History

The Clean Air Society - Going Green Before it Became Popular

CASANZ was formed in the 1960s for people with an interest in clean air and the science of air pollution, long before the 'go green' catchphrase took hold. Since then it has adopted other environmental issues that have grown in significance, such as greenhouse gases.

Focus of Activities

CASANZ is a non-profit organisation that combines the expertise of its members to promote clean air management and the prevention of air pollution. CASANZ runs a range of activities including conferences and training for experts in the field of air quality control. It also holds public meetings to promote clean air topics and awards grants and prizes for those involved in emissions research.

One of the Society's key objectives is to provide opportunities to share knowledge on topics such as the effects of poor air quality, modelling, measurement and legislative aspects. CASANZ also liaises with experts in other countries, and assesses the impact of Government decisions around air quality and what it means for the Australian and New Zealand region.

Current CASANZ Projects

CASANZ is hosting the 19^th International Clean Air and Environment Conference in 2009 in Perth. The theme of the conference is Air Quality and Economic Development - Challenges and Solutions. The conference brings together the knowledge of local and overseas environmental experts who will present keynote talks and papers.

As part of the International Conference, CASANZ also awards prizes such as the Young Achievers Award, the Greenhouse Award and the Excellence in Indoor Air Quality Award.

Special Interest Groups (SIGS)

Several special interest groups also form part of the organisation's activities.  The Modelling Special Interest Group (MODSIG) focuses on the development and use of air quality models which play an increasingly important role in licensing emissions and air resource management.

The Odour Special Interest Group (OSIG) targets the complex and widespread problem of odour-causing air pollution that can be stressful and annoying for communities. OSIG encourages a stronger understanding of odour control and better practices relating to odour measurement, modelling and management.

Considering the amount of time spent indoors by office employees, it is surprising that there is no national framework to regulate the quality of indoor air. The Indoor Air and Environments Special Interest Group (IA&E) was formed to increase public awareness of indoor air quality issues and is committed to the development of a national body to regulate indoor air quality.

Greenhouse Emissions Special Interest Group

With the issue of greenhouse gases being so critical to the future of the planet, CASANZ's Greenhouse Special Interest Group has the role of educating the public on the impact of climate change and keeping abreast of developments in the area of carbon emissions and energy reform.

Helping the Public to Go Green and Giving Information on Air Pollution

Several of the Society's SIGS have developed fact sheets to raise community awareness, on topics such as greenhouse health effects, particulates and indoor air. CASANZ also publishes the quarterly Clean Air Journal.

Notable Achievements

In 2007 CASANZ hosted the 14^th International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) Conference in Brisbane. Over 440 delegates attended from 29 countries.

In the year ahead, as well as hosting the 19^th Annual Clean Air and Environment Conference in Perth, the Society plans to bring the Clean Air Journal online with the new title 'Journal of Air Quality and Climate Change'. This new title is to reflect the increasing relevance of greenhouse emissions today and its close connection with air quality.

Governance & Financial

CASANZ is comprised of independent branches which run their own activities and meetings. The organisation is run by an elected Executive Director along with regional branch officials, with an Executive Committee governing the overall management of CASANZ. The Clean Air Society is a relatively small organisation, with close to 700 members as of mid 2008.

Regions / countries which benefit

Australia, with branches in all States and Territories, and New Zealand.

How to donate

To benefit from the Society's 'go green' activities and resources and to be kept updated on clean air topics and events, full membership is available. Membership is offered at varied rates. Membership fees and income from training courses helps further the work of CASANZ.