism Repornet 3 from the EEA.
- Ensure compliance with the technical and regulatory aspects of the new directive.
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Additionally, we participate in working groups with the EEA, the European Commission, and Member States, supporting the effective implementation of the legislation.
What do we offer?
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Legal and regulatory transposition advice, based on our experience in implementing Directive 2008/50/EC in various Member States, EEA countries, and the Balkans.
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Support in the implementation of processes and tools for data exchange with the European Commission and the EEA, including the transition to Repornet 3.
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Training and technical assistance for public administrations and air quality management entities, ensuring compliance with new requirements.
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Coordination and management of working groups at national and international levels, in collaboration with European institutions and local authorities.
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Evaluation and optimization of air quality networks, ensuring adaptation to new regulatory standards.
Development of Technical Guidelines
We manage various projects where the drafting of guidelines and documents is essential. Over the years, we have been authors, co-authors, or collaborators on several key documents and reports on the assessment, analysis, and creation of reports on air quality.
In recent editions, the 4sfera team has contributed to and written the initial sections of the air quality report of the European Environment Agency as part of the ETC. The latest published report is the “Air Quality in Europe Report”.
Additionally, the team has developed semi-automated reports on data, data quality, and data analysis in collaboration with the EEA. These reports will be published on AQPortal.
After the publication of Decision 2011/850/EU, which establishes the rules for data exchange between the Member States and the European Commission, specific guidelines were drafted to facilitate data exchange. The 4sfera team, under ETC, was the main author of these detailed guidelines, which include summaries and specific information for data reporters. Soon, these guidelines will be updated with the new directives set by the European Air Quality Directive 2024/2881.
CASOS REALS
Study of air quality in Reus
Reus City Council has commissioned the environmental consultancy 4sfera Innova (4sfera) to carry out a study to assess air quality in...