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Routes to Clean Air 2026

October 21 @ 8:30 am - October 22 @ 5:00 pm

Flags flying in the wind

The Institute of Air Quality Management presents Routes to Clean Air (RTCA) 2026, its annual conference on topics relevant to air quality practitioners and associated professionals. RTCA will take place over two days, 21st and 22nd October, at thestudio, Birmingham.

This year will focus on topics related to air quality measurement, monitoring, and modelling. This follows the IAQM’s decision to absorb topics that were previously covered under the separate Dispersion Modelling User Group (DMUG) and Measuring Air Quality (MAQ) conferences into the RTCA umbrella.

The day will go beyond theory, offering cutting-edge insight on emissions measurement, real-world data, and the practical delivery of clean air solutions across cities and regions. With expert speakers from government organisations, consultancy, and academia, the conference will offer cross-sector perspectives, with a strong focus on what works in practice now and what’s going to be needed in the future. It is a unique opportunity to stay ahead of policy, learn from leading projects, and connect with peers tackling the same challenges. 

Delegates will also be able to interact with leading companies in the air quality sector. This is your chance to see some of the latest cutting-edge technologies, innovative solutions, and best practices aimed at tackling the challenges associated with air pollution.

Event T&Cs

Agenda

The agenda is now available (button to download is below), offering conference sessions on:

  1. Measurement Techniques
  2. Indoor Air
  3. National & Local Modelling
  4. Farming & Nature
  5. Ambient Monitoring & Regulatory Evidence
  6. Human Health
  7. Developments in Modelling
  8. Looking Ahead

There will also be parallel breakout sessions, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and many networking opportunities e.g. drinks reception, 3 course dinner, IAQM awards, and the opportunity to engage with sponsors and exhibitors.

  • Day 1 afternoon – MCERTs roundtable with Prof. Francis Pope, University of Birmingham; Tania Stratford, Environment Agency; and Gordon Allison, DustScanAQ. This will feature a presentation from DustScanAQ, and the opportunity to shape future MCERTS in the UK.
  • Day 2 morning – Hands-on breakout session with Openair experts, Jack Davison, WSP and Prof. David Carslaw, University of York. In this interactive session, you will increase your confidence in undertaking a wide range of analyses and learn more about how to enhance your understanding of air pollution data, quickly and efficiently.
  • Day 2 afternoon – The Defra and Devolved Administrations’ LAQM Helpdesk will be at the Routes to Clean Air conference! Staff from the LAQM Helpdesk, run on behalf of Defra and the Devolved Administrations by Bureau Veritas, will be available on Day 2 to support Local Authorities in person, to address air quality issues in their areas. The Helpdesk break-out session will include a demonstration of the Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT), along with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics including: air quality monitoring and modelling, emissions inventories, Air Quality Action Plans and Strategies, Statutory reporting requirements, and air quality legislation and policy processes. 

Who will be presenting across the two days?

We have speakers confirmed from:

  • Government organisations – Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England
  • Local authorities – Hertfordshire County Council
  • Research organisations – Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC)
  • Academia – University of Birmingham, University College London, University of York, Imperial College London
  • The Met Office
  • Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) 
  • And many more…
Click here to download the agenda

Who should attend?
Air quality consultants | Expert practitioners | Local authority officers | Regulators | Government officers | Academics and researchers | Air quality graduates and PhD/MSc students | Standards agencies and accreditation bodies | NGO and professional body staff | Air quality equipment manufacturers | Trade associations | Industrial operators


Awards Nominations

IAQM awards nominations are now closed!

Ticket Prices






























A full breakdown of prices can be seen on the IES Routes to Clean Air event page.






Full event (2 day + dinner)






Early Bird Price
Non-IAQM Member
£400
Early Bird Price
IAQM Member
£340




1 day





Early Bird Price
Non-IAQM Member
£270
Early Bird Price
IAQM Member
£230

Discounted Tickets and Dinner Tickets

Discounted ticket* - One Day
£100
Discounted ticket* - Two Days
£200
Dinner ticket
£53






































Discounted Rate Tickets*

Discounted rate tickets are available to those working for a local authority or local government, NGO/charity, academia/research, students/graduates (graduated after 1st January 2026 and not currently in full-time employment), those who are retired, or are out of work.

Please Note:

  • Tickets bought at the early bird rate must be paid for ahead of the rate expiry otherwise the standard rate will be applied.
  • All 2-day tickets (excluding discounted rate tickets) include a ticket to the dinner that is taking place on the 21st October.
  • For 1-day tickets and discounted rate tickets, dinner tickets must be added separately, if you wish to attend.
  • In line with IES policy, all food served during the two day conference will be vegetarian, with vegan options available. 

Making a Business Case to Attend

    If you would like some help with making an internal business case to your manager/director in order to attend, why not make use of our Business Case to Attend Routes to Clean Air 2026 document? Simply fill in the blanks and adjust to your own circumstances.

    Bookings are now closed!

    Countdown to event:

    2026/10/21 08:30:00

    Would you like to exhibit at, or sponsor, Routes to Clean Air?






    RTCA attracts consultants, air quality practitioners, leading manufacturers, local authority officers and regulators, academics, and researchers providing an excellent opportunity for organisations to interact with their target audience of experts and buyers. This conference is a platform for expert practitioners to share knowledge, therefore there are a limited number of spaces for sponsors and exhibitors.

    Benefits of exhibiting:









        • Exhibition stand
        • Branded banners displayed in exhibition space
        • Logo with hyperlink on this webpage (and the IES’s)
        • A thank you from the conference Chair

    Download our Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information Pack on the right hand side >>

    Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information PackExhibitor and Sponsorship Booking Form


    Sponsors





    EEMC Monitors - Silver Sponsor

    EEMC Monitors

    EEMC Monitors was established in 2018 by experienced professionals from the construction and civil engineering monitoring industry, delivering innovative, cloud-based environmental monitoring solutions that help organisations improve compliance, reduce environmental risk and support sustainability.

    We specialise in real-time indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring, alongside noise and vibration monitoring, supporting consultants, contractors, developers and infrastructure owners across the UK. As the UK distributor of the Oizom HIVE™ range, including the MCERTS-certified HIVE-AQ™ Dustroid, we provide continuous monitoring of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants for construction, infrastructure, industrial and urban environments.

    Our HIVE-AIR™ solutions support healthier buildings through indoor air quality monitoring aligned with the WELL Building Standard™. Managed via the HIVE-SOFT™ cloud platform, our systems deliver live data, automated alerts, customisable reporting and remote access, enabling informed, proactive environmental management.

    Visit Routes to Clean Air to see how HIVE™ monitoring solutions simplify compliance, improve environmental performance and enable data-driven decisions.


    Silver Sponsor
    (Wednesday 21st October)



    Exhibitors


    Cambustion

    Cambustion

    Cambustion’s 50-series of gas and particle analyzers combine ultra-fast response times with enhanced levels of sensitivity. This allows investigations into the real emissions exposure from vehicles and other sources from the roadside on a breath-by-breath basis.

    These fast-response analyzers open up possibilities for identifying gross emitters within regular traffic; this information can be used to guide enforcement bodies and local air quality teams on how to further reduce air pollution by targeting significant contributors.

    support@cambustion.com

    EMSOL

    Exhibiting Day 1 of RTCA, EMSOL connects MCERTS-certified monitoring with video analytics, so when pollution levels spike, you see the idling truck, the specific work activity, the exact source. Founded in 2017, we’ve grown to be a trusted environmental intelligence partner for organisations that need more than compliance data. NHS trusts use us to protect vulnerable patients. Construction firms use us to manage site impacts. Local authorities and transport operators use us to address pollution at source, not just record it. Our hardware measures what matters: PM10, PM2.5, PM1, NO2, NO, CO, O3, SO2 and noise. Our platform connects those measurements to visual proof. The result? Customers have cut pollution by up to 82% because they can see exactly what needs to change. We’re building cleaner urban environments by making the invisible visible. When you know the source, you can fix the problem. That’s not sustainability theatre. That’s environmental monitoring that actually works.
    WWF

    WWF


    Founded in 1961,     WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organization working in more than 100 countries to create solutions to the most important environmental challenges facing the planet so that people and nature can thrive.
    Cura Terrae

    Cura Terrae

    Cura Terrae is a world-leading supplier and service provider of real-time instrumentation and bespoke environmental monitoring systems for the measurement of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Technical expertise in air quality monitoring, gathered over four decades, enables us to advise upon a wide range of different applications. Deep knowledge of system design and integration allows us to provide servicing, maintenance and support throughout the UK and overseas. 

    DustScanAQ

    Exhibiting Day 1 & Day 2 RTCA, DustScanAQ is an independent, employee-owned dust and air quality consultancy that specialises in monitoring and assessment. We were established in 2004. Our experienced consultants provide expert dust and air quality services to clients in a wide range of sectors including assessments and management plans of dust, air quality and odour. We provide planning and operational support for small to large scale projects including those that require detailed Environmental Impact Assessment. We supply a range of dust and air quality monitoring equipment, and our services also include occupational exposure and indoor air quality assessments, elemental and chemical dust analysis and dispersion modelling.

    Venue & Accessibility














    Venue full address: thestudio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP

    A map and directions to the venue are available here. 

    We will be utilising several spaces at the venue – Explore room (2nd floor), Discover room (1st floor), and the Atrium (2nd floor)are all fully accessible. Full information can be found on thestudio website.

    If you anticipate needing any type of assistance to fully participate in the conference, please email Sian Kear, Events & Training Lead at: events@the-ies.org to discuss further.




































    Accommodation

    This year we are working in partnership with Event Express Ltd to make booking your overnight accommodation as simple as possible. You can see all nearby accommodation and book here: https://resx.eventexpressuk.com/event/RoutestoCleanAirConference2026.



    Details

    Venue

    Organiser

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