Page 35 - U4SSC Factsheet Ålesund, Norway, June 2020

Air Quality

Category KPI Result Performance to Benchmark SDG

Particulate Matter Not Reported
(PM 2.5)

Particulate Matter 15.00 µg / m 3
(PM 10)

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO ) 21.00 µg / m 3
2

Sulphur Dioxide (SO ) Not Reported
2

Ozone (O ) Not Reported
3

GHG Emissions
(eCO / capita) 5.70 tonnes
2

The reporting of Ålesund’s environmental initiatives starts with the KPIs related to air quality and GHG
emissions. While the KPIs fall under a single category of Air Quality, the GHG Emission KPI is most
related to climate change implications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the major components of air pollution and sets guidelines
for acceptable levels. Meeting these levels is imperative for the overall health of a region’s environment
and residents. Small particulate matter (PM ) is a pollutant that affects people by increasing mortality
2.5
and morbidity (daily and over decades). Ozone is a major factor in asthma morbidity and mortality,
25
while nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide play a role in asthma, bronchial symptoms, lung inflammation
and reduced lung function. Sulphur dioxide also leads to acid rain.

While Ålesund reports a ‘safe’ level for large particulate matter (PM ), (WHO considers an annual mean
10
of 20 μg/m safe for PM levels) small ambient particulate matter (PM ) is currently not measured.
3
26
2.5
10
PM was previously measured, but this was stopped after a few years of consistent within-limits
2.5
results due to cost considerations. The region may reinvest in measuring this indicator once sensors
and equipment become economically feasible to operate and maintain. Nitrogen dioxide (NO ) is
2
reported to be lower than WHO's 40 μg/m annual mean guideline. Ozone (O ) and sulphur dioxide
3
27
3
(SO ) were not reported.
2
With respect to GHG emissions, the reported values for per capita emissions are higher than the
world average (4.9 tonnes / capita). Ålesund’s GHG emission profile shows major sources as maritime
transport (37%), road transport (29%), other transport (construction, tractors – 8.5%) and waste
incineration (15%). 28

U4SSC Factsheet | Ålesund, Norway | June 2020 29