News from: Reading Borough Council
The 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.
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.
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.