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

  • University of Kentucky Receives $150M Gift Toward New Arts District

    The University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees recently received a $150-million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, according to a university news release, to build a new arts district on the campus in Lexington, Ky. The new district will feature a new College of Fine Arts building and a multi-hundred-seat theater, among other amenities.

  • LSU Breaks Ground on $200M Residential Project

    Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., recently broke ground on a new residential complex, according to university news. The South Quad residential project will consist of two buildings and add a total of 1,266 beds for freshmen students. The development comes with a price tag of $200 million, and it’s scheduled to open to students in fall 2027.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Geometrik

    Armstrong World Industries, designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior architectural applications like ceilings, walls, and metal solutions, recently announced its acquisition of Canada-based Geometrik, according to a news release. The British Columbian Geometrik specializes in designing and manufacturing wood acoustical and wall systems.

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

Digital Edition