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Recap of EDIAQI Webinar: Spend Less, Breathe Better - The Potential of Low-Cost Sensors to Revolutionise Indoor Air Quality Management

Promotional banner for the EDIAQI webinar titled “Spend Less, Breathe Better: The Potential of Low-Cost Sensors to Revolutionise Indoor Air Quality Management,” with event details (7 February, 10:00–11:30 CET) and an image of a sensor in a room. Includes logos of EDIAQI, IDEAHL, InChildHealth, K-HealthinAir, HEAL, and the European Union.

On the 19th of December 2024, the TwinAir and EDIAQI projects hosted a webinar titled "Spend Less, Breathe Better: The Potential of Low-Cost Sensors to Revolutionise Indoor Air Quality Management". This engaging session brought together policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and advocacy groups to discuss the transformative potential of low-cost air quality sensors in managing indoor air quality (IAQ) across Europe. With over 140 registered participants, the event highlighted the crucial role of affordable, privacy-sensitive air quality monitoring solutions in creating healthier indoor spaces.

The webinar addressed pressing questions such as how low-cost sensors compare to state-of-the-art devices, their potential integration into smart systems, and their role in the EU's sustainability initiatives, including the Zero Pollution Action Plan.

The Promise of Miniaturisation

Prof. Dr. Andreas Schütze presented an exploration of low-cost sensor technologies, focusing on miniaturisation and their integration into smart devices. He highlighted the challenges of developing affordable yet high-performing sensors and their transformative potential for real-time IAQ monitoring. Andreas emphasised that as these sensors become smaller and more cost-effective, they will significantly contribute to Europe’s sustainability goals, particularly within the Twin Transition framework. On another point that recieved a lot of positive reactions, he also mentioned that "just as bad smells do not necessarily mean bad air quality, good smells do not necessarily mean good air quality" when discussing air fresheners.

 

Slide titled "High performance in lab and field evaluation" by Universität des Saarlandes. It shows results of dynamic gas sensor operation with machine learning for IAQ monitoring. Three scatter plots compare training and test data for VOC, toluene, and hydrogen with 5–15% uncertainty. Line graphs on the right compare field validation results using different measurement methods. Key message: accurate, high-resolution indoor air quality monitoring with reference validation.

Tiny Tech: Affordable Micro-Sensors for Smart Devices and Accurate IAQ Monitoring

Dr. Klaus Müller offered a captivating insight into the role of affordable micro-sensors in smart devices for accurate IAQ monitoring. His presentation underscored the potential of these technologies to make air quality data more accessible and actionable for a variety of users. He explored the advancements in sensor miniaturisation and affordability, demonstrating how they could drive significant improvements in IAQ management. Klaus's focus on balancing cost, accuracy, and practical application resonated with participants and highlighted the possibilities for integrating these sensors into the broader smart building ecosystem.

 

Slide titled “Panel Questions: Klaus Müller” asking how seamlessly Bosch’s air quality sensors can integrate into smart device ecosystems for real-time IAQ management. The webinar includes participants from EDIAQI, Bosch, TwinAIR, IDEAHL, and the European Union. Visible panellists include Klaus Müller, Alex Borg, Andreas Schlote, and others.

Empowering Decision-Making with Digital Twins

Dr. Antonis Papamanolis presented the role of digital twins in empowering citizens to manage IAQ. He demonstrated how digital twins could transform raw sensor data into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making. Antonis’s emphasis on accessibility and citizen empowerment resonated strongly, reinforcing the need for user-friendly tools to bridge the gap between data and practical application.

 

Slide from the TwinAIR project titled “Where do we go from here?” presented during the EDIAQI webinar on 19 December 2024. It highlights the development of technological tools linked to health and environmental studies to enable a holistic approach to improving indoor air quality (IAQ). The slide includes aerial imagery, IAQ dashboards, a 3D building simulation, and speaker Armstrong Tzempelikos alongside other panelists.

 

Affordability and Sustainability of Low Cost Air Quality Sensor 

Dr. Gianna Karanasiou explored the privacy considerations and practical challenges encountered when deploying low-cost sensors in public spaces. By sharing success stories of data-driven IAQ improvements in schools and hospitals, she demonstrated how these sensors contribute to health and sustainability goals of the European Union. Gianna also underscored the importance of maintaining data privacy while maximising the impact of sensor technologies.

Screenshot of the AIRWINGS Dashboard presented during the EDIAQI webinar. The dashboard displays real-time air quality data including temperature, humidity, pressure, and pollutant levels, alongside a graph of hourly averages and a map showing sensor station locations in Slovenia. Speaker Gianna Karamanou is presenting, with other project participants shown in the panel.

Panel Discussion: Balancing Innovation and Implementation

The event concluded with a vibrant panel discussion where experts debated the role of low-cost sensors in revolutionising IAQ management. Key takeaways included the importance of aligning technological innovation with privacy safeguards and ensuring the accessibility as well as the sustainability of low cost sensors to generate important real-time data for both policymakers and citizens.

Looking Ahead

On the 24th of January 2025, the EDIAQI project will host a webinar titled "A Breath of ‘Fair’ Air: Combatting Indoor Air Inequality across Europe and Beyond." This event will explore the intersection of indoor air quality and social inequality, addressing disparities faced by low-income and marginalised communities. Stay tuned for more details.