Apply for the EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Awards Program

The EPA's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools (IAQ TfS) Program is a nationwide initiative to help school officials assess, resolve, and prevent IAQ problems and reduce exposure to asthma triggers and other harmful pollutants in school facilities. Every school year, asthma accounts for an estimated 14 million missed school days by students and staff. Further, research reports suggest that students attending schools in poor condition score 11 percent lower on standardized tests than students attending schools in good condition. Mold, re-circulation of contaminated air, restricted fresh air intake, and pest infestation can create poor indoor air quality and trigger asthma and allergic sensitivities among students and staff. 

The IAQ TfS Awards Program

The U.S. EPA’s IAQ TfS Awards Program was initiated in 2000 to recognize schools and school districts that have demonstrated a strong commitment to improve children’s health by promoting good indoor air quality (IAQ) practices. From schools and districts just beginning to implement IAQ management plans to those who have mature, sustainable, district-wide IAQ programs, EPA provides a series of national-level awards. As the stature of the awards increase, so does the value gained by each recipient in terms of improved IAQ and improved health and performance of faculty, staff, and students.

What Awards Does EPA Offer?


EPA offers four awards for which schools/districts may apply.

  • The IAQ TfS National Great Start Award is for U.S. schools and districts that are in the initial stages of implementing the IAQ TfS Program. To qualify, schools must establish an IAQ team or designate an IAQ Coordinator.
  • The IAQ TfS National Leadership Award is for U.S. schools and districts that have shown significant progress in implementing an IAQ management program. To qualify, schools must at least meet the criteria for the Great Start Award and show progress towards completing IAQ walkthroughs or assessments for each school in the district that has agreed to participate in the program. Applicants must demonstrate how they have identified and prioritized any IAQ repairs and upgrades and are taking action to address IAQ issues.
  • The IAQ TfS National Excellence Award is one of EPA’s highest IAQ awards, presented only to U.S. school districts with exemplary IAQ programs and that have shown exceptional commitment to good IAQ management in schools. Recipients of the Excellence Awards are selected through a highly competitive process and are judged on established criteria.
  • The IAQ TfS National Model of Sustained Excellence Award is only presented to U.S. school districts that show ongoing exceptional commitment and achievement in maintaining healthy educational facilities while institutionalizing comprehensive IAQ management practices. Recipients of this award must have been a past National Excellence Award winner and are selected through a highly competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate how they have sustained their IAQ practices, established IAQ management goals, and tracked short-term and long-term progress on IAQ management.

How to Apply….


Visit: http://epa.gov/iaq/schools/awards.html for award applications, instructions, and summaries of past award winners. Schools interested in applying for IAQ TfS awards should download and complete the appropriate application making sure to include all requested materials. Applications for the National Great Start and National Leadership awards are accepted year round. The deadline for submitting an application for the 2007 National Excellence and National Model of Sustained Excellence awards is October 8, 2007.

 

For more information, contact the EPA at http://www.epa.gov/ or (202) 343-9370.

 

Source: IAQ Tools for Schools Program website


 

 
 
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