Air quality in schools: At the intersection of technology and equity

Air quality in schools: At the intersection of technology and equity

Author: Ethical Schools June 16, 2021 Duration: 39:15

We speak with Anisa Heming and Corey Metzger of the U.S. Green Building Council and ASHRAE about a new report on schools’ efforts around the country to protect against COVID-19 by improving indoor air quality. Like so much else about schools, air quality comes down to resources, in this case, for infrastructure and maintenance. Also, there has been no central source of reliable information for district administrators. While COVID-19 has drawn our attention to air circulation and ventilation, there are other reasons to be concerned about air quality. Not only are there other airborne pathogens, but studies show that learning improves with better indoor air quality.

Overview

00:00-01:07 Intros

01:07-02:18 Center for Green Schools and ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Schools Team

02:18-03:39 “Preparation in the pandemic: How schools Implemented air quality measures to protect occupants from COVID-19”

03:39-05:07 Importance of air quality

05:07-08:28 Air quality and student performance; CO2, VOCs

08:28-18:57 ASHRAE’s and Center for Green Schools’ recommendations for air quality

18:57-23:59 Obstacles to improving air quality

23:59-25:58 Standards and code requirements

25:58-27:14 Impacts of building ages and funding

27:14-29:15 Structural inequities in  funding—construction, renovation, and maintenance

29:15-32:33 Big cities and rural districts—common funding issues

32:33-35:12 Difficulties in obtaining information and guidance

35:12-36:45 Equity issues in the future


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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