In a groundbreaking effort to enhance student health and environmental quality, Sandfield Primary School, in collaboration with the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), has successfully implemented Guildford's first "living school gate" and additional green infrastructure. This initiative has led to a nearly one-third reduction in harmful particle pollution levels and a 5-decibel decrease in traffic noise within the school premises.
The CoGreen project, funded by the RECLAIM Network Plus, was a collaborative project involving the school, parents, local residents, researchers from Guildford Living Lab, and Zero Carbon Guildford. The project saw the installation of 140 plants forming a living gate and an ivy green screen designed to filter pollutants from the busy A246 York Road and A320 Stoke Road crossroads adjacent to the school.
Monitoring results revealed that the green gate installation has reduced particle pollution levels by nearly 30% compared to areas without such similar structures. Additionally, the living gate contributed to a 5-decibel reduction in traffic-related noise, creating a quieter and healthier environment for students and staff. The effectiveness of the green infrastructure was influenced by wind direction, with pollution reductions of 44% when the wind blew away from the gate and 42% when it flowed parallel to the green screen. And overwhelmingly a survey revealed positive responses from 75% of parents that the new green gate will reduce air and noise pollution.
Head Teacher Kate Collins expressed her enthusiasm, stating,
"This has been a long-standing ambition of Sandfield Primary, and we’re thrilled it has finally come to fruition – marking a significant milestone in protecting our environment and the health and wellbeing of everyone who learns and works at our school."
The success of this project underscores the transformative potential of nature-based solutions in urban settings, particularly around schools situated near busy roads. It also highlights the importance of community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
As Professor Prashant Kumar of GCARE noted,
"Our findings showcase the transformative potential of nature-based infrastructure in addressing this growing concern, providing protection for not only pupils and staff but also local biodiversity."
This initiative serves as a model for other schools and communities aiming to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution through sustainable, community-driven approaches. If your school would like to get involved and create a similar green gate, we’d love to help!
Email us at info@zerocarbonguildford.org Together, we can create healthier, greener spaces for our children and communities.
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