Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is advancing environmental protection and public health through the deployment of 80 Bettair air quality monitoring nodes.
As part of its commitment to sustainable urban development and improved air quality, Novi Sad has launched the first phase of an ambitious environmental monitoring project. During 2022-2023, DunavNET -Bettair´s local partner – has installed 40 Bettair nodes throughout the city to capture precise, hyperlocal data on air pollution; and 40 more will be installed in later this year.
This project not only positions Novi Sad as a regional leader in Smart City initiatives but also sets a benchmark for European cities striving to tackle air pollution.
WHAT IS THE AIR QUALITY SITUATION IN NOVI SAD?
Located in the autonomous province of Vojvodina, on the banks of the Danube and near the Fruška Gora mountain range, Novi Sad is the economic heart of the region. Historically, the city has been industrially focused on agriculture, thanks to the fertile soils of the province. In recent years, Novi Sad has shifted towards a service-based economy, with sectors like IT and finance seeing rapid growth.
With this economic development has come urban expansion and a gradual increase in population (from 290,000 residents in 2021, with more growth since), along with an increase in air pollution driven by human activity and rising energy demand for homes and businesses.
MONITORING ZONES AND THEIR IMPACT
The locations for node installation were carefully selected, focusing on areas with high public interaction and locations critical to public health:
– Historic Center: Nodes were placed in high road traffic areas, such as hospitals, schools, universities, churches, and sports centers. These areas, where population density is high, face greater pollution exposure. The data generated will help local authorities assess and mitigate air pollution risks.
– Urban Ingress and Egress Routes: Key access routes, where vehicle traffic is dense, have also been prioritized. These areas are significant contributors to transportation-related emissions, and the information gathered will support policies to lower pollution in these high-traffic zones.
– Outlying Residential Areas: Nodes were installed in suburban neighborhoods to monitor air quality for residents in less urbanized regions. The insights gained will be essential for implementing preventive measures in areas where preserving clean air is especially important.
With this economic development has come urban expansion and a gradual increase in population (from 290,000 residents in 2021, with more growth since), along with an increase in air pollution driven by human activity and rising energy demand for homes and businesses.
“We’re pleased with our purchase of 40 air quality monitoring devices from Bettair. The devices are working well, meeting our needs, and have been a great addition to our air quality monitoring efforts.”
AIR QUALITY CHALLENGES AND PROJECT IMPACT
Novi Sad’s main pollution sources stem from:
– Traffic emissions
– Residential heating, particularly coal-based
– Nearby power generation plants
The monitoring network provides Novi Sad with an unprecedented understanding of these issues. Equipped with detailed data, city authorities are better positioned to implement targeted strategies, such as promoting electric vehicle use, upgrading heating systems, and working with power plants to reduce emissions.
DATA MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY
At the core of this initiative is the Smart City IoT platform developed by Dunavnet, that is also responsible for the deplyment and maintainance of the Bettair stations. Hosted on local servers for enhanced security and control, this platform integrates data from multiple urban systems, offering a comprehensive view of urban dynamics and facilitating informed decision-making.
The Institute for Public Health of Novi Sad, in partnership with the City Council and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, oversees data review and analysis. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a rigorous interpretation that addresses both technical and public health perspectives.
While data has not yet been publicly released, plans are underway to implement an open data system following the deployment of an additional 40 nodes in the project’s second phase. This commitment to transparency will foster environmental awareness and encourage innovation in environmental solutions.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE AND SUSTAINABILITY
This project is part of a larger effort led by the Serbian government, through the Ministry of Environmental Protection, to improve air quality nationwide. The government has initiated cross-sector collaborations at the national level, involving local governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society in the drive for sustainability. Novi Sad aligns with these sustainable development goals, focused on environmental protection and air quality improvement, and marks the first instance of hyperlocal monitoring sensor deployment in the city.
NEXT STEPS AND EXPANSION
The success of the first phase has paved the way for a second phase, which will see an additional 40 nodes installed, completing an integrated monitoring network covering the entire city. These devices will provide real-time air quality information, empowering local authorities to make data-driven decisions that enhance citizens’ well-being and foster sustainable city development.
With this initiative, Novi Sad is pioneering hyperlocal environmental monitoring solutions in the region, setting an example for European cities striving to improve air quality and safeguard public health through innovative technology.
