Air Quality

We help communities breathe easier. Our air quality services are designed to improve health, comfort and sustainability — indoors and out. We tailor every solution to local conditions, drawing on global expertise and science-based innovation. Whether we’re modeling emissions, monitoring pollutants, designing nature-based buffers or implementing carbon capture technologies at the industrial scale, we work side by side with our clients to deliver cleaner air and better outcomes for people and ecosystems.

Projects Our experts FAQs Insights Services Join our team

Air quality is a vital factor in human health, productivity and environmental sustainability. We offer comprehensive air quality services that span the full lifecycle of a project — from planning and permitting to monitoring, ongoing compliance and mitigation.

Our capabilities include conformity analyses, emissions inventories for both operational and construction phases of a project, health risk assessments, dispersion modeling, license applications, regulatory and permitting, including Title V analysis and reporting, environmental impact assessments, greenhouse gas assessments and carbon capture solutions, mitigation analyses, net-zero emission (criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases) strategies. We also provide specialized services in indoor air quality and environmental acoustics. Every solution is tailored to local conditions and community needs, backed by our global expertise.

Sites monitored for EPA air quality data

90+

Years supporting California’s rail emissions strategy

15+

Percent of the year now sees healthy air days at Ramona Gardens

Proven strategies for cleaner air

EPA Air Quality Monitoring, U.S. and Canada >

Long-term monitoring for regulatory impact

We’ve supported the EPA’s CASTNET program for decades, managing over 90 monitoring stations across North America. Our ISO-accredited labs and QA/QC protocols ensure reliable data for air quality standards. We also develop innovative tools like solar-powered monitors for real-time emissions tracking.

Emissions management for major infrastructure

In New York City, we evaluated the air quality, greenhouse gas, traffic and noise impacts of MTA’s proposed Central Business District Tolling Program. The program is the first in the country to implement congestion pricing in order to alleviate traffic congestion in the New York City area. Our team used detail modeling procedures to quantify the project’s impact on regional and local air quality and worked with the City to develop a plan to monitor and mitigate any potential impacts.

Ramona Gardens, California >

Nature-based solutions for community health

In Los Angeles, we designed a green buffer park to reduce pollution at Ramona Gardens public housing. Using native plants and microclimate data, we created a model for improving air quality and public health. Our approach draws on holistic environmental assessments to guide sustainable design.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for improving air quality. Each project requires an approach that is unique to its local conditions while considering its context within the wider community and ecosystem.

Alice Lovegrove National Director - Acoustics, Vibration, Greenhouse Gases, Air Quality

Alice Lovegrove National Director - Acoustics, Vibration, Greenhouse Gases, Air Quality

Explore our air quality projects

Pennsylvania, USA

Panda Liberty Power Project

Our team helped deliver a 829-MW combined cycle generating station to provide reliable power to more than one million customers in Pennsylvania.

Texas, USA

Formosa Plastics Flare System Upgrade

Transformative upgrades and innovative flare monitoring strategy improve air quality across Texas.

Missouri, USA

Air Permitting for Municipal Power Plant Modification

To reduce emissions and ease regulatory requirements, coal-fired boilers were replaced with cleaner biomass-fired boilers.

Texas, USA

Gulf Coast Marine Terminal Environmental Permitting and Compliance

Our environmental, air and water quality permitting and compliance services for a $300 million high-capacity marine terminal on the Houston Ship Channel, enabled long-term operational success.

thn-environmental-compliance-paint-and-coatings

United States

Environmental Compliance Support for National Paint and Coatings Manufacturer

We helped a multi-state paint and coatings manufacturer streamline environmental compliance and permitting across complex operations, reducing risk and improving regulatory reporting.

St. Philemon, Quebec, Canada

Saint Philemon Windfarm

Developing a wind farm is a challenging venture. The developer needs to be supported by a specialist at every stage of the project. In addition to undertaking comprehensive engineering activities, WSP managed construction of a windfarm in Saint-Philémon, a mountainous region in Quebec. We also assisted the client in procurement activities. Having worked in this area previously with other clients, we had an excellent knowledge of this site.

Cambridgeshire, UK

Waterbeach New Town East

At Waterbeach New Town East, to the north of Cambridge, we are designing a place which challenges the dominance of the car and promotes a holistic vision of health and wellbeing. A relocated train station and peripheral car parking will help free up space for pedestrians and cyclists and improve air quality and safety, while encouraging social interaction and outdoor activity. The vision is of a space that combines the best of urban and rural – where you can access everything you need without driving but still enjoy green open spaces and a sense of community.

Sydney, Australia

WestConnex M4-M5 Link Rozelle Interchange

Improving motorway access and connections to Western Sydney is critical to support the city’s long-term economic and population growth.

Denmark

Viby Cultural Centre and Library – a new community ‘living room’

Life in the small town of Viby in Denmark has been enriched by the recently completed Cultural Centre and Library which provides a new gathering place, or living room, for the community. The project has been honoured as a Best Project in the 2022 ENR Global Best Projects Awards.

North America

Untangling a Complex PFAS Picture at a Manufacturing Facility

PFAS air emissions have led to investigations of soil, groundwater, stormwater, surface water sediment, and fish tissue at an active manufacturing facility in North America.

Engineering Mental Health Unit in Llandough - Building Exterior

Llandough, Wales

Hafan Y Coed

A flexible, low-energy facility fit for 21^st century care

Ready to talk about how your project impacts air quality?

Connect with our multidisciplinary experts to explore tailored solutions for your project’s entire lifecycle.

Our air quality experts

Alice Lovegrove

Director, Sustainable Infrastructure

United States

Bryan Osborn

Air Quality Project Manager

United States

Tom Rolfson

Air Quality Project Manager

United States

Laura Huff

Senior Project Manager, Department Manager

United States

Rob Krumm

Technical Director, Chemical Engineering

United States

Show more Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

What air quality services do you offer?

We provide a full suite of services including air permitting emissions inventories, health risk assessments, conformity analyses, dispersion modeling, indoor air quality evaluations, environmental noise analysis, compliance support and carbon capture detailed design through commissioning.

Our solutions span all project phases for clients including industrial manufacturing, power generation, oil and gas, cement and aggregates and more, and are tailored to local conditions and regulations.

How do you ensure data accuracy in air quality monitoring?

Our monitoring programs follow rigorous QA/QC protocols and utilize ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs. We deploy advanced technologies like the AirWatch System™ for real-time data collection and automated alerts, ensuring timely and reliable insights for decision-making.

Can you help with air quality compliance and permitting?

Yes. We routinely support clients with air emissions permit applications, environmental impact assessments and regulatory dispersion modeling. Our experts have deep experience working with agencies like the EPA and state and local air districts to navigate complex permitting processes.

What role does air quality play in infrastructure projects?

Air quality is a key consideration in infrastructure planning and construction. We integrate air permitting, emissions modeling, carbon offset strategies and mitigation planning into large-scale projects like NYC's Central Business Tolling project (aka "Congestion Pricing") and California High-Speed Rail to minimize environmental impact and support sustainability goals.

How do you address air quality in disadvantaged communities?

We apply nature-based solutions and community-focused design to improve air quality in underserved areas. Projects like Ramona Gardens demonstrate how green infrastructure can reduce pollution and enhance public health outcomes.

Where can I learn more about your air quality innovations?

Visit our insights to explore thought leadership on air quality, climate change and sustainability. You’ll find articles on Life Cycle Assessments, GHG inventories and emerging technologies like the AirWatch System™.