Indoor Environmental Quality Training

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, but indoor environments can have materials and equipment that impact the health, vitality, and income of the people who rely on them.  Indoor Environmental Quality evaluation looks at the building and its spaces as a system and uses technology to identify areas of concern and troubleshoot existing issues.

IEQ can identify a wide range of structural or mechanical equipment problems, from air leaks causing an uncomfortable draft and increased heating bill to issues like eye strain from improper lighting and even larger things like poor air quality from lead, mold, particulates, and gas exposures known to trigger allergies, asthma, learning disabilities, skin rashes, and even some cancers.  

Post-occupant IEQ evaluation can also be a valuable career shift or add-on service for building trade professionals. Knowing how to identify critical post-occupancy issues with a building’s facade, core, or systems and understanding what structural or equipment upgrades to recommend can be offered as a service enhancement, helping develop lasting working relationships, fostering repeat business from existing clients and referrals. 

Home safety and health are critical to the welfare of our families. Identifying and fixing IEQ problems offers comfort, peace of mind, and saves money on monthly utility and healthcare bills.

For those in or supporting the building trades, there are many different IEQ and weatherization training programs and certifications to choose from.  Finding the right program and understanding how IEQ, weatherization, and advancements in sustainable design impact your profession or business can be challenging.  This course will help participants save time and money by gaining a better understanding of the profession in general.

Each weekly session will arm students with the awareness and skills to evaluate the general quality of their space.  We will use tools, technology, and robotics to review a building's structure, air quality, mechanical systems, and water quality to identify existing and potential issues, understand who to seek out for help, and brainstorm solutions to transform personal and community spaces.

No, this is not a certification or continuing education unit course, and there will not be tests or a final exam for completion.  This program is a broad introductory course intended for personal enrichment or professional enhancement. This program is an introduction to the benefits of an understanding of Indoor Environmental Quality, weatherization, available state/ federal funding sources, and the advanced tools of the trade.

We will, however, review various IEQ, building trade and weatherization workforce and accreditation opportunities.  Those who complete our course will be well suited to advance quickly through many of the various certification programs offered by our program partners.

The Indoor Environmental Quality evaluation program will be taught by Carnegie Mellon University’s Architecture instructors in partnership with Pittsburgh Gateways’ Penn College, Clean Energy Center. 

The Program is funded by Carnegie Mellon University’s Block Center for Technology and Society, Build Back Better, grant.

The Block Center seeks out results-oriented projects that align with three focus areas: how emerging technologies will alter the future of work, how AI and analytics can be harnessed responsibly for social good, and how innovation in these spaces can be more inclusive and improve quality of life for all.

The training is designed for adults 18 years-of-age or older. Recent high school graduates or highly motivated individuals, under 18, on track to graduate in Spring of 2025 with a high school diploma or GED may request to participate but will need permission from a parent or guardian.

No, this is an introductory program for beginners. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary. All skill levels are welcome. Basic knowledge of how to use a computer and cell phone is helpful but not required.

No, the program is open to renters as-well-as homeowners. Access to your utility bills (gas and electric) is helpful but not required to participate.

No, all course materials will be provided.

Light snacks will be provided but participants are encouraged to eat before class or bring meals.

Transportation is not provided, but the Clean Energy Center is conveniently accessible by bus along the East Busway or local bus line.

Clean Energy Center’s Address: 7800 Susquehanna Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Please use PRT’s Trip Planner to view available bus routes and schedule times from your location.

Yes, free parking is available.

Yes, the CEC is wheelchair accessible through the rear parking lot entrance. The training space is accessible by elevator.

Yes, a stipend of $280 will be provided at the end of the program to participants who complete the course with 85% or better attendance (at least 12 of the 14 classes attended).