Gabe Arnold

Airborne pathogens seem to be hitting in waves, whether it’s the evolving strains of COVID, RSV, or influenza. Recent outbreaks have raised awareness that our nation’s commercial buildings are often under-ventilated and lack adequate protection from airborne diseases for workers and students. In response, the push to protect people in public spaces has moved to the forefront through such means as improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in buildings.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Economic Impact and Diversity held its second annual from Oct. 30–Nov. 3, 2023, as a hybrid in-person and virtual event. With the event, DOE aimed to inform stakeholders regarding progress in advancing clean energy, ensuring that investments toward combating climate change, meeting environmental objectives, and securing a stable energy future are used appropriately throughout historically underserved areas.