DPD Latvia has launched an air quality monitoring program in Riga, providing real-time data on air pollution levels.
DPD’s air quality monitoring measurement data is accessible on its website; after entering an address, anyone can view the real-time air quality level at a specific location and read the World Health Organization’s explanation of the specific air pollution level and possible risks, as well as recommendations for further action.
In agreement with DPD Latvia, the summary of data analytics and measurement reports on air quality in Riga will also be available to municipal authorities and organizations so that they can plan activities to reduce pollution in the most critical locations. The DPD air quality monitoring project has also just been presented to representatives of Riga city council.
As a part of Geopost’s air quality monitoring program, the latest generation of Pollutrack mobile air quality sensors are deployed on DPD Latvia electric delivery vehicles and DPD Pickup parcel machines in Riga to detect air quality levels and measure fine PM 2.5 particles, a dangerous element of air pollution for human health.
DPD’s air quality monitoring program is part of its environmental sustainability strategy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by ensuring emission-neutral parcel deliveries. The air quality monitoring program of DPD Latvia’s parent company Geopost has already been implemented in 28 European cities, where it is used by both city authorities to develop and implement projects to improve urban air quality, as well as by various organizations. In Lisbon, Portugal, for example, DPD’s air quality monitoring data enabled the city to identify specific locations in the urban environment and develop projects to improve air quality, which positively affected the health of the city’s residents. In Dublin, Ireland, DPD air quality monitoring data is used by the Asthma Association of Ireland to provide real-time information on air pollution in specific locations, which is important for asthma patients.
Jānis Grants, chairman of the board of DPD Latvia, commented, “DPD Latvia, as a part of its environmental sustainability development program, is purposefully implementing environmentally friendly solutions to ensure not only high quality but also environmentally friendly parcel deliveries. Air pollution is now considered the world’s biggest environmental threat. As a parcel delivery company committed to environmental sustainability, DPD is developing an air quality monitoring program to identify risk areas early and find solutions to improve air quality.
“DPD Latvia, being a socially responsible company, is purposefully implementing environmental sustainability initiatives to minimize air pollution and its impact on the environment: the company has assembled the most environmentally friendly fleet of electric delivery vehicles in Latvia and is the first in the Baltics to ensure 100% CO2 compensated deliveries.
“With the introduction of DPD’s air quality monitoring program in Riga, we are going one step further and enabling everyone to get real-time data and analytics on air quality in Riga to make data-driven decisions on measures to improve air quality in the city. This is important for us and for our customers so that we all live in a cleaner and greener Latvia.”
Selīna Vancāne, head of the housing and environment committee of Riga city council, said, “Riga is becoming a healthier, more convenient and environmentally friendly city. Rapid and high-quality delivery of goods is a daily requirement today, but it also significantly impacts the environment. Air pollution is a pressing urban problem and the data will help to measure, analyze and adapt actions already planned to reduce pollution. We appreciate DPD‘s initiative to become greener and friendlier, and we are open to new forms of cooperation that contribute to the well-being of locals and the environment!”
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