Climate Plus - Going Beyond Weatherization to Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Low Income Homes

Abstract

This is a conversation about the benefits of weatherization to anticipated climate change impacts for low-income households’ indoor air quality, health, and shelter and climate resilience. We explore low-cost measures that could be adopted by home performance professionals and weatherization programs in addition to weatherization that might be beneficial to distressed or low-quality areas of housing to future climate impacts such as increased flooding, wildfires, severe storms, and extreme heat and cold. Some example measures include air cleaners, gutter guards, emergency preparedness kits, battery powered light bulbs, and back up batteries. Climate Plus takes the standard home assessment to the next level by assessing the benefits and hazards in outdoor spaces and for solar and EV charging potential. Climate Plus is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) EJCPS grant to address climate and disaster resiliency in identified distressed zip codes in Knoxville, TN by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Presenters

Laura Humphrey
Housing & Energy Project Coordinator, ThreeCubed, Tennessee, United States

Erin Rose
Co-Founder and VP of Social Equity, NA, ThreeCubed, Tennessee, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions

KEYWORDS

Thermal Comfort, Indoor Air Quality, Extreme Weather, Risk, Climate Resiliency