USGBC releases updated School Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Fact Sheet series

The U.S. Green Building Council recently released an updated version of its School Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Fact Sheet series.

The documents provide concise, easy-to-understand resources for school staff and decision-makers without a technical background, helping them make informed choices about indoor air quality. The series includes an overview that gives a foundation on school IAQ strategies and standards, along with eight fact sheets on specific topics.

School Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Fact Sheet Topics

The topics are:

• Ventilation: How a building’s system type informs the ventilation and air cleaning strategies to consider for your space.
• HVAC Filtration: How HVAC filtration works, what makes a filter effective, and how to ensure that it is compatible with your system.
• In-Room Air Cleaners: How to select, use, and maintain in-room air cleaners that improve IAQ in classrooms.
• Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV): Discusses the most common types of germicidal ultraviolet systems, when and where they are appropriate in schools, and how to assess their effectiveness.
• Electronic Air Cleaners: Provides an overview of electronic air cleaner technologies, how they work, what potential health concerns exist, and what to consider when exploring alternatives.
• Disinfectants: Identifies the safer disinfectants, discusses when they are recommended and what precautions to take while using them.
• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: Discusses what to measure, why it matters, and the benefits of continuous monitoring.
• Indoor Air Quality During Wildfires: How to plan ahead for smoke events with actionable guidance to reduce pollutant exposure and protect occupant health before, during, and after a wildfire.

The School IAQ Fact Sheet Series was developed by the Center for Green Schools in partnership with ASHRAE.