We know that air pollution is one of the most critical sustainability challenges facing real estate today. As urban development intensifies and ESG frameworks place greater emphasis on air quality, property developers, asset managers, and investors must take proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact.
The pathways to sustainable real estate often focus on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and green materials, however many overlook the significant role that airborne pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play in urban environmental degradation. This is particularly concerning in inner-city developments, where vulnerable populations are most at risk.
So Why is NOx Pollution a Serious Concern in Urban Real Estate?
Put simply, nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a primary air pollutant generated by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and construction operations. NOx not only contributes to smog and acid rain but is also a precursor to the formation of ground-level ozone (O₃), a major contributor to respiratory diseases and the worsening of climate change.
How Development Creates a NOx Problem:
Construction Phases of Development – During site preparation, excavation, and building works, diesel-powered machinery, generators, and heavy transport vehicles release high concentrations of NOx into the surrounding environment. This makes construction sites hotspots for air pollution, significantly impacting nearby residents, workers, and air quality compliance.
Inner-City & High-Density Urban Zones – Developments in city centers and congested areas are more exposed to pre-existing NOx pollution from traffic, heating systems, and industrial activity. Without intervention, new developments simply add to the problem, increasing pollution levels and harming long-term air quality.
Transportation & Logistics Hubs – New property is often located near major roads, rail networks, and logistics terminals adding to already high NOx concentrations. Long-term exposure to these pollutants has been directly linked to asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced urban livability.
The NOx-O₃ Connection: Why It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Think
NOx pollution is not just a localised atmospheric issue as it can have a cascading impact on air quality across entire urban regions. Once released, NOx interacts with other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under sunlight, triggering the formation of ground-level ozone (O₃) one of the most harmful and persistent urban pollutants.
Today ground-level O₃ is worryingly classified as a 'super pollutant' due to its far-reaching environmental and health consequences such as asthma, lung disease, and cardiovascular issues. Thus understanding that NOx is a precursor to O₃ formation and seeking to tackle NOx emissions at the source can be one of the most effective ways to disrupt this chain reaction and prevent ozone pollution from escalating.
The Significance of ESG Performance & Ratings
So understanding the problem presents an obvious opportunity for those looking to take action and intervene with sustainability frameworks, including BREEAM, the WELL Building Standard and GRESB increasingly demanding air quality interventions as part of their assessment criteria. Further, as regulatory pressure intensifies, real estate brands must demonstrate pollution mitigation strategies to remain compliant and competitive.
The use of photocatalytic surface coatings is nothing new, but how can they help in regards to enhancing performance ratings?
✅ Reduce Environmental Harm – Photocatalytic surfaces are proven to significantly reduce NOx concentrations, lowering the risk of ozone (O₃) formation and improving urban air quality for the long-term.
✅ Support Cleaner Construction Practices – Applying photocatalytic coating during early construction (to hoardings, signage, site cabins etc) can help offset NOx emissions generated by building activity in this phase, making developments more sustainable from day one where vulnerable communities are most at risk.
✅ Enhance Community Well-being – Lower NOx levels translate to fewer respiratory illnesses, improved urban environments, and healthier conditions for local populations and workforces.
✅ Boost ESG Ratings & Compliance – As we have discussed, many sustainability frameworks now recognize air pollution mitigation as a measurable ESG improvement, helping projects achieve higher scores and attract green investment.
The Social Value of Clean Air: Why Air Quality is also Community Issue
Property development isn't just about buildings - today they are place makers looking to shape communities, economies, and people’s everyday lives. Addressing air pollution therefore isn’t just an environmental goal, it’s a social value imperative.
According to the Social Value in Construction Benchmarking Report 2023, the construction sector is increasingly incorporating social value measures into sustainability and procurement strategies. Where the proximity of vulnerable groups exists, air quality improvements are fast becoming a key factor in demonstrating responsible real estate by contributing directly to social value by:
✅ Creating Healthier Living Environments: Lowering NOx and O₃ pollution reduces respiratory illnesses, hospitalizations, and long-term health burdens for those living close to property development.
✅Enhancing Urban Livability: Improved air quality makes neighborhoods more desirable, driving higher property values, tenant retention, and community satisfaction.
✅Supporting Socially Responsible Construction Practices: By first reducing, then offsetting construction-related NOx emissions, developers can clearly demonstrate responsible environmental stewardship a priority factor for governments, investors, and the public.
✅Aligning with Local Economic & Employment Goals: Many sustainability frameworks encourage contractors to deliver measurable community benefits. Using Clean Air by Resysten for example aligns with social value targets and 'green plans' in urban projects, helping developers meet procurement requirements and attract sustainability-conscious investors.
The construction sector generates over £1 billion in social value annually, according to industry reports. There is a very clear business case for taking action and real estate brands that actively integrate air quality improvements into their developments can and are positioning themselves as leaders in real estate sustainability and social responsibility.
The Science Behind Photocatalytic Coatings
Surface coatings like Clean Air by Resysten are powered by advanced photocatalytic technology, leveraging a main ingredient, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) to break down NOx and VOCs when exposed to natural or artificial light. This innovative process actively breaks down and removes harmful pollutants from the air, rendering them harmless.
Why Property Developers Must Act Now
🚨 Construction Pollution Regulations Are Tightening – urban authorities are introducing stricter NOx emissions controls on urban developments. Clean Air by Resysten can help offset NOx pollution during construction and ensure post-completion air quality compliance.
📈 Sustainability-Focused Investors Expect Action – ESG conscious funds and institutional investors are increasingly placing priority on developments with proactive air pollution mitigation strategies.
🏙 Cities Are Transitioning to Smarter, Healthier Living – As urban air pollution policies evolve, developers must adopt innovative solutions to meet the demand for cleaner, healthier spaces.
The Future of Sustainable Real Estate is Clean Air
At Clean Air by Resysten, we believe that clean air is a fundamental part of any sustainability strategy. Whether your project is under construction, in planning, or already operational, our technology provides a proven, scalable, and cost-effective way to combat NOx pollution, VOCs, and ozone formation.
By integrating Clean Air by Resysten, you can:
✅ Improve urban air quality✅ Reduce construction-phase NOx emissions✅ Strengthen your ESG and sustainability credentials✅ Enhance the value of your real estate assets
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