The organisations have come together to provide new insights into the effect of vehicle emissions under the Crowd4sat project just weeks after the government was ordered by the Supreme Court to take action on air pollution in respect of its obligations under European law.
The research will run into the beginning of 2016, with data collated by The Floow for the ESA to build a hub of information for future use in effecting change to manage pollution.
"This is a fascinating test project that will provide actionable insight into pollution in our region, as a result of vehicle use and driver behaviour," states Sam Chapman, innovation leader and co-founder of The Floow.
"We will be in a position to establishing exactly where emissions are produced, using key factors such as vehicle acceleration, stationary periods and stop times," he continues.
"Currently in Sheffield air pollution is measured through a limited number of air quality sensors, each costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds and only providing a limited picture of pollution," he explains.
"Telematics is accurate and can analyse the specific variables needed to look at air pollution emissions. It is more cost effective and doesn't need to be monitored in the way the sensors do."
Dr Stuart Wrigley, research fellow at The University of Sheffield, which is co-ordinating the Crowd4Sat project, says: "The core focus of the Crowd4Sat project is improving the usefulness of existing satellite environmental monitoring and enhancing its positive impact on peoples' everyday lives."
Sheffield is already trying to change drivers habits, with its campaign 'Air Aware Sheffield' around the city for greener driving strategies.
Additionally, a partnership between the four councils in South Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, called Immotion, is working to encourage businesses to sign up to learn simple tips to reduce vehicle emissions.