The pandemic has put air quality under the microscope of many scientific teams, prompting governments to take action.
Yes, you read it right: Clean Air in Buildings Challenge. But, no no, it's not the latest challenge invented on TikTok! Behind this challenge is an influencer. And not the least: the President of the biggest world power.
Last March, in fact, Joe Biden and his administration laid out their roadmap for moving forward safely while continuing the fight against COVID-19. At the heart of this National Plan? The Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, which encourages landlords, schools, colleges and universities, businesses and organizations of all kinds to redouble their efforts to improve indoor air quality and, in so doing, reduce the spread of the virus and its variants.
To facilitate action, federal funds have been made available. The American Rescue Plan provides $350 billion for state governments and communities and another $122 billion for schools. These funds are astronomical and should support both common sense measures and more substantial investments, from double-glazing to updating ventilation systems to purchasing portable air filtration units or equipment with the latest technology. UV-C technologies.
In conjunction with the Challenge, the Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, has developed a best practices guide that falls into four broad categories :
- Create a Clean Indoor Air Action Plan;
- Optimize fresh air ventilation;
- Improve air filtration and cleaning;
- Engage building occupants by communicating to increase their awareness, commitment and awareness, commitment and mobilization.
For the White House, it would seem that the health of building occupants justifies all means. Perhaps this will give ideas to other administrations and governments ?
Marianne Fougère
