Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

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

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.

  • Western Kentucky University, Gilbane Announce “Elevate WKU” Partnership

    Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., recently announced that it has reached the financial close on a on a public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane Development, according to a news release.

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • Dallas-Area District Debuts Three New Facilities

    The Duncanville Independent School District in southwest Dallas, Texas, recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for three new facilities that resulted from a $170-million bond program passed in 2023, according to a news release.