Since 2020, air quality in the Southeast Brabant region has been monitored by the Innovative Air Monitoring Network (ILM 2.0). The citizen initiative AiREAS started this in 2000 in collaboration with the municipality of Eindhoven and the province. In 2026, a new phase for the network will begin. ILM 2.0 is now being upgraded to ILM 3.0, focusing on four key areas: road traffic, livestock farming, wood burning, and air traffic.
Clean air is not yet a given. With ILM 3.0, all parties of the Regional Network are committed to promoting healthy air in both urban and rural environments. ILM 3.0 will place more monitoring points in village centers. In rural areas, monitoring points for ammonia will be installed. At the airport, measurements will be taken during the temporary closure (due to runway maintenance) in 2027 to better understand the impact. Compared to previous years, there will also be more focus on explaining the measurement data and measures for citizens and municipalities to improve air quality.
Research and Innovation
Since 2020, ILM 2.0 has been measuring nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in real-time in urban centers, rural areas, and around the airport. The goal is to gain insight into concentrations and sources of air pollution and their impact on health. Long-term measurements also allow research into the influence of various sources, weather conditions, and the effects of measures.
Public Data Helps Healthier Choices
The measurement results are public and can be consulted on the website www.odzob.nl/meetnet. Through this website, residents can check the air quality in their environment and when it is harmful to health. The measurement results can also be used in decision-making about measures to improve the living environment and air quality, such as reducing wood burning and promoting sustainable transport like cycling and public transport. These measures can also be part of actions under the Clean Air Agreement, which many Brabant municipalities have joined.
Besides governments and citizens, developers of measurement technologies/sensors and knowledge institutions can participate in ILM and test new measuring equipment and sensors in practical situations. This innovation allows for the development of even more reliable and cheaper measuring instruments. The knowledge gained is used by municipalities to create more targeted policies for a healthier society.
Unique Collaboration Formalized
The Regional Network is a unique collaboration and a clear invitation for citizens and businesses to also commit to a healthy living environment. All participating partners - AiREAS, municipality of Eindhoven, province of North Brabant, GGD, RIVM, TNO, and Environmental Service Southeast Brabant - signed an agreement on November 5. The regional municipalities are invited, besides co-initiator municipality Eindhoven, to participate in the network.
