Management of space heating emissions for effective abatement of urban smoke and SO2 pollution

The results from recent health studies reveal the necessity of more stringent short-term standards for fine particulates and SO2, thus placing increased emphasis on the regulation of space heating boilers. In view of this situation, management approaches that combine well-known measures, such as the boiler Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) programs, with powerful new ones, such as the rationalization of the boiler operating hours, are examined. Emission inventory and air quality models are employed for analyzing the environmental and energy impacts of the above measures, while new highly computerized methods are considered for enhancing their implementation potential. The above analysis is performed against the background of the Metropolitan Athens Area so as to allow quantification of the environmental and energy impacts, offering thus a realistic presentation of the very significant, and often overlooked, potential of the proposed measures.