Logistics & Warehouse Air Quality Assessment
Air quality assessments for logistics parks, distribution centres and warehousing developments. HGV traffic emissions, on-site sources and low emission strategies — all by chartered specialists.
Air Quality for the Logistics and Distribution Sector
Logistics and warehousing is one of the fastest-growing commercial sectors in the UK, but it is also one of the most scrutinised from an air quality perspective. The HGV and LGV movements generated by distribution centres, last-mile delivery hubs and large-scale logistics parks can be significant — and local planning authorities, Transport for London and statutory consultees are increasingly focused on the air quality implications of traffic-generating commercial development.
Air quality assessments for logistics and warehouse developments need to be technically rigorous but also commercially pragmatic. A competent assessment will scope the work appropriately, focus on the issues that actually matter for the specific site, and present the evidence in a way that allows the planning authority to reach a decision without protracted back-and-forth. We have the technical expertise to do this efficiently, and the sector knowledge to understand what planners are looking for.
Malcolm Pounder CEnv MIAQM leads all our logistics and commercial sector assessments. We work directly with logistics developers, commercial property consultants, EIA project managers and planning consultants — providing the air quality input that fits your programme, your budget, and the specific requirements of your planning authority.
Our Logistics Air Quality Services
From screening assessments for smaller warehousing applications to full EIA air quality chapters for major logistics parks.
HGV Traffic Emissions Assessment
Modelling of NO2 and PM10/PM2.5 concentrations from HGV and LGV movements generated by the development, using ADMS-Roads or a traffic screening approach proportionate to the scale of the site. Vehicle fleet composition is based on national emission factor data and DEFRA PCM background concentrations, with results compared against UK air quality objectives at sensitive receptor locations near the access routes.
On-Site Sources Assessment
Assessment of on-site emission sources specific to logistics and warehousing operations — including refrigerated trailer units (RTUs) at loading docks, standby generators, fuel storage and handling, and dust from unpaved or semi-surfaced yard areas. We identify which sources require quantitative assessment and which can be addressed through best practice management measures, keeping the scope focused and proportionate.
Low Emission & Net Zero Strategy
A low emission strategy or net zero transport statement setting out how the development will minimise air quality impacts over its operational life. Covers EV charging provision for HGVs and LGVs, solar energy generation, idling reduction measures, fleet transition targets, and staff travel plan commitments. Increasingly required by London boroughs and progressive LPAs, and a strong mitigation narrative that supports planning approval.
EIA Air Quality Chapter
A full Environmental Impact Assessment air quality chapter for major logistics and distribution developments. Incorporates baseline monitoring, traffic and on-site source modelling, significance assessment against IAQM criteria, cumulative effects from nearby development, and a comprehensive mitigation and monitoring framework. Written to satisfy planning inspectors and statutory consultees including the Environment Agency, Natural England and Transport for London.
Types of Development We Cover
We provide air quality assessments for the full spectrum of logistics and commercial warehousing development — from small urban last-mile delivery depots to strategically significant national distribution centres.
Our clients include logistics developers, commercial property investment funds, housebuilders with commercial allocation requirements, EIA consultancies, and planning consultants working on employment land allocations and commercial planning applications.
- National distribution centres
- Regional logistics parks
- Last-mile delivery depots
- Cold storage facilities
- E-commerce fulfilment centres
- Food distribution hubs
- Parcel sorting facilities
- Urban consolidation centres
Frequently Asked Questions
Do logistics and warehouse developments need an air quality assessment?
Yes, in many cases. Logistics, distribution and warehousing developments generate significant HGV and LGV movements, and local planning authorities routinely require air quality assessments to understand the impact of traffic-related emissions on nearby sensitive receptors. The scale of the requirement depends on the number of vehicle movements, the proximity of sensitive receptors, and local background air quality. Large-scale logistics parks may generate hundreds of HGV movements per day, which needs to be assessed against local conditions.
What air quality issues are specific to logistics developments?
The primary concern is traffic-related emissions from the HGV and LGV fleet — particularly NO2 and PM2.5 from diesel exhaust. Additional issues can include refrigerated trailer units (RTUs) idling at loading docks, dust from unpaved yards or haul roads, odour from cold storage or food logistics operations, and fugitive emissions from on-site fuel storage. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements are also increasingly addressed in logistics air quality assessments, particularly for London developments.
How are HGV emissions assessed for a warehouse planning application?
HGV and LGV emissions are assessed by modelling the vehicle movements generated by the development using ADMS-Roads or a traffic screening method proportionate to the application. The model uses traffic data (vehicle flows, fleet composition, speeds) and meteorological data to predict NO2 and PM concentrations at sensitive receptors near the access routes and site boundary. Results are compared against UK air quality objectives. For large sites, a detailed EIA chapter covering both traffic and on-site emission sources may be required.
What is a low emission strategy for a logistics development?
Many local planning authorities and the GLA now require logistics and warehouse developments to submit a Low Emission or Net Zero Strategy. This sets out how the development will minimise air quality impacts over its operational life, covering: EV-capable HGV charging bay provision, on-site energy generation, idling reduction measures for refrigerated units, staff travel plan commitments, and phased fleet improvements. We prepare these strategies alongside air quality assessments, grounded in the technical evidence and tailored to your authority’s specific requirements.
How long does an air quality assessment for a logistics development take?
A screening-level assessment can typically be completed within 5 to 10 working days of receiving traffic data and site information. A detailed ADMS-Roads modelling assessment may take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the number of modelled links, receptor network extent, and whether baseline monitoring data is needed. For EIA-scale projects, we agree the programme at the outset and work to your planning timetable. We are used to tight commercial deadlines and can prioritise where needed.