Learning From Clean Air Leaders on Reducing Airborne Viruses in Schools

AIR SUPPORT PROJECT TEAM
February 11, 2025
2:43 PM

Step into a world where visionary leaders are reimagining the very air we breathe in schools. Discover how five trailblazers are driving transformative change in indoor air quality through innovative strategies and actionable solutions. Learn how their pioneering work is creating healthier, more vibrant learning environments—one breath at a time.

Inspiring Leaders Driving the Future of Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive environment for students, teachers, and staff. At a recent EPA webinar titled “Reducing Airborne Viruses in Schools: Optimizing Ventilation and Energy Efficiency,” a group of distinguished experts came together to share their insights, strategies, and initiatives for improving air quality. These thought leaders are not only advancing the conversation around IAQ but are also setting a benchmark for actionable solutions.

In this article, we spotlight five exceptional speakers from the webinar: Sheila Brown, Hannah Carter, Joseph G. Allen, Joni Rix, and Jordan Zambrana. Each brings a unique perspective and expertise that collectively drives innovation and progress in indoor air quality management for educational spaces.

Sheila Brown: Championing IAQ with the EPA

Sheila Brown, a seasoned expert with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has dedicated her career to empowering schools with practical tools and guidance for better indoor air management. As an EPA Facilitator and Co-Lead for the “IAQ Tools for Schools Program,” Sheila plays a critical role in bridging policy and practice.

Her work focuses on creating comprehensive, user-friendly resources like the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit, which equips schools with actionable steps to address air quality issues at little or no cost. This program underscores her passion for making IAQ solutions accessible to every school, regardless of their resources.

Sheila’s deep understanding of how IAQ affects student performance and health is reflected in her ability to translate complex environmental challenges into practical frameworks. By empowering educators and administrators with knowledge and tools, Sheila is driving transformative change in how schools approach IAQ management.

Additionally, Sheila Brown played a key role in the Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools initiative, which was highlighted during the February 12, 2024, EPA webinar. This program, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act, provides $32 million in funding to support schools—particularly those in disadvantaged and tribal communities—in implementing comprehensive IAQ management plans, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving energy efficiency. Through her leadership, Sheila helps schools access resources that drive sustainable improvements, ensuring that students and staff benefit from cleaner, healthier air.

Hannah Carter: A Visionary at the U.S. Green Building Council

Hannah Carter is a trailblazer in sustainable building design and IAQ management. As the School IAQ and Environmental Health Project Manager at the Center for Green Schools, U.S. Green Building Council, Hannah’s work is rooted in the belief that healthy environments are the foundation of effective learning.

Hannah has been instrumental in developing resources like the School IAQ Fact Sheets series. These comprehensive guides provide critical insights into maintaining optimal air quality and mitigating health risks for students and staff. Her leadership in the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge for Schools has inspired schools across the nation to adopt greener, healthier practices.

Hannah’s efforts go beyond technical expertise—her advocacy work inspires action at the local, state, and federal levels. By connecting stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and emphasizing sustainable practices, she is ensuring that future generations learn in environments that prioritize their health and well-being.

Joseph G. Allen: Bridging Research and Action

Dr. Joseph G. Allen, Associate Professor and Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is a globally recognized authority on the intersection of health and the built environment. His groundbreaking research highlights the profound impact of indoor air quality on cognitive performance, absenteeism, and overall well-being.

At the webinar, Dr. Allen shared insights from his extensive body of work, emphasizing the importance of integrating IAQ improvements into school operations. His leadership in studies on ventilation and filtration, including aligning with ASHRAE standards 62.1 and 241, has provided schools with evidence-based guidelines to reduce infectious aerosol transmission and enhance indoor air quality.

Dr. Allen’s engaging style and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations have made him a trusted voice in the IAQ community. His book, Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity, has been a cornerstone resource for those seeking to understand and improve indoor environments.

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Joni Rix: Transforming IAQ at the Ground Level

Joni Rix serves as the Environmental Program Manager for Denver Public Schools in Colorado, where her mission is clear: create healthier learning spaces for all students and staff. Joni’s work exemplifies the power of local leadership in implementing and sustaining IAQ improvements.

Under her guidance, Denver Public Schools have adopted innovative strategies to enhance ventilation, filtration, and overall air quality. Her hands-on approach ensures that IAQ policies translate into measurable outcomes, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the school district.

Joni’s ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale implementation while addressing the unique needs of individual schools is a testament to her expertise and dedication. Her work not only benefits Denver but also serves as a model for districts nationwide seeking to replicate her success.

Jordan Zambrana: Pioneering Research in Indoor Air Quality

Jordan Zambrana is a biologist within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. With a robust background in public health, microbiology, and indoor air quality (IAQ), Jordan has significantly contributed to understanding how the microbiome of the built environment influences indoor air quality.

In his role, Jordan focuses on the impact of biological factors on IAQ, providing valuable insights into how these elements, such as CO2 and microbial life affect building occupants’ health and well-being. His expertise was highlighted during an EPA Indoor Air Quality Science Webinar, where he facilitated discussions on using CO₂ monitoring to manage building ventilation—a critical aspect of maintaining healthy indoor spaces.

Jordan’s commitment to advancing IAQ science is evident in his efforts to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and practical applications. By translating intricate data into actionable strategies, he empowers building managers, policymakers, and the public to make informed decisions that enhance indoor air quality.

Through his work, Jordan exemplifies the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. His contributions continue to shape policies and practices that promote healthier indoor environments across the nation.

The Broader Context: Why IAQ Matters

The importance of IAQ in schools cannot be overstated. Poor air quality has been linked to respiratory issues, cognitive impairment, and increased absenteeism. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the critical need for robust ventilation and air filtration systems in shared spaces.

This is where the combined efforts of leaders like Sheila, Hannah, Dr. Allen, Joni, and Jordan come into play. Their collective expertise has shaped tools, frameworks, and policies that empower schools to address these challenges head-on.

By leveraging these resources, schools can create environments where students thrive, free from the health risks associated with poor air quality.

A Call to Action

The webinar served as a powerful reminder of the vital work being done to improve IAQ in schools. However, the journey is far from over. As these leaders demonstrated, collaboration and action are the keys to driving meaningful change.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, there’s a role for everyone in this effort. Start by exploring the resources shared during the webinar:

Together, we can build a future where every student has access to clean, healthy air. Let’s follow the example set by Sheila, Hannah, Dr. Allen, Joni, and Jordan—leaders who inspire us to think bigger and act bolder in the pursuit of healthier learning environments.

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