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Protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink for nearly four decades

Protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink isn't easy, but Ricardo-AEA has been helping governments and businesses to do just that for nearly four decades.

Our world leading scientists and consultants can advise in every area, whether in policy, public information, assessment, measurement, modelling or exposure. In recognition of our achievements and expertise, Ricardo-AEA has for many years managed the UK’s National Air Quality Emissions Inventory and is the UK’s consultant on Regional and Continental Ozone Pollution, as well as operating the UK’s National Air Pollution Forecasting Service.

We advise 250 UK and European local authorities on their air pollution problems and operate the pollution measurement networks of three EU countries. We advise hundreds of businesses on air pollution and also work closely with organisations such as BSkyB to deliver its daily air pollution news slot.  We are the EU’s prime consultant on the revision of its entire emissions control policies, both under air quality management and the Kyoto Protocol/UNFCCC.

Air and Environmental Quality is a highly complex field of work, as air and water pollutant flows are highly sensitive to initial conditions, non-local contributions and the interaction with terrain, hydrology and meteorology. Characterising emissions demands a detailed understanding of the underlying processes and their activity profiles, while poorly characterised sources or modelling systems will often mis-attribute, leading to regulatory penalties, or failed action plans and policies.

Ricardo-AEA uniquely offers a complete suite of policy, advisory and implementation services on air and water, including emissions inventory development, environmental data systems, local and mesoscale modelling, assessment and forecasting, instrument calibration, monitoring network construction, operation and calibration, as well as regulatory policy advice and development. We also offer noise, odour and oil pollution assessment services.


 > Meet our Air and Environmental Quality Experts