B2 is a flexible program that can be tailored to meet any school's needs.

Getting Started (Students must be involved in all air quality activities!):

• Identify a faculty or staff member to coordinate/oversee the B2 program.
• Enroll to be a B2 School. Check all appropriate air quality activities on the enrollment form to be incorporated into your school’s participation plan. This list will be recorded into the B2 database. Print the activity list in order to keep track of your B2 activities.
• Take your initial fall vehicle count before implementing your Anti-idling campaign/program and submit your data. A final spring vehicle count is also required after your campaign/program has been established.

• Start your campaign by posting the Anti-Idling signs and adopt an Anti-idling policy for all vehicles (including buses, parents, staff, and visitors). SCDES can supply your school with Anti-Idling signs, guidance on creating anti-idling policies, and provide Air Quality Index (AQI) garden flags for schools that participate in the flag program.        

               

• Display a “No Idling Zone” Sign: Install visible signage to discourage unnecessary vehicle idling near buildings, parking areas, or loading zones. This simple action helps reduce emissions, improve local air quality, and protect public health. (provided by SCDES - BAQ while supplies last).
• Host Air Quality Workshops in your Local Community: Conduct interactive sessions that educate residents, students, and employees about air pollution, its health impacts, and practical ways to reduce exposure. Workshops can include demonstrations, hands-on activities, and guidance on using AQI tools.
• Air Monitoring using Citizen Science Tools: Deploy low-cost air monitoring sensors to collect real-time, localized air quality data. Citizen science monitoring engages participants in hands-on data collection, increases awareness of pollution sources, and supports community-driven understanding of air quality conditions.
• Provide Daily Air Quality Index (AQI) for your Neighborhood: Share AQI updates on websites, newsletters, social media, or digital signage to inform the community about current air quality conditions and recommended health precautions.
• Install an Air Quality Landscape Project: Plant trees, shrubs, or vegetative buffers to reduce air pollution, enhance aesthetics, and mitigate heat. Projects may focus on areas near roadways, parking lots, or buildings with high emissions or exposure risks.
• Perform Transportation and Transit Audits: Assess transportation patterns, vehicle usage, idling practices, and transit accessibility to identify opportunities to reduce emissions. Findings can inform strategies such as improved routing, carpooling, and increased public transit use.
• Develop Educational Materials for Air Quality Awareness: Create accessible, culturally appropriate materials— such as fact sheets, flyers, videos, or toolkits—that explain air quality issues, their health impacts, and steps individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves and improve air quality.
• Promote your B2 Program through organization’s newsletter, website, and other media sources. Increase program visibility by sharing information, updates, and success stories through internal and external communication channels. Promotion helps encourage participation, raise awareness, and demonstrate the organization's commitment to clean air initiatives.