Following email was sent by Sterling Laylock regarding the update:

Hi Sarthak, Yes, we have completed the analysis and are prepared to present our findings for the Astronomy Building.

We will also be sharing relevant data and insights from additional buildings across other regions of the state as well.

Proposed Presentation Date

Thursday, November 10th is our proposed date to present our findings as requested by Morgan White. 

We also plan to conduct a Design Thinking Session that will include numerous stakeholders as requested by Senator Elgie Sims, Vice-Chair IL, Appropriations II. 

He is seeking input regarding a strategic allocation of funding for clean indoor air assessments in K-12 and public buildings around the state in order to elevate public outreach and awareness regarding this critical issue.

Design Thinking Stakeholder Attendees

Primary stakeholders from outside UIUC-iCAP who have expressed a high level of interest in participating include but will not be limited to:

• Cook County Facilities and Sustainability

• Cook County Asset Management

• Chicago Transit Authority

• South Suburban Mayor and Managers

• Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago Asset Management

• The Obama Foundation Presidential Center

• Sinai Chicago Health System

• Indoor Climate Research and Training Center (ICRT)

• Illinois Growth & Innovation Fund for Social Impact

Why Are They Interested?

As we all know, almost all buildings blindly struggle to have enough clean indoor air for us to breathe. 

Stakeholders need help ending potentially harmful health and financial consequences, so people will feel safe using buildings again.

In order to do this, we have proposed an Illinois version of the EPA Clean Air In Buildings Program using eligible American Rescue Plan (ARPA), Bipartisan Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act Funding. 

Although ARPA dollars have already been allocated in IL, a significant level of funding is still scheduled to be allocated specifically for ventilation and filtration in the near term.

We believe our Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control Project under iCAP can serve as an excellent hub for the many fragmented efforts being attempted across the state as we all seek to address this lingering pandemic and pre-pandemic issue. 

Now that we're in the recovery period of our post-pandemic journey, it is imperative that we use this opportunity to address these issues. 

Closing the gap between public health and building science is a key effort that will help us deliver on developing Applied Health Strategies for Climate Adaptation, which is why iCAP exists in the first place.

Let's set a time this week to discuss our proposed date and time so we plan accordingly for a successful event.

Thanks, Sterling