HVAC Change Lab Seeks to Improve Indoor Environmental Equity

A new collaborative initiative seeking to advance safe and healthy school facilities nationwide begins this month. The HVAC Change Lab—led by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, National Center on School Infrastructure, and New Building Institute—will address indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation challenges facing school buildings across the U.S.

The program features partnerships between nonprofits, industry innovators, and school districts, creating a network that seeks to enhance operations and occupant well-being through modernized HVAC systems and maintenance. Through intentional peer-to-peer connections and coaching, schools can expect to receive HVAC solutions and resources regardless of funding discrepancies. The result of these efforts is HVAC awareness and indoor environmental equity.

Current school district participants include:

• Ann Arbor Public Schools, Michigan
• Boise Public Schools, Indiana
• Canajoharie Central School District, New York
• Davis County Community School District, Iowa
• Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland
• IDEA Public Schools, Texas, Florida, and Ohio
• Long Beach Unified School District, California
• Oakland Unified School District, California
• Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia
• Sacramento Unified School District, California
• Waukee Community School District, Iowa

Current network partners include:

• American Lung Association (ALA)
• ASHRAE
• Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International
• Energy Services Coalition (ESC)
• Green Schools National Network (GSNN)
• National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO)
• National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
• National Council on School Facilities (NCSF)
• National School Plant Managers Association (NSPMA)
• UndauntedK12

To learn more about HVAC Change Lab and their mission, click here.

To read about indoor environmental needs and strategies for schools, click here.