Urban developments

On an urban scale, the modification or creation of a commercial zone , a concerted development zone (activity and housing) or an eco-district can also have a significant impact on the air quality in the project area.

As such, road infrastructure and urban development projects are subject to Article L122-1 of the Environmental Code, which requires the project owner to carry out a systematic environmental assessment or after examination on a case-by-case basis.

1️⃣ Etat initial

Recueil des données existantes (localisation des sources d’émission, des sites vulnérables, etc.)

Campagne de mesure in-situ des polluants traceurs par capteurs passifs, préleveurs dynamiques ou analyseurs en continu

Caractérisation des principaux enjeux de qualité de l’air dans la zone d’étude

2️⃣ Effets du projet

Estimation des émissions polluantes, calcul des coûts collectifs liés à la pollution atmosphérique et à l'effet de serre

Modélisation 2D ou 3D des concentrations en polluants et calcul de l’indice pollution x population (IPP)

Évaluation des risques sanitaires (ERS)

3️⃣ Mesures d'atténuation

Proposition de mesures génériques (éviter, réduire, compenser) pouvant être intégrées au projet

Justification des mesures retenues spécifiquement pour le projet

Quantification de l’impact de mesures spécifiques (éloignement de façade, obstacles verticaux, architecture adaptée…)

Request a quotation

Collection of existing data

Counting exposed populations in the study area
Location of vulnerable sites
Location of industrial activities
Assessment of local emissions
Analysis of local air quality monitoring network measurements and local air pollution prevention plans

In-situ measurement campaigns

Measurement of the main air pollutants (NO₂, benzene, PM₁₀, PM₂₅, PAHs, heavy metals, etc.) using passive sensors, continuous analyzers, NF EN 12341 active samplers, etc.
Measurement of “emerging” pollutants such as 1,3 butadiene, ultrafine particles (UFP) or black carbon (BC) using passive sensors, continuous analyzers, CPC, aethalometer...
Interpretation of results according to meteorological conditions, local context and regulations

Estimation of project effects on emissions

Modeling of emissions and energy consumption using CopCerema (Copert 5.8) or TREFIC™ software
Comparison between scenarios: initial state, future state with and without project
Calculation and analysis of collective costs linked to air pollution and the greenhouse effect

Estimated health effects of the project

2D and 3D modeling of ambient air concentrations in the study area (AERMOD and CALMET-CALPUFF models)
Calculation of the pollution/population index (PPI) in the study area and cartographic representation
Health risk assessment (HRA) at vulnerable sites or at any point in the study area

Avoidance, reduction and compensation (ARC) measures

Airea has carried out a number of bibliographical studies on the subject on behalf of ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, enabling us to offer our customers expert advice and support on avoidance, reduction and compensation (ERC) measures, both general and specific, adapted to each project.

Examples of application

Airea provides its expertise for numerous projects involving modifications and/or modernization of urban roads, departmental roads, national roads, motorway junctions, and motorways :

Conversion to 2x2 / 2x3 / 3x4 lanes
Creation of high-level service cycle paths
Removal of toll barriers (implementation of free-flow traffic)
Addition of a reserved lane (carpooling, buses, taxis, etc.)
Deviation
Redevelopment and speed limits
Creation of a high-level service bus lane

Greenhouse gas emissions review

Assessing environmental performance is essential to ensuring the sustainable development of urban projects. In this context, Airea conducts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessments to support project owners, urban planners, and developers in their urban development projects, whether new, renovation, or mixed-use.

By identifying strategic levers and actions to reduce carbon impact, Airea helps meet environmental requirements while respecting the different economic and functional objectives specific to each project :

Multi-scale approach : detailed analysis at the neighborhood, building, and outdoor space levels, incorporating the construction, use, and maintenance phases