Project Funder: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Project Partners: Center for Neighborhood Technology; Action for Boston Community Development
Project Contact: Jonathan Wilson, jwilson@nchh.org, 443.539.4162
Project Description:
This study is the first to evaluate specific health improvements related to common energy improvement measures now used in this country. Energy conservation efforts in residential structures are increasing in size and scope, because one-fourth of the nation’s energy consumption is associated with building operation. While early efforts to improve energy conservation may have inadvertently resulted in mold, moisture and other indoor environmental problems, more recent energy conservation studies suggest that health actually may be improved by energy upgrades to buildings.
The study is being conducted in single-family and small multi-family homes in Boston treated with Federal weatherization funds and in large multi-family buildings in Chicago treated with utility funds for energy retrofits. Large multifamily buildings in New York receiving weatherization work will also be enrolled. Health questionnaires are being administered before work and will be conducted one-year after work. Final results are anticipated in 2012.
This project provides a unique opportunity to compare data on occupant health status in housing before and after energy conservation retrofits. This study is particularly important now, as many local governments are accelerating energy efficiency programs as part of climate change initiatives.