Key elements of the campaigns
In order to provide for some degree of comparability across the campaigns at schools in different countries, a set of common elements were agreed by participating EPAs at a workshop in October 2018.
EPAs identify the participating schools and implement the initiative at local level. Air quality is monitored using NO2 passive samplers, with two sampling points located at each school. One sampler must be placed on the road at the front of the school and one in a less polluted area as for example the backyard, to capture the effect of road transport emissions at the school gate. In terms of timing, NO2 is to be measured for at least four weeks, ideally in the spring and/or autumn.
Communication is a critical dimension of the project, with EPAs reaching out to pupils, teachers, and parents to engage them actively in project implementation and to communicate outcomes.
Once the measurement campaigns are complete, the EPAs will run surveys to measure success in raising awareness and, where possible, detect any changes in the transport choices of both parents and older pupils. The survey will be tailored to local circumstances, gathering qualitative information on the impact of the project at each school.