We are excited to announce a significant milestone in Riga’s urban air quality initiative: the successful installation of 20 air quality sensors across the city, marking the completion of the project’s first phase. This achievement brings us one step closer to creating data-driven, sustainable urban design solutions that align with the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals.
Earlier this year, we launched the ‘Adopt a Sensor’ campaign, inviting Riga’s residents to take an active role in this initiative by hosting air quality sensors in their homes or workplaces. Thanks to the enthusiastic response, we were able to identify key participants and, together with the community, strategically place these sensors throughout different neighbourhoods. For this pilot phase, our focus has been on the city centre and surrounding areas, allowing us to capture a diverse range of data.
In collaboration with SIA ‘Rīgas meži’, five of these sensors have been placed in city parks, while the remaining 15 were installed in various high-traffic and green areas. We’re especially proud to have engaged a wide cross-section of the community—participants include residents from central Riga as well as institutions like the University of Latvia, the Technical Creativity Center ‘2 Annas’, Riga State Gymnasium No. 3, and Montessori Kindergarten ‘Krāsainas pērles’. Together, these sensors will provide crucial insights, especially regarding PM2.5 pollution, one of the most harmful pollutants to human health.
Previously, certified PM2.5 sensors were limited to just two locations in Riga: one near the National Theater in the city center and another in Bieriņi near Akmens Garden. With this expansion, we are greatly enhancing the city’s air quality monitoring network. Perhaps one of these sensors have been installed near your residence. To explore the real-time air quality data map please click here.
In the coming months, we’ll begin analysing the data collected from these sensors and share the first results with the public. We hope this project will spark a greater understanding of air quality issues and inspire ongoing efforts to enhance our urban environment.
PM2.5 pollution poses a significant risk to human health, yet we know surprisingly little about it. It’s invisible to the naked eye, but ever-present in the air around us. Through this project, we aim to deepen our collective understanding of its sources and how it fluctuates across the city. Thank you to everyone who has shown interest and participated in the project!
To find out more information please visit: Riga Planning Region