Clean Air in Buildings Challenge: Federal agencies partner on best practices guide

Washington — In an effort to further reduce transmission of COVID-19, the Biden administration is calling on building owners and operators – as well as all organizations – to assess their indoor air quality and improve ventilation and filtration.

A White House fact sheet issued March 17 outlines the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge. To assist, the Environmental Protection Agency – in collaboration with the Department of Energy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies – has published a best practices guide.

The best practices and recommendations fall into four categories:

• Create a clean indoor air action plan that involves assessing air quality; inspection and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning units; and assessing potential upgrades and improvements.
• Optimize fresh air ventilation by letting in and circulating clean air from the outdoors.
• Enhance air filtration and cleaning by using the central HVAC system and in-room air-cleaning devices.
• Communicate with building occupants to “increase awareness, commitment and participation.”

“The best practices guide is designed to serve as a menu of improvements to choose from,” the White House states. “The guide includes quick steps that all organizations can take right away as a starting place, as well as resources to help plan for longer-term investments and improvements.”