Scientific research

Communication and dissemination

DNOSES: Monitoring odor pollution through citizen science.

Area

Research and Communication

Client

Project funded by the European Union

Year

2018-2021

Impact

Promote new ways to measure odour pollution by empowering citizens.

How can citizens generate data on bad smells that drive official action?

D-NOSES (Distributed Network for Odour Sensing Empowerment and Sustainability) was a European project (H2020-Swafs-2016-17-789315) aimed at empowering citizens and involving them in civic actions to combat odour pollution, promoting engagement and fostering participatory strategies at all levels. The initiative applied co-creation processes, scientific research, citizen science, and other tools to engage affected communities and stakeholders in channeling quantitative and open data and in the co-design of local solutions. As a result, the project sought to pave the way for future regulations, with a bottom-up and multi-level governance approach. It also ensured access to information by creating the International Odour Observatory, a participatory online tool. 

The project's main pilot was in the area of Fòrum in Barcelona, an urban seaside zone where the largest wastewater treatment plant (EDAR) in Catalonia is located, alongside a sludge treatment facility, a waste incinerator, and a comprehensive municipal solid waste treatment plant (MSW). These facilities are operating very close to residents, producing an odour impact. 

The quadruple helix approach allowed for the participation of public authorities, odour-emitting industries, academia, and citizens in the co-design of local improvements, aimed at reducing nuisances and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

How can citizens generate data on bad smells that drive official action?

D-NOSES (Distributed Network for Odour Sensing Empowerment and Sustainability) was a European project (H2020-Swafs-2016-17-789315) aimed at empowering citizens and involving them in civic actions to combat odour pollution, promoting engagement and fostering participatory strategies at all levels. The initiative applied co-creation processes, scientific research, citizen science, and other tools to engage affected communities and stakeholders in channeling quantitative and open data and in the co-design of local solutions. As a result, the project sought to pave the way for future regulations, with a bottom-up and multi-level governance approach. It also ensured access to information by creating the International Odour Observatory, a participatory online tool. 

The project's main pilot was in the area of Fòrum in Barcelona, an urban seaside zone where the largest wastewater treatment plant (EDAR) in Catalonia is located, alongside a sludge treatment facility, a waste incinerator, and a comprehensive municipal solid waste treatment plant (MSW). These facilities are operating very close to residents, producing an odour impact. 

The quadruple helix approach allowed for the participation of public authorities, odour-emitting industries, academia, and citizens in the co-design of local improvements, aimed at reducing nuisances and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Our role

Our role

  • Citizen Science

  • Citizen Participation Workshops

  • Audiovisual Production

  • Communication and Dissemination Campaign



Team

Javi is recognized as one of the most innovative strategists and thinkers in open and contributory business models, the collaborative economy, institutional and civic innovation, and network society. At Ideas for Change, he inspires the team to achieve excellence by blending analytical rigor with strategic creativity.

javicreus@ideasforchange.com

Javi Creus

Founder and CEO

Giovanni is a researcher passionate about exploring current challenges at the intersection of technology, institutions, and society. With a background in engineering and a PhD in Information Systems, his research interests encompass IT and data governance, smart cities, open data and technology, and Management Information Systems (MIS).

giovannimaccani@ideasforchange.com

Giovanni Maccani

Research Director

With expertise in communication strategies and content creation, Elsa specializes in transmedia campaigns. At Ideas for Change, she leads corporate communications, strengthening the company’s external presence. She is also part of the European projects team, where she prepares and implements communication and dissemination plans for both public and private initiatives.

elsaboloix@ideasforchange.com

Elsa Boloix

IFC Communication Manager

With an extensive background in audiovisual production and education, Martín produces and directs all audiovisual content at Ideas for Change. He is currently involved in European projects focused on citizen impact, as well as initiatives promoting regenerative tourism.

martin@ideasforchange.com

Martín Balestrini

Audiovisual Production Manager

Client

Client

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 789315.

Partners

Partners

Scientific research

Citizen science for odour pollution