The HVAC Change Lab

The HVAC Change Lab is a collaborative initiative designed to address the root causes of the challenges that schools face in upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Led by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, the New Buildings Institute (NBI), and the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), and supported by an array of partners, the Change Lab acts as a centralized support network for under-resourced school districts, aiming to bridge gaps in staff capacity, knowledge, and funding so that HVAC upgrade projects don’t stall or fail.

Change Lab actions include:

• Connecting communities of practice: Over a dozen districts have signed on to receive technical assistance to drive measurable improvements in indoor air quality, student and staff health, and student attendance by advancing HVAC upgrades. Their engagement in a community of practice will enable peer learning, accelerate implementation of solutions, and inform the HVAC Change Lab’s tool and resource development.
• Coordinating an impact network: The Change Lab is aligning a national network of nonprofits and technical experts to form an impact network that will deliver 1:1 coaching and technical assistance to districts and, in the long-term, drive school infrastructure change at scale.
• Developing innovative, field-driven solutions: The work of the school district communities of practice and the impact network will create frameworks and a field-tested library of resources and best practices for district leaders nationwide. This resource hub will continue to grow, but an initial collection of featured resources can be found below.

Outdated HVAC systems impact student and community wellbeing

The 36,000 U.S. public schools with aging and substandard heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are facing a crisis. Many rely on systems that fail to regulate temperature, filter out air pollutants, or provide adequate fresh air in classrooms; some lack air conditioning entirely. At the same time, more frequent extreme weather and wildfire smoke events are placing additional stress on outdated HVAC systems, increasing the risk of unsafe indoor air conditions and school disruptions. This results in poor student health and educational performance, strain on staff, and limited capacity to support community needs during extreme weather events.

Replacing and updating HVAC is a targeted and effective solution

Modern, efficient HVAC systems provide immediate and long-term benefits for school districts. They improve indoor environmental quality by delivering cleaner air, consistent ventilation, and comfortable temperatures, thereby reducing illness and creating environments where students can learn and thrive. They also reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase the resilience and lifespan of school facilities. An investment in HVAC modernization is thus an investment in student and staff well-being, attendance, and achievement, while also helping schools operate efficiently and reliably.

Proven technologies and design approaches create opportunities for districts to align infrastructure investments with health, sustainability, and financial goals. The HVAC Change Lab helps school districts seize these opportunities by connecting them with peer learning opportunities, technical expertise, and practical resources. By building capacity and streamlining access to guidance and funding pathways, the HVAC Change Lab is empowering district leaders to confidently plan and implement HVAC upgrades that benefit students, staff, and communities.

School Districts

• Ann Arbor Public Schools, MI
• Ashland Public Schools, MA
• Boise Public Schools, ID
• Boston Public Schools, MA
• Canajoharie Central School District, NY
• Davis County Community School District, IA
• Frederick County Public Schools, MD
• IDEA Public Schools, TX, FL, OH
• Long Beach Unified School District, CA
• Oakland Unified School District, CA
• Prince William County Public Schools, VA
• Sacramento Unified School District, CA
• Waukee Community School District, IA
• Wichita Public Schools, KS

Impact Network Partners

• American Lung Association (ALA)
• ASHRAE
• Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International
• Energy Services Coalition (ESC)
• Go Green Initiative
• Green Schools National Network (GSNN)
• National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO)
• National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
• National Council on School Facilities (NCSF)
• National School Plant Managers Association (NSPMA)
• UndauntedK12

Join the HVAC Change Lab network to receive program updates and communications. You can also sign up for the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) newsletter, which offers monthly updates on school facilities resources, events, news, and more.