Reducing Air Pollution In Ulaanbaatar: Strategies For Cleaner Air

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, is facing a public health crisis due to severe air pollution. The city consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, with hazardous levels of air quality caused primarily by the burning of raw coal for heating and cooking. The situation is exacerbated by the city's cold climate and topographical features, which trap toxic air. To address this issue, various initiatives have been implemented, including government interventions, international partnerships, and community-based projects, aiming to reduce coal consumption, improve energy efficiency, and raise awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution.

Reducing coal consumption in ger districts

The burning of raw coal in ger districts is the primary cause of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution. The city's residents burn tons of coal every winter to keep warm, as Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world, with temperatures falling well below -20 degrees Celsius. This coal burning accounts for 60% of the city's air pollution and has severe health implications, especially for children.

To reduce coal consumption in ger districts, the following measures can be taken:

• Insulation of homes: Families can insulate their homes to reduce heat loss and, consequently, the need to burn coal for heating. This can be done through the use of cost-effective, locally available materials, with guidance from trained energy advisers.
• Switch to electricity: Residents can switch from coal to electricity for heating and cooking, as demonstrated by Munkhzul, a resident of Ulaanbaatar's ger district, who now uses an electric heater.
• Use of cleaner coal alternatives: The government can promote the use of processed coal products, such as briquettes, which burn longer and don't release fumes.
• Improved access to central energy infrastructure: Integrating marginalized ger households into the city's central energy infrastructure will provide alternative sources of heating and reduce their reliance on coal.
• Awareness-raising initiatives: Educational programs can be implemented to raise awareness about the health and environmental impacts of coal burning, as well as alternative solutions. These initiatives can target households in ger districts, with a focus on female participation.
• Financial intermediation: By saving on heating costs, families can invest their money in other areas, such as their children's education. This can act as an incentive to reduce coal consumption.
• Support for micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises: Providing training and technological support to businesses can promote the development and distribution of energy-efficient solutions, such as improved stoves and clean heating technologies.

Improving home insulation

Ceiling and Roof Insulation:

Include ceiling and roof insulation to prevent heat loss. Reflective ceiling insulation is an effective option as it traps heat, resulting in lower heating and energy bills. If your home has no ceiling, bulk insulation is necessary to improve heat retention.

Solid Wall Insulation:

Install wall insulation for internal and external walls to reduce heat loss. Ensure tight insulation around wall cavities by using foam board or spray foam to fill gaps and prevent air leakage.

Radiator and Heat Source Insulation:

Insulate radiators, pipes, and boilers to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. This is a cost-effective solution, as simple measures like cylinder jackets for pipes can make a significant difference.

Heavy-Duty Insulation:

Use bulk insulation or structural insulated panels to effectively trap heat and keep energy bills low. This type of insulation is essential to prevent heat loss, especially in extremely cold climates.

Door and Window Insulation:

Prevent air leakage by sealing gaps around doors and windows. Measures such as door snakes and weather strips or foam tape for windows can be easily implemented and are cost-effective ways to regulate indoor temperature and reduce energy costs.

Underfloor Insulation:

Install underfloor insulation to prevent heat loss from the floor. Expanded polystyrene sheets are a cost-effective and installer-friendly option for effective floor insulation.

Reflective Insulation:

Consider reflective insulation to block out radiant heat during the summer and retain heat during the winter. This type of insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

Heavier Curtains:

If window insulation is too costly, consider investing in heavier curtains, which can trap more air than thinner ones. This simple measure can help lower energy bills by preventing heat loss during cold months and heat gain during warmer periods.

By implementing these home insulation improvements, residents of Ulaanbaatar can play a crucial role in reducing indoor air pollution, protecting their health, and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Providing alternative heating sources

Insulation and Electrification

Insulating homes and switching to electric heaters is an effective way to reduce coal consumption. The Switch Off Air Pollution (SOAP) project assists families in insulating their homes, helping them transition to cleaner energy sources like electricity. This not only improves indoor air quality but also reduces the risk of burns, especially for children. It also leads to financial savings for families, allowing them to invest in their children's future.

Clean Coal Alternatives

The Mongolian government has implemented a ban on raw coal and encouraged the use of processed coal products like briquettes, which burn longer and produce less smoke and ash. This is a step towards cleaner energy alternatives, reducing the amount of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.

Energy-Efficient Buildings

The adoption of the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) system in the Building Code mandates the use of thermal protection in new buildings and renovations. This helps reduce the need for excessive heating, as improved insulation retains heat more effectively.

Clean Heating Solutions

The National Committee and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) have implemented initiatives to promote clean heating solutions. This includes providing access to electric heaters, insulation materials, and improved stoves to vulnerable households, especially those headed by women. These initiatives aim to reduce air pollution and improve living and working conditions in ger areas.

Awareness and Education

The MET has developed and implemented education and outreach programs to increase awareness about air pollution and its health impacts. Targeting at least 50% female participation, these programs aim to empower women with knowledge about clean energy alternatives and the importance of reducing coal consumption.

Reducing vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city. To reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, the following measures can be implemented:

Emission Standards and Regulations

Ulaanbaatar can establish and enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles. This includes setting limits on the acceptable levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC). Vehicles that do not meet these standards can be restricted from operating within the city limits.

Promote Public Transportation

Encouraging the use of public transportation can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, decrease vehicle emissions. Investing in efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation options, such as electric buses, light rail, or metro systems, can make them more attractive to commuters.

Incentivize Electric Vehicles

To reduce emissions from private vehicles, the government can offer incentives for residents to switch to electric or hybrid cars. This can include subsidies, tax breaks, or the development of infrastructure such as charging stations. Additionally, providing incentives for carpooling or ride-sharing services can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Implementing a program that encourages regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can help ensure that cars are running efficiently and emitting fewer pollutants. This can include offering discounted or free emissions testing and providing educational resources on proper vehicle maintenance.

Traffic Management

Improving traffic flow and reducing congestion can help decrease vehicle emissions. This can be achieved through measures such as optimizing traffic signal timing, implementing traffic calming strategies, and improving road infrastructure. Additionally, implementing congestion charges or low-emission zones in areas with high traffic can provide an incentive for people to drive less or switch to cleaner forms of transportation.

Education and Awareness

Educating the public about the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and personal health can help encourage behaviour changes. Raising awareness about the benefits of carpooling, using public transportation, or switching to cleaner vehicles can empower residents to make more sustainable choices.

Raising awareness of indoor air pollution

Education and Information:

People in Need's "Right to Breathe" project, funded by the European Union and the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, plays a vital role in this regard. The project aims to enhance access to information and raise awareness about air pollution issues. It also empowers civil society organizations to share information and increase transparency with the help of parliament, audit institutions, and the media. The project provides the following recommendations to the public:

• Regularly check air quality information using reliable apps, such as AirVisual, which offer real-time data and forecasts.
• Wear anti-air pollution masks, specifically those with a high PM2.5 filtration rate like KN95 or N99 masks.
• Stay indoors when pollution levels are high, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, elders, and people at risk of illnesses.
• Use air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can remove over 99.9% of PM2.5 particles.
• Seal gaps and insulate windows and doors to reduce air leakage and the entry of outdoor air pollution.
• Utilize standardized improved stoves that burn coal completely, reducing particle emissions and extending warmth.
• Opt for improved fuels, which are more energy-efficient and emit less smog, ash, and moisture than raw coal.
• Embrace more energy-efficient heating technologies, such as electric heating, to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution.
• Insulate homes with materials like basalt wool and sheep wool to minimize heat loss and decrease fuel consumption.
• Grow plants indoors, as leafy greens can absorb carbon and neutralize various air pollutants.

Targeted Campaigns:

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has developed and implemented an education and outreach program with a focus on female participation. This program aims to increase awareness of air pollution and its impacts. Additionally, the Mongolian National Construction Association (MNCA) has trained "energy advisers," who educate households in ger districts about energy-efficient insulation practices. These advisers provide guidance on the use of cost-effective, locally available materials for insulation.

Collaboration with Local Communities:

The SWITCH-Asia Switch Off Air Pollution (SOAP) project, led by GERES and People in Need (PIN), also emphasizes awareness-raising initiatives. This project collaborates with local communities to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar's ger areas. By providing assistance with insulation and promoting the switch from coal to electricity, the project not only improves indoor air quality but also addresses the risk of burns, especially among children.

Frequently asked questions