EPA issues air quality guidance for schools

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to help school districts better protect indoor air quality and improve energy efficiency.

The agency released guidance tips for schools on Friday, arguing they would help cut energy costs and promote health.

{mosads}“This guidance provides common-sense solutions for improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality in schools across the country,” said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

“By using these guidelines, school districts can cut their energy bills and help ensure that students have a healthy and safe learning environment,” McCabe added.

The EPA says schools should institute energy management plans. When retrofitting buildings, plans should protect student health, control moisture in building mechanical systems and occupied spaces, limit the entry of contaminants form outdoors, and capture and exhaust contaminants from building equipment.

The 130-page report also provides examples of possible energy savings projects that would help improve the health of schoolchildren as well.

EPA chief Gina McCarthy visited a Washington school on Thursday to promote energy efficiency in schools that would help in the fight against climate change.