White House Launches Clean Air in Buildings Challenge

Related Webinar: Creating Better Spaces for Learning

Spaces4Learning will be hosting a free webinar on the topic of indoor air quality April 13 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern. Registration is available here.

The White House launched a new program Thursday, calling on schools, colleges and universities to work to improve indoor air quality. In conjunction with the launch, the Environmental Protection Agency also released new guidelines for best practices for improving indoor air quality and reducing the spread of COVID-19 further.

The White House program, called the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, calls on "leaders and building owners and operators of all types to assess their indoor air quality and make ventilation and air filtration improvements to help keep occupants safe." It's a part of the Biden administration's National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

While specific funds have not been set aside for the challenge, the Biden administration said it will be working with school districts and other institutions "to make ventilation improvements and upgrades using American Rescue Plan (ARP) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds. The Administration will work closely with public sector partners like schools to provide guidance and technical assistance to make these improvements and connect them to agency resources on indoor air quality."

Among the recommendations issued by the EPA in this document are:

  1. "Create an action plan for clean indoor air in your building(s) that assesses IAQ, plans for upgrades and improvements, and includes HVAC inspections and maintenance."
  2. "Optimize fresh air ventilation by bringing in and circulating clean outdoor air indoors."
  3. "Enhance air filtration and cleaning using the central HVAC system and in-room air cleaning devices."
  4. "Get your community engaged in your action plan by communicating with building occupants to increase awareness, commitment, and participation in improving indoor air quality and health outcomes."

Further details on the EPA's indoor air quality guidelines and the White House's Clean Air in Buildings Challenge can be found at epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/clean-air-buildings-challenge.

Spaces4Learning will be hosting a free webinar on the topic of indoor air quality April 13 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern. Registration is available here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • Rush-Henrietta Central School District’s Sperry High School

    A New Perspective: Using Adaptive Reuse Concepts in K-12 Planning

    In the face of increasing pressures on construction timelines, budgets, and material availability, the renovation and reuse of pre-existing structures for new purposes can help bridge the gap between modern school programming and outdated school infrastructure.

  • DLR Group Hires Higher Education Business Development Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that Senior Associate Megan Todd will serve as its new Higher Education Business Development Leader, according to a news release. Her responsibilities will include building the firm’s reach and client relationships in the California higher education sector, based out of San Diego.

  • California School District Starts Construction on Public Safety Center

    The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) recently announced that construction has begun on a new public safety center that will house the district’s safety and security programs. According to a news release, the James Ramos Center for Public Safety will measure in at 17,140 square feet and contain the district’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and cadet program.

  • Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

    Furnishing the Future: Adaptive Solutions for Modern Learning Spaces

    On this episode of Schools in Focus, we'll talk about the role that classroom furniture plays in creating adaptive, flexible learning spaces. Our guest is Wesley Edmonds, the Director of Workplace, Adaptive Solutions at OFS.

Digital Edition