The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthy buildings, specifically regarding how indoor air quality (IAQ) affects virus transmission. As the U.S. continues on its path to pandemic recovery, it is more important than ever that buildings provide healthy living, working and learning environments. This past March, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, which allocated $335.5 billion to state and local governments for pandemic recovery efforts. The funds can be used to finance activities that promote public health or economic recovery, offering many opportunities for state and local governments to support green building efforts.

A new USGBC policy brief highlights examples of how states are using ARP funds to promote healthier buildings. Some states are using this relief funding to implement programs addressing ventilation and energy efficiency upgrades. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), funding HVAC system upgrades in schools and other buildings not only reduces the risk of virus transmission, but also helps to address other negative effects of poor IAQ, such as respiratory and heart diseases. Additionally, the installation of high-performance HVAC systems can reduce buildings’ total energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs.

States are also using ARP funds for energy efficiency and weatherization measures in homes and public buildings, further reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. These programs can also work to advance equity agendas; for example, Connecticut has dedicated $7 million in ARP funds to an energy efficiency grant program for affordable housing. By increasing household efficiency, these improvements can reduce the costs faced by the most energy-burdened communities.

Virginia has committed $250 million in state ARP funds to be matched with $250 million in local grants toward a school IAQ improvement program. The $500 million will be distributed to school divisions that complete previously planned ventilation projects, to ensure a safe return to in-person learning.

Using ARP relief funds to finance building improvements gives states the opportunity to support pandemic recovery while creating long-lasting health and environmental benefits. To see more examples from individual states, download the policy brief.

See examples of how states can use COVID-19 relief funds

Federal COVID-19 relief funds support state and local green building efforts