G.S. 143-135.37 is a North Carolina General Statute that establishes energy and water efficiency standards for "major facility" construction and renovation projects involving public agencies.

G.S. 143-135.37 mandates specific savings targets of the state's Sustainable Energy-Efficient Buildings Program, designed to ensure that state-funded buildings, including those for the UNC System and Community Colleges, are built to save taxpayer money and reduce environmental impact.

In North Carolina, the Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) provides rigorous guidelines via their Engineering Checklist to ensure classrooms are healthy, productive environments. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems—specifically the "M" (Mechanical/HVAC)—are the primary defenders against high CO2 levels and poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The most direct way MEP systems manage CO2 is through Demand Control Ventilation. Since classroom occupancy fluctuates wildly throughout the day, systems use real-time data to adjust.

The NC DPI Engineering Checklist emphasizes compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1. MEP engineers must ensure that even when a room is at minimum occupancy, a "base" amount of fresh air is being circulated.

IAQ is also about dust, allergens and pathogens. The NC DPI checklist often references specific filter efficiencies which are dense enough to capture fine pollutants.

Humidity and moisture control is also managed to improve IAQ.

The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF) is a North Carolina state grant program established in 2017 to assist economically distressed counties with critical school building needs. Eligibility is determined annually by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) based on the tax base of the county. It is funded entirely by revenue from the North Carolina Education Lottery. Additional details can be found on the DPI website at www.dpi.nc.gov.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and 62.2 are the recognized industry standard for ventilation and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in commercial and institutional buildings. It serves as the mandatory benchmark for how much fresh outdoor air must be introduced into a space to keep it safe and healthy.

Read further details here: https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2