EPA Allocates $34 Million to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Children, who spend a substantial portion of their day in educational settings, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor air quality. EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe emphasized the importance of clean air in schools for both health and academic performance. “It is critical for their health and academic success that schools have clean and healthy air,” McCabe stated, highlighting the grants’ potential to boost attendance and academic achievement.

The funding will Support a variety of projects across the country. The University of Utah will develop air quality management and greenhouse gas reduction plans for schools in Utah, Nevada, and with the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming. Their approach includes energy efficiency assessments, pollutant monitoring, and the development of a school-focused indoor air quality app.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools aims to enhance indoor air quality management capabilities within school districts, focusing on those in economically disadvantaged areas. By providing training and resources, the program intends to empower staff to implement sustainable practices effectively.

Additionally, the Go Green Initiative, in collaboration with the National School Boards Association, will offer educational and training resources to improve air quality management in schools. The American Lung Association will introduce the Clean Air School Challenge to educate and build capacity in managing indoor air quality.

New York State’s Department of Health, paired with Health Research, Inc., will extend its expertise to help numerous schools in New York and other states develop robust air quality management plans.

These grants are a response to a pressing need, as approximately half of all K-12 students in the U.S. attend schools lacking proper indoor air quality management. Given that children are more susceptible to environmental pollutants due to their developing bodies and higher respiratory rates, this initiative is a critical step towards safeguarding their health and enhancing their learning environments.

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