The UofL Superfund Research Center, part of the Envirome Institute, has been awarded a $10.8 million from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

This 62% increase in funding will enable researchers to expand studies to monitor the local area’s environmental toxins and understand any corresponding effects on human health. We are thrilled that these resources will be in the excellent hands and brilliant minds of researchers here at UofL for the benefit of our region!

Did you know the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District reports the daily air quality index? 
             

Using 11 monitoring stations across the metro-area, the Louisville Air Watch dashboard shares how clean or polluted the outdoor air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. For more on how the agency hopes to enhance public health information and accessibility, see this recent feature from Spectrum 1 News.

Louisville Fire hopes new initiative cuts down on fires at vacant buildings. (WDRB) The Louisville Fire Department announced an initiative aimed at reducing the number of fires within vacant and abandoned buildings across the city. Last spring, LFD flagged over 630 vacant buildings; nearly 250 were considered unsecured or high risk. Many of these properties were then boarded up or are now being considered for demolition by the Fire Prevention Bureau and Metro Code Enforcement. In the six months following, the city saw nearly a 30% reduction in fires – and hopes to see that figure continue to increase. 

Louisville Metro offers year-end update on sustainability efforts. Mayor Greenberg recently reintroduced his plans to uphold his predecessor’s promise to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. While the city currently reflects no formal requirements for its agencies, an end-of-year meeting showcased the progress of many departments  towards achieving greater eco-consciousness. For more details on these efforts – ranging from paper and HVAC reductions to geothermal energy transfer – Louisville Public Media reports on what the city’s sustainability director called “super inspiring.”