Improving Air Quality

Air pollution causes around 3.4 million premature deaths every year and results in financial costs of roughly €1 trillion annually. Despite this, 49% of cities in high-income countries still fail to meet WHO air-quality guidelines. With rising urbanization and increasing traffic volumes, cities need smarter, coordinated solutions to reduce emissions and improve quality of life.

Urban air pollution

Transport accounts for around 30% of all pollution today and is expected to rise to 60% by 2050 if no action is taken.

Growing urban traffic

By 2030, city populations will grow by an average of 35%, while more than 3 million new vehicles are added to Europe’s car fleet every year.

Inefficient parking search

Drivers spend an average of 8 minutes searching for parking, causing up to 730 tons of additional CO₂ emissions in some cities.

Holistic data collection

SWARCO collects all pollution-relevant data, including climatic conditions, environmental sensors, and weather stations. This data is combined with traffic sensors, floating car data, apps, third-party data, and parking information. The result is a compre

Smart traffic control

Using adaptive network control, traffic flows can be actively managed to reduce congestion and emissions. Green times for vehicles entering the city can be adjusted, traffic can be re-routed away from congested areas, and speeds can be optimized to limit

Real-time transparency

Real-time air-quality and traffic data can be displayed to support congestion and pollution charging schemes. Cities can dynamically adjust tolls when and where necessary and publicly demonstrate measurable improvements in air quality.

The challenge

Air pollution causes about 3.4 million premature deaths per year. Beyond the devastating human impact, it generates financial costs of roughly €1 trillion annually. Despite these consequences, 49% of cities in high-income countries fail to meet WHO air-quality guidelines.

Rapid urbanization is intensifying the problem: by 2030, the average population in cities will increase by 35%. At the same time, more than 3 million vehicles are added to Europe’s car fleet every year. Transport already accounts for 30% of all pollution, and this share is expected to rise to 60% by 2050.

Even everyday traffic behavior contributes significantly. Searching for a parking space takes an average of 8 minutes and, in some cities, results in an additional 730 tons of CO₂ emissions. Without coordinated action, congestion, emissions, and health risks will continue to escalate.

The solution

SWARCO addresses air pollution through an integrated, data-driven mobility approach that turns complex environmental and traffic data into actionable improvements. The first step is collecting all pollution-relevant data, including climatic conditions, environmental sensors, and weather stations. This environmental information is seamlessly connected with traffic sensor data, floating car data, apps, third-party sources, parking data, and more, creating a comprehensive mobility ecosystem.

All data is stored, processed, and analyzed within the mobility management system, providing a clear and real-time picture of the situation in the city. Polluted areas can be identified quickly, enabling authorities to take targeted and effective action. When CO₂ or NOx levels exceed critical thresholds, the system immediately issues alerts and notifications, allowing rapid response.

Beyond monitoring, the system actively supports coordinated measures to prevent pollution build-up. Adaptive network control can adjust traffic signal timings to reduce congestion in city centers, traffic can be re-routed away from heavily burdened areas, and vehicle speeds can be optimized to limit emissions. In cities with congestion or pollution charging schemes, real-time data enables dynamic toll adjustments whenever and wherever necessary.

By making air-quality improvements visible through real-time data display, cities can transparently demonstrate measurable results. This not only improves environmental performance but also strengthens their reputation as sustainable urban centers, attracting businesses, investment, and long-term growth.