Getting Started with IAQ
Why IAQ Matters
Indoor air quality can affect student and staff health, attendance, learning, and school operations. An IAQ Management Plan provides a practical starting point for creating healthier learning environments and managing IAQ across your district.
IAQ Action Guide
Develop Your Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
Developing an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan is one of the most effective ways to create healthier learning environments for students and staff while protecting your district’s investment in its facilities.
Whether you’re a superintendent, school board member, business or facilities leader, IAQ coordinator, or other district professional, these resources can help you develop or strengthen a comprehensive, energy-efficient IAQ Management Plan.
You don’t have to start from scratch.
GGI provides free tools and support to help your district build a strong IAQ Management Plan.
- ✓ Templates and planning tools
- ✓ Free training and resources
- ✓ One-on-one support
Before You Get Started
Begin with these two resources.
The IAQ Management Plan Template provides the framework for your district’s plan, while the free online course walks you through the planning process step by step.
IAQ Management Plan Template
Use this step-by-step template to organize your district’s IAQ program, policies, procedures, responsibilities, and ongoing management practices.
Copy the IAQ Plan Template →Free IAQ Planning Course
Complete the free Creating an Energy-Efficient IAQ Management Plan course as you work through the steps below.
Start the Free Course →Your Path to a Strong IAQ Management Plan
Eight steps to build your district’s IAQ plan
Developing an IAQ Management Plan is a team effort. Use this roadmap to organize the work, build on what your district already has, and identify where policies or procedures may need to be strengthened.
Build Your IAQ Team
Identify an IAQ Coordinator and establish a team that includes facilities, health services, administration, custodial services, and other key stakeholders.
Establish Your District’s IAQ Commitment
Develop or refine your district’s IAQ Mission Statement and IAQ Policy.
Understand Your Current Conditions
Complete a baseline assessment to understand current practices, strengths, and opportunities for improvement.
Gather Existing Policies and Procedures
Identify existing maintenance, cleaning, ventilation, emergency response, and other IAQ-related policies and procedures.
Identify Gaps and Strengthen Your Plan
Compare current policies with the IAQ Management Plan Template and address any missing procedures or documents.
Review Emergency Response Procedures
Ensure your district has clear procedures for responding to IAQ concerns and emergencies.
Define Staff Roles and Training
Clarify responsibilities for each staff group and identify how employees will receive ongoing IAQ education and training.
Complete, Share, and Celebrate
Finalize your plan, present it to your School Board, share it with your community, and submit it to GGI.
More Free IAQ Resources
Keep learning and access additional tools as your district moves forward.
Explore training, examples, and additional resources to help your district strengthen and sustain its IAQ program.
Free IAQ Courses
Access free online training for district leaders and staff working to improve indoor air quality.
Explore IAQ Courses →IAQ Webinars
Hear from school leaders and experts about IAQ planning, implementation, and best practices.
Explore IAQ Webinars →National Database
Explore IAQ plans and policies from school districts across the country and learn from their work.
Explore the Database →IAQ Tools & Resources
Find additional tools, templates, guidance, and resources to support your district’s IAQ work.
Explore All IAQ Resources →When Your Plan Is Ready
Complete, share, and celebrate your work.
Upload your completed IAQ Management Plan to GGI to request feedback and contribute to the National Database. You can also apply for the NSBA Magna Awards to receive national recognition for your district’s leadership in healthy school buildings.
- ✓ Finalize your IAQ Management Plan
- ✓ Present it to your School Board
- ✓ Upload your plan for feedback or the National Database
- ✓ Share your plan with your broader school community
- ✓ Pursue national recognition through the NSBA Magna Awards
We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to build your IAQ plan alone.
GGI provides free technical assistance throughout the planning process to help your district move from getting started to completing a comprehensive IAQ Management Plan.
Questions? Email iaq@gogreeninitiative.org
- ✓ One-on-one technical assistance
- ✓ Feedback on your IAQ Management Plan
- ✓ Help identifying the right tools and resources
- ✓ Guidance throughout the planning process