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Recap: Bridging Europe’s Indoor Air Divide – Pathways to a Comprehensive EU IAQ Framework

Banner of the SynAir-G and EDIAQI Webinar "Mind the Gap: Towards a Comprehensive EU Framework on Indoor Air Quality

On Friday, 21st February 2025, the EDIAQI project hosted the latest webinar in the EDIAQI webinar series, titled “Mind the Gap: Toward a Comprehensive European Union Act on Indoor Air Quality". Co-organised with the SynAir-G project, the webinar brought together policymakers, industry experts, academic researchers, and civil society representatives to address the critical need for an EU-wide framework to safeguard indoor air quality (IAQ). Participants explored existing national regulations, underscored the urgency of bridging legal and policy gaps, and discussed how best practices could pave the way for comprehensive legislation at the European level.

Setting the Stage: Why an EU-Wide IAQ Act Matters

Despite indoor air often being more polluted than outdoor air—and the World Health Organization (WHO) providing guidelines—there is currently no dedicated EU legislation specifically regulating IAQ. While several Member States, such as France and Belgium, have begun implementing their own IAQ measures, these efforts remain fragmented and inconsistent. 

Universal Clean Air for All: The Global Open Air Quality Standards Approach 

Representing GO AQS, Francesca Brady described GO AQS mission to establish open access air quality standards to ensure equal access to healthy air while also underscoring how poor indoor air quality disproportionately affects vulnerable and low-income communities—not only in Europe but globally. She called for equal access to technology and greater awareness as foundational steps towards healthier indoor environments. Francesca also noted that poor IAQ can be life-threatening in resource-constrained settings, reinforcing the moral imperative for equitable solutions. 

Screenshot of Francesca Brady Intervention and Presentation at Webinar

The Eurovent Manifesto: A Roadmap for Comprehensive HVACR Legislation in Europe 

Eurovent’s Secretary General, Francesco Scuderi, offered a concise overview of the critical role of ventilation and HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) systems in maintaining healthy indoor environments. Citing contributions of Eurovent to the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and such engagement initatives of industry with policy-makers as a cornerstone for potential ventilation and in turn IAQ improvements. Francesco further emphasised the need for more consistent enforcement and collaboration across Member States. He also underscored the need for more sophisticated and standardised ventilation strategies across Europe and beyond to promote healthier indoor environments. 

Francesco Scuderi intervention during the webinar

Supporting Indoor Air Quality Policy Formulation: Insights and the Role of the IDEAL Cluster 

Speaking on behalf of the IDEAL Cluster and the SynAir-G project, Panagiotis Charslaridis highlighted the composite research emerging from the Horizon Europe projects that form the IDEAL Cluster. He further noted the aim of SynAir-G to reduce noxious synergies in indoor air particularly for vulnerable populations. He further noted how existing national-level policies often fail to address the cross-border nature of IAQ challenges, calling for harmonised data and shared policy frameworks. Panagiotis also stressed that vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions—must be prioritised in any forthcoming EU-level legislation, and that IAQ discourse should expand beyond national boundaries for a truly comprehensive European solution.

Panagiotis Chaslaridis presentation during the webinar

 

Translating Indoor Air Quality Science into Policy: Insights from Academia 

Pasquale Avino provided a scholarly lens on the fragmented nature of IAQ legislation in Europe. He noted how cultural differences significantly influence how indoor air issues are perceived and addressed, making it imperative to tailor solutions to diverse contexts. Pasquale also underscored academia’s pivotal role in closing the gap between research findings and practical policy measures. From innovative IAQ monitoring solutions to nuanced risk assessments, he argued that scientific insights must be at the core of any successful EU-wide legislation.

Pasquale Avino's intervention during the webinar

 

Panel Discussion: Building the Foundation for an EU IAQ Act

Following individual presentations, the panellists convened for a lively discussion on the technical, political, and legal barriers to crafting an EU-wide IAQ act. They collectively agreed on the need for:

  • Data-Driven Advocacy: Accurate and comparable data on indoor pollutants across Member States.
  • Equitable Solutions: Targeted policies that protect vulnerable populations, ensuring no one is left behind.
  • Industry Collaboration: Strong partnerships between policymakers, industry, and research institutions to set and maintain high IAQ standards.
  • Public Awareness: Education campaigns that empower individuals to demand and maintain healthy indoor environments.

The Q&A session that followed delved deeper into potential roadmaps, with participants emphasising the synergistic role of technology, regulatory frameworks, and societal awareness.

Watch the Full Webinar and Stay Engaged

To catch the full conversation, watch the webinar recording on the EDIAQI YouTube channel. We encourage all stakeholders—policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and concerned citizens—to continue this vital discussion. The IDEAL Cluster will soon release a detailed policy brief incorporating these insights and proposing actionable next steps for a cohesive European IAQ act.

Looking Ahead: Don’t Hold Your Breath—Implementing Effective Ventilation Strategies

Building on the momentum of this session, EDIAQI is pleased to announce its next webinar:

This forthcoming webinar will focus on practical ventilation strategies to tackle indoor air pollution. From advanced filtration technologies to data-driven solutions tailored to vulnerable populations, the session aims to offer tangible pathways for improving IAQ in schools, healthcare facilities, and beyond. Mark your calendars and join us in driving the conversation forward toward healthier indoor environments for everyone.

Stay tuned for updates and registration details on the EDIAQI website and social media channels. We look forward to your continued participation in shaping a cleaner, healthier future across Europe—and beyond.