Lessons from the first U.S. school districts with real-time indoor environmental quality (IEQ) sensors in classrooms: benefits, barriers and opportunities

New research from Boston University reveals challenges faced by school districts that were early adopters of collecting real-time indoor environmental quality (IEQ) data in classrooms. With aging buildings, rising temperatures, and limited budgets, school districts in the United States need effective strategies to address classroom environmental issues, secure funding for upgrades, and develop climate resilience plans. Collecting real-time indoor environmental quality (IEQ) data in classrooms can support these goals, yet few districts have adopted comprehensive school environmental monitoring, and little is known about the barriers and facilitators to its use. Understanding the value of this approach to ensure good environmental conditions inside schools, the challenges faced by early adopters, and strategies to overcome them will be essential for broader implementation.  Tune in as we speak with the authors of this new paper, M Pilar Botana Martinez, PhD, and M Patricia Fabian, ScD.