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

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • Uvalde Schools Receive AI Security Technology through Grant Program

    AI-powered gun detection and emergency response technology solutions provider Omnilert recently launched the Save Haven Grant program, according to a news release. The first recipient of the grant, aimed specifically at schools that have faced gun violence, will be the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (Uvalde CISD) in Uvalde, Texas.

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

  • Lawrence Group Announces Expansion of Student Housing Studio

    Integrated planning and design firm Lawrence Group recently announced that it has hired Nick Naeger, AIA, as the new Associate Principal / Senior Project Manager at its headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., according to a news release.

Digital Edition