From IAQ Planning to National Recognition

Why your district should apply for a Magna Award, and how to get started

What if your district’s work to create healthier schools could earn national recognition?

The connection between indoor air quality and student outcomes is well documented. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory research found that for every 1,000 ppm increase in classroom CO2 levels, average daily attendance dropped by 0.5% to 0.9%, a relative 10% to 20% increase in absence. In other words, the air students breathe in class is directly tied to whether they’re in class at all.

Every day, school districts invest time and resources into creating healthy learning environments for students and staff. The 2027 Magna Awards, presented by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in partnership with the Go Green Initiative (GGI), recognize districts leading the way in indoor air quality (IAQ) and sustainability.

Beyond national recognition, selected districts may receive a $5,000 Grand Prize to support continued IAQ and sustainability efforts.

Applying gives your district the opportunity to:

• Earn national recognition through the National School Boards Association (NSBA)
• Highlight your district’s leadership in creating healthier learning environments
• Celebrate the work of your school board, facilities team, administrators, and staff
• Compete for a $5,000 Grand Prize to support future IAQ and sustainability initiatives

Every resource involved in this process, the templates, the courses, the webinars, is free. That matters most for districts with the fewest resources to spare. GGI’s IAQ program prioritizes support for districts where a majority of students receive free or reduced-price lunch, and for Tribal school communities, so that national recognition isn’t limited to districts that can afford outside consultants or specialized staff. A strong IAQ Management Plan is within reach regardless of your district’s budget.

1. Create Your IAQ Management Plan

Start by developing a new EPA-aligned IAQ Management Plan.

Resources:

• EPA-Aligned IAQ Management Plan Template
• Creating an IAQ Management Plan
  • A self-paced online course
• Optional personalized feedback after your district:
  • Submits its completed plan

2. Strengthen Your IAQ Knowledge

Participate in free webinars and online courses to strengthen your team’s IAQ knowledge and earn eligible Magna Awards points.

Resources:

• View and attend IAQ Webinars
  • Featuring IAQ experts and school district leaders
• Self-Paced IAQ Courses
• 2026 CUBE Annual Conference
  • Join leadership from Boston Public Schools and Bibb County School District, alongside GGI leadership, for the breakout session “Better Attendance, Stronger Outcomes, Smarter Investments: The School Board’s Role in Healthy Schools & Indoor Air Quality,”
    • Friday, October 2, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    • The session covers IAQ monitoring, energy management, and how to build a districtwide IAQ Management Plan that supports board-level decision-making.

3. Document Your Sustainability Efforts

Document your district’s greenhouse gas emissions to demonstrate your commitment to healthier, more sustainable schools.

Resources:

• Documenting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager course

4. Submit Your Magna Awards Application

Once you’ve completed your IAQ Management Plan and supporting activities, submit your application by October 31, 2026, for the opportunity to earn national recognition and compete for the $5,000 Grand Prize.

Need a quick overview of the scoring process? Download the free guide to see every scoring category, point value, and recommended path to completing your application.

• 2027 Magna Awards Scoring Guide

Support at Every Stage

Every district’s path to a Magna Award looks a little different, and that’s by design. Whether you’re just beginning to think about indoor air quality or you’re finalizing a plan you’ve worked on for months, free support is available at every stage:

• Free consultation:
  • IAQ Support Office Hours
• Free education:
  • IAQ Webinars
  • Self-paced courses
• The guide to map your path to submission:
  • 2027 Magna Awards Scoring Guide

Reach out, get started, and let your district’s work be recognized nationally.

Whether your district is starting from scratch or building on existing IAQ efforts, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. With support from the EPA, GGI, and NSBA, you’ll have the tools, training, and guidance to create a stronger IAQ program and position your district for national recognition through the 2027 Magna Awards.

Healthier air. Healthier schools. Healthier futures. Learn more at:

• GoGreenInitiative.org/IAQ

This work is supported in part by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR on-demand webinar series:

https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/training/recorded-webinars