Sensors reveal a new way to protect the planet

New, low-cost sensor technology can find and measure invisible pollutants that harm our health and change the climate.

EDF is bringing together innovators from industry, universities and advocacy groups to transform raw data into action. We've come a long way. See eight developments that show progress »

Our projects with sensors

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  Measuring hyperlocal air pollution »

  EDF and our partners are deploying new technologies to pinpoint pollution hotspots, clear the air people breathe and inspire action worldwide.

  Partners: Google Earth Outreach, Mayor of London, Aclima, University of Texas at Austin, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project

   
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  Detecting invisible pollution from oil and natural gas »

  Technology can detect methane leaks. So we challenged innovators to develop low-cost, real-time sensors that signal leaks at oil and natural gas sites. Now, we're putting this solution into practice.

  Partners: PG&E, Quanta3, Sensit, Shell, Statoil

   
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  Finding methane leaks under streets »

  Using Google Street View cars equipped with sophisticated sensing technology, we create maps that help utilities and regulators prioritize pipeline repair and replacement.

  Partners: Google Earth Outreach, Colorado State University

   
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  Using wristbands to collect data on everyday chemical exposure »

  Wearable technology is a new frontier in data collection, and it can now reveal what chemicals are in our environment. For one project, we used special wristbands that absorb chemicals to allow researchers to see the chemicals around us.

  Partners: MyExposome, Oregon State University

   

What's ahead?

Our work highlights great potential for sensors as a low-cost tool for solving environmental problems. That reality is closer than ever.

We're committed to surfacing the top environmental problems, assembling the right partners and expanding the solutions to have a greater impact.