Tag: schools

EPA Offers $32 Million to Help Schools Boost Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $32 million to address indoor air pollution at K-12 schools in “overburdened communities.” The announcement comes just days after the EPA awarded nearly $1 billion for zero- and low-emission school buses. This new funding opportunity is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and […]

EPA Awards Nearly $1 Billion for Green School Bus Fleets

Following “overwhelming demand,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 67 applicants to receive about $965 million in grants through the Clean School Bus Program. That’s more than double the $400 million in grants initially planned when the EPA called for applications in April 2023. The funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, […]

Service Your School’s HVAC Solutions During Christmas Break

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. For children, Christmas is a time for a break from school and a time for opening presents. For K-12 school leaders, Christmas break is an opportunity to service HVAC units that will soon be […]

New York Announces $100 Million for Zero-Emission School Buses

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available for zero-emission school buses under the state’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) provides funding to make clean buses and the associated charging infrastructure more affordable for public […]

Biden Admin Offers Resources to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia at Schools

The Biden administration has announced new actions and resources to address the “alarming rise” of reported Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents at schools and on college campuses since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. These actions aim to help protect students, engage school and university leaders, and foster safe and supportive learning environments. President Joe […]

Report Reveals Ongoing Burnout Among Cleaning Professionals

CloroxPro has released its 2023 Clean Index report, which reflects the current challenges and perceptions of more than 1,700 cleaning professionals and consumers and reveals key shifts in year-over-year industry trends. The report uncovers staff burnout, declining confidence, and a gap between interest in green cleaning and adoption. The survey defined cleaning industry professionals as business […]

EPA Awards 2023 ‘Safer Choice’ Partners for Cleaning, Other Chemical Products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 30 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 15 states and the District of Columbia, recognizing their achievements in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of cleaners, detergents, and other products with safer chemicals. The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers of facilities, such as […]

Michigan Utility Helps School Districts Add Electric Buses

With classes starting across Michigan, utility Consumers Energy is working with 11 school districts to put all-electric school buses on the road. “Michigan is in the middle of an electric vehicle transformation―that means vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including the traditional big yellow school buses so many of us rode as kids,” said Lauren […]

DOE Honors Organizations for ‘Exemplary’ Commercial Lighting Projects

Need inspiration for lighting upgrades at your facility? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently highlighted some prime examples. The DOE’s 2023 Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognized 11 organizations for exemplary commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in their buildings. The campaign also honored three other organizations for exhibiting exemplary support and advocacy for this […]

back to school

5 Back-to-School Cleaning Tips for Healthy Buildings

The first day of school is coming up soon for many students, teachers, and staff. To help custodial teams prepare for the new year, Cintas Corp. has shared a list of five recommendations to promote healthy practices this year. “Helping keep all school occupants healthy, especially students, is a top priority for all school custodial teams,” said […]