Academics from the University of York have reported that roadside air pollution levels remain lower than pre-lockdown as the UK comes to terms with different working patterns. The findings are encouraging as individuals and businesses aim to build on the many environmental advantages which lockdown Britain has encountered, including the lowest CO2 levels since records began. iOffset is working with businesses to help them continue the momentum and aim for carbon neutral by offsetting their emissions using the easy-to-set-up monthly offset subscription. “Things are not back to normal according to the air quality data,” said Dr David Carslaw of the University of York’s Department of Chemistry. “It seems that while traffic levels look like they have mostly returned to normal, concentrations of some air pollutants are still quite a lot lower than expected. “We think the reason is that congestion has not fully returned, and this has quite a large effect on emissions and hence concentrations. “The analysis of data gathered during lockdown and coming out of lockdown might give researchers an opportunity to better understand more about linkages between air pollution and congestion.” The University of York’s data suggests that during the height of lockdown nitrogen dioxide levels were 56 per cent lower than normal across the UK, and by the beginning of July with vehicle miles approaching normal levels there was still a 30 per cent reduction in pollutants. Staggered commutes and home working flexibility are seen as some of the contributory factors to the continued reduction, and iOffset is encouraging businesses to make their own contributions by signing up to an affordable offset plan.