A study launched by InnoEnergy and Deloitte has revealed that Europe would be able to save around €183bn by 2025 if citizens implement smog reduction technologies over the next seven years.

The ‘Clean Air Challenge’ report comes in reply to the European Commission’s findings that smog may cause one in every ten premature deaths across the globe.

The Commission further estimated that smog will cost the EU up to €475bn during the seven-year period. This represents 2.9% of average annual GDP.

In addition to highlighting the issue of air quality across the continent, the report points out the use of concrete, modern transport and heating solutions to safeguard European citizens from pollution.

“The Clean Air Challenge report offers practical solutions that could help improve our citizens’ health and that could benefit the whole society.”

European Parliament Industry, Research and Energy Committee chair Jerzy Buzek said: “Smog is one of the most critical public health concerns of the century, accounting for as many as one in every ten premature deaths in the world, and over 400,000 premature deaths in Europe every year.

“The Clean Air Challenge report offers practical solutions that could help improve our citizens’ health and that could benefit the whole society. We must start implementing it throughout the EU without any delay.”

Deloitte Sustainability Consulting Central Europe partner and leader Irena Pichola said: “We must not forget that poor air quality affects people differently. For instance, there are huge regional variances in the causes and effects of smog, with most Western European smog coming from transportation, while heating produces the most pollution in the east.

“But, as mentioned in the report, wherever you look, the young are among the most affected. With an increase of 100 units of particulate matter (PM) comes a reduction of average life expectancy of around 2.3 years among children by age five.”