Promoting Healthy School Environments

Envision Program logo with girl looking at a book

Poor indoor air quality in schools has been linked to decreased student and teacher performance and increased absenteeism. Poor indoor air quality can also result in acute symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headache, nausea, lethargy and chronic conditions — such as asthma and allergies. The Envision Program – Promoting Healthy School Environments was created by the Legislature in 2000 as part of the School Environmental Health Act (Act 125) to address indoor air quality issues by providing model environmental health management plans, policies and guidance to schools.

The School Environmental Health Act 125 was passed into law with goals to improve school indoor air quality, reduce hazardous exposures, and help schools earn the Envision Certificate of Achievement.

Learn more about Act 125

Act 125 is one of a kind in the nation, setting standards that:

  • Address the issues of air quality and other environmental factors that may affect the health of children, staff and teachers in our schools
  • Recognize the importance of sustaining a healthy school environment through the adoption of a model environmental health management plan and policy

The Envision Program is accomplished as a joint effort by Vermont’s departments of Health and Buildings & General Services, and the Agency of Education, which work together to:

  • Create and maintain a clearinghouse of environmental health information on the Health Department’s website
  • Provide technical assistance to schools
  • Provide workshops on environmental health for school personnel
  • Develop a model environmental health plan and policy
  • Encourage and assist schools in developing programs that will enable them to address and prevent environmental health issues through voluntary participation

Steps to Make Your School Healthier

From unblocking air vents to limiting the use of disinfecting wipes, you can take simple steps to make your school healthier. Check out the video below and learn how to inspect your school building to identify potential environmental health issues. Then scroll down to find important resources about the Envision Program and how to address indoor air quality and environmental health in your school.

Resources for Schools

TitleDescription
Envision: About the Envision ProgramThe goal of the Envision Program is to assist schools in creating and implementing environmental health management plans. Learn more about it.
Envision: Model Environmental Health PolicyComplete this form if your school district intends to participate in the Envision Program.
Envision: Model Environmental Management PlanFollow this guide/framework for creating your school-specific environmental health plan.
Envision: Certificate of Achievement FormComplete the online form to apply for your Envision Certificate of Achievement.
Envision: Model Purchasing ProceduresSee an example of a Model Purchasing Procedure.
Envision: Construction and Renovation ProceduresSee an example of a Model Construction/Renovation Procedure.
Envision: HVAC ProceduresSee an example of a Model Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Procedure.
Envision: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ProceduresSee an example of a Model Integrated Pest Management Procedure.
Resources: Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for SchoolsSearch the EPA's online tool to help school districts and facility planners design the next generation of learning environments so that the school facility will help schools in achieving their core mission of education.
Resources: Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids (EPA)Visit the EPA's comprehensive schools website, which offers all the resources you need to establish, maintain, or enhance a school environmental health program.
Resources: Vermont Environmentally Preferable Purchasing ProgramVisit Vermont's Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) Program website to determine which products and services to purchase that have a lesser effect on human health and the environment.
Envision School Walkthrough Inspection Checklist (online version)Use this self-guided building inspection that helps schools to identify potential environmental health issues and develop plans to address any issues found.
Envision School Walkthrough Inspection Checklist (printable version)Print and use this self-guided building inspection that helps schools to identify potential environmental health issues and develop plans to address any issues found.

 

See Best Practices and More Resources for the Envision Program

Contact Us

The Envision Program is based at the Health Department. Questions about the program, model plan, or technical assistance on a school environmental health issue should be directed to:

Envision Program

Phone: 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free in Vermont)

Fax: 802-863-7483

Email: envision@vermont.gov

Find regional indoor air quality contacts for the Environmental Protection Agency

Topics:
Air Quality | School Health
Last Updated: