{"id":27923,"date":"2024-01-29T15:57:08","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T21:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.kele.com\/content\/?p=27923"},"modified":"2024-02-09T09:09:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T15:09:39","slug":"create-healthier-iaq-in-schools-with-federal-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kele.com\/content\/blog\/create-healthier-iaq-in-schools-with-federal-funding","title":{"rendered":"Create Healthier IAQ in Schools with Federal Funding"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In the world of HVAC and BAS, some aspects of the industry are seasonal rather than year-round. Because of this, you must stay up to date on deadlines for applications that directly impact funding and grants; because more than likely, they\u2019ll directly impact you when you bid for projects this year and next year.<\/p>\n

So what\u2019s new on the horizon in the world of federal funding that may impact you in the not-so-distant future? We\u2019re glad you asked!<\/p>\n

New Funding is here!<\/h2>\n

As of January 11, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced the availability of up to $32M in grant funding to work on indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. The EPA says that this funding opportunity \u201cwill protect children\u2019s health by providing resources to organizations that help K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities develop and adopt comprehensive indoor air quality management plans to reduce indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in schools.\u201d It looks like this year\u2019s school bidding projects will be a mix of retrofits, regular maintenance jobs, and new IAQ projects.<\/p>\n

What is covered under this funding?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s been reported that the EPA is anticipating the awarding of four to six grants, totaling anywhere from $5-$8 million, that will help to support five years of IAQ and energy efficiency activities. Some of the projects that will be worked on to better benefit schools will include IAQ projects, greenhouse gas reduction projects, training and educational campaigns, and research and demonstration projects. The EPA also stated that the \u201cgrants will be distributed on a competitive basis to states, territories, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and local governments and educational agencies.\u201d (For more information visit the EPA website here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

So what does that mean for me?<\/h2>\n

Well the EPA stated, \u201cThe deadline to apply for the competitive grants is March 19, 2024. We estimate that the grants will be awarded by fall 2024.\u201d This means that instead of starting your seasonal school bids in the spring of 2025, you may want to be the early bird in this scenario. Stay up to date with who in your area has been awarded federal funding or grants and get that worm . . . well project\u2014you know what we mean!<\/p>\n

According to the EPA, \u201cGrantees will assist schools in developing and implementing comprehensive IAQ management plans. . . Schools with IAQ management plans are better prepared to:<\/p>\n