WASHINGTON
,
March 3, 2022
(press release)
–
The plan includes strong focus on improved indoor air quality and ventilation in buildings The U.S. Green Building Council applauds the Biden Administration’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that includes a strong focus on improving indoor air quality and ventilation in buildings. “As states loosen masking requirements, the White House is exactly right to prioritize indoor environmental quality in homes and buildings,” said Elizabeth Beardsley, Senior Policy Counsel at USGBC. “It’s one of the most durable and effective things we can do to promote public health and productivity, and when done right it delivers added benefits such as reduced operational costs and sharply lower greenhouse gas emissions. "These initiatives create opportunities for all building owners, from businesses to schools, to update their approaches to indoor environmental quality. USGBC has a long track record in this space, and we are eager to work with the White House and our partner companies to implement this plan.” With the creation of the Clean Air in Building Checklist, a set of recommendation that building owners and operators can take to improve indoor air quality, the plan spotlights an important component to help prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, USGBC welcomes the White House’s Clean Air in Buildings Challenge to encourage building operators in the public and private sectors to implement improved ventilation strategies. This includes improving indoor air quality and ventilation in schools across the country. USGBC will continue to support federal, state and local governments as well as private building owners to implement these recommendations as more Americans begin to go back the office. USGBC has a number of resources to support office re-entry, including the LEED Safety First Pilot Credits that outlines best practices that align with public health guidelines that include sustainable practices to manage indoor air quality and maintenance of HVAC systems. USGBC is a strong advocate for improved indoor air quality in buildings and has made making indoor air quality management an important part of operating a LEED building. Indoor air quality has been shown to have a big impact on employees’ health and productivity, and poor indoor air in schools can even affect student performance.
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