Developing an IAQ Program for Schools: A 2025 Guide

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly affects student performance, staff well-being, and the overall cost of running a school. In 2025, this issue is more urgent than ever. Lingering health concerns from airborne viruses, growing asthma and allergy rates among children, and increased regulatory focus have pushed IAQ from a maintenance issue to a strategic priority.

The good news is that the tools, standards, and guidance to improve IAQ in schools have also evolved. Here is how your school can take action today with credible science and measurable impact.

WHY IAQ MATTERS MORE IN 2025

Indoor air contaminants such as mold spores, dust, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can negatively affect the respiratory and cognitive health of students and staff. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that exposure to mold, allergens, and poor ventilation can lead to:

Nasal and throat irritation
Coughing, wheezing, or asthma attacks
Eye and skin irritation
Fatigue and decreased cognitive focus

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Good IAQ contributes to a favorable learning environment for students, performance of teachers and staff, and reduces absenteeism.

Moreover, the 2023 Harvard COGfx Study found that students and workers in buildings with high ventilation and low CO2 levels performed up to 61 percent better on cognitive tasks.

6 STEPS TO BUILD AN EFFECTIVE IAQ PROGRAM

Assess Your Current IAQ Baseline

Begin with a professional walkthrough and a building assessment aligned with ASHRAE Standard 241-2023 (Control of Infectious Aerosols) and ASHRAE 62.1-2022 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality). These provide updated ventilation and filtration benchmarks, including CO2 limits and airborne contaminant control strategies.

Use Smart IAQ Monitoring

Install real-time IAQ sensors to monitor CO2, PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and VOCs. These systems help schools quickly detect air quality issues and adjust HVAC operations in real time. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) recommends real-time IAQ tracking as part of modern facility operations.

Upgrade Ventilation & Filtration

Improve outdoor air exchange rates and filtration. ASHRAE now recommends MERV 13 or higher filters and encourages portable HEPA filters in under-ventilated areas. Maintain relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent, which studies show reduces viral and fungal transmission.
(Source: ASHRAE Position Document on Infectious Aerosols)

Educate Occupants

A healthy building is a shared responsibility. Train custodial staff on low-emission cleaning protocols and teach students and teachers how to keep vents clear, avoid bringing allergens indoors, and report IAQ issues.

Incorporate IAQ into Maintenance Plans

Preventive maintenance is essential. Include coil cleaning, filter changes, air handling inspections, and envelope integrity such as sealing around windows and doors in routine schedules. BOMA data shows structured maintenance reduces emergency HVAC costs by 30 to 40 percent annually.

Integrate IAQ into Capital Planning

Use IAQ goals to inform long-term capital projects. Funding sources and local green school grants can support upgrades. Building IAQ improvements into bond proposals or capital budgets ensures sustainability beyond one-off retrofits.

IAQ’S IMPACT ON TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO)

YOUR PEOPLE WILL NOTICE BEFORE YOU DO

While upfront IAQ investments may appear costly, they significantly reduce total cost of ownership over time:

Lower energy costs
Upgraded ventilation systems and energy-efficient HVAC equipment reduce electricity and fuel consumption. Demand-controlled ventilation adjusts airflow based on occupancy, preventing unnecessary energy use.
Reduced absenteeism
Better air quality leads to fewer illnesses among students and staff, resulting in more consistent attendance and reduced need for substitute teachers.
Extended equipment lifespan
Preventive maintenance practices, such as regular filter changes and HVAC inspections, keep systems running efficiently and delay costly repairs or replacements.
Improved academic performance
Cleaner air supports better focus, cognition, and standardized test scores. These outcomes contribute to stronger student success and school performance ratings.
Lower risk of liability
Proactive IAQ management helps prevent mold growth and other air-related issues that could lead to health complaints, legal action, or non-compliance with regulations.

Together, these benefits make indoor air quality a smart investment that reduces the total cost of ownership and enhances the long-term performance of school facilities.

If you are planning to build or revise your school’s IAQ plan, now is the time. You will not only meet today’s expectations. You will future-proof your facilities for what is next.