ERG Helps CleanAIRE NC Launch New, Community-Driven Air Quality Dashboard 

On June 3, ERG was proud to support CleanAIRE NC in launching a new tool designed to help community members analyze and communicate information about air quality in North Carolina. 

CleanAIRE NC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to pursuing collaborative solutions that address air pollution in North Carolina. In 2023, CleanAIRE NC contracted with ERG to develop the AirKeeper Dashboard, which stores and visualizes air quality measurements from a statewide network of air quality sensors. ERG supported engagement sessions with interested parties to gather and analyze requirements from a group of community scientists, known as AirKeepers, located throughout North Carolina. ERG designed and developed the dashboard to equip AirKeepers with data, mapping tools, and reports to help them understand and communicate local air quality issues. 

“What really makes this dashboard stand out is its focus on community accessibility,” said Meghan Camp, an ERG vice president and chemical engineer. “Air quality data are complicated, and this dashboard makes it easy for any North Carolinian to learn more about the air quality, nearby sources of pollution, and sensitive areas in their community. We are incredibly proud to assist CleanAIRE NC with this important environmental and public health tool.” 

The core of the data dashboard is an interactive mapping tool that combines near real-time air quality data with contextual information such as locations of pollution sources, demographic data, and health statistics. This tool serves as a resource for studying air quality impacts from multiple environmental stressors. Data displayed on the dashboard are continuously updated using public data from PurpleAir, AirNow, and mapping layers from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality, local environmental agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other sources. 

By highlighting underserved communities and health-sensitive populations alongside environmental permits and violations, the AirKeeper Dashboard helps uncover air quality disparities across North Carolina and provides tools to support advocacy. Current and historical air quality data can be downloaded for analysis or presented in dynamic, customizable reports that combine multiple data sources into visually compelling documents. Community members can use these documents to help advocate for cleaner air and healthier living conditions. 

“The AirKeeper Dashboard is not just a map—it’s a transformative tool designed to support community-driven advocacy. What sets this platform apart is its unique integration of essential information and key features that go beyond basic data visualization.” -- Clean Aire NC