Project: Metrology for climate relevant volatile organic compounds

Acronym 19ENV06 MetClimVOC (Reference Number: 19ENV06)
Duration 01/06/2020 - 01/06/2023
Project Topic Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) and understanding atmospheric levels is important to help combat climate change. VOCs are precursors of ozone and aerosols that contribute to radiative forcing, warming the planet. Some are present at low levels in the atmosphere, down to parts-per-trillion (pmol/mol) or lack reference materials required for SI-traceability. Some types are also highly reactive, adsorbing onto surfaces, affecting sampling measurements, but remote sensing methods with the potential to overcome this issue currently lack SI-traceable spectral parameters. Building on EMRP projects KEY‑VOCS and HIGHGAS the project will address measurement uncertainty for selected VOCs. New accurate, primary reference gas mixtures will be developed for oxy-VOCs, terpenes and halogenated VOCs with validated protocols to allow the generation of working gas standards. In situ sampling methods will be evaluated and spectral molecular parameters for remote sensing methods determined. At the end of the project in 2023 the new methods and materials will help air monitoring networks generate the sound data required to assess air quality trends, supporting policy makers and regulators to put in place more effective measures to counter climate change.
Website visit project website
Network EMPIR
Call EMPIR Call 2019

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Eidgenössisches Institut für Metrologie METAS Coordinator Switzerland
2 Ilmatieteen laitos Partner Finland
3 Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais Partner France
4 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Partner Germany
5 Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu Partner Türkiye
6 VSL B.V. Partner Netherlands
7 Deutscher Wetterdienst Partner Germany
8 Eidgenoessische Materialpruefungs- und Forschungsanstalt Partner Switzerland
9 Institut Mines-Telecom Partner France
10 Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie Partner Germany
11 Politecnico di Torino Partner Italy
12 University of Leicester Partner United Kingdom
13 Universiteit Utrecht Partner Netherlands