Twenty-first International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

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.