After more than two decades working in government, from the halls of Whitehall to the frontlines of international development, Louise made what some might call an unexpected leap. She co-founded Air Aware Labs, a start-up that’s making air pollution personal — literally.

“We’re trying to reduce the huge health burden of air pollution,” explains Louise.

“The World Health Organization estimates around eight million deaths every year are linked to it. Yet there’s so little out there that helps people actually do something to protect themselves.”

It’s not just about knowing there’s pollution — it’s about giving people the tools to avoid it. Air Aware’s technology offers real-time, hyperlocal insights into air quality, so you can change your running route, adjust your commute, or just understand what you’re being exposed to each day.

But Louise’s message isn’t only for individuals. It’s for businesses too — and she’s not afraid to say that many are missing a trick.

Why This Matters for Business

Air pollution isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a people issue. And for businesses, that means it’s also a productivity, wellbeing, and reputation issue.

“Think about your employees,” says Louise.

“If they’re commuting through polluted areas, working in spaces with poor air quality — it affects their health, their performance, even their decision to stay with your company.”

Recent research backs her up. A striking 92% of professionals at a recent mobility conference said they don’t believe employers are doing enough on air pollution. That’s not just a criticism — it’s a huge opportunity for forward-thinking organisations to step up.

“Companies already talk a lot about carbon footprints,” Louise points out.

“But how many are looking at their own nitrogen dioxide emissions, or at the health impacts of where their offices and sites are located?”

A Personal Story Behind the Tech

Louise’s path to air quality innovation wasn’t a straight line. It started with a maths degree, a passion for social justice, and a curiosity that led her from Colombia’s grassroots women’s groups to senior government roles shaping international policy.

For years, she admits, she parked her love of data — it didn’t seem there was an obvious way to connect it to the causes she cared about. But with Air Aware Labs, that’s come full circle.

“It feels like it’s all finally come together,” she reflects.

“We’re using data and tech, but for something so fundamentally human — our health, our families, the cities we live in.”

Making the Invisible Visible

One of the biggest challenges with air pollution, Louise says, is that you often can’t see it. Unlike floods or heatwaves, its impact is quiet — but deadly.

Yet the statistics are hard to ignore. Air pollution is now considered the second biggest threat to health, just behind high blood pressure. And it’s not just outdoor air — indoor spaces can be just as problematic.

The good news? Tackling it often goes hand in hand with climate action and building more liveable, green urban spaces.

“I live in the city, I love it,” says Louise.

“But I want to be confident that my choice to live here isn’t compromising my health — or my kids’ health.”

A Wake-Up Call for Employers

For businesses, Louise believes this is about more than compliance. It’s a chance to show leadership — to genuinely improve employee wellbeing and to turn an overlooked health crisis into a catalyst for positive change.

“This is where sustainability meets human impact,” she says.

“It’s not just about emissions targets. It’s about asthma, heart health, quality of life.”

Her advice? Start small. Measure the problem. Look at commuting patterns. Explore how tools like Air Aware’s app can support staff. And most importantly, talk about it — make air quality part of the wellbeing conversation, not just a side note.

Because whether we notice it or not, the air we breathe is shaping our health, our cities, and our futures. It’s time more of us — especially in business — started paying attention.