Most underserved and overburdened communities in the US burn costly, health-damaging and climate disrupting fossil fuels in their homes. These communities are overburdened by such pollution, energy costs, and poor housing quality on top of disproportionate health, social, and economic burdens.

A comprehensive approach to retrofitting our homes can reduce harmful exposures and vulnerabilities associated with environmental racism, persistent poverty, and other social determinants of health. RMI’s analysis shows that a whole-building approach (envelope, compartmentalization, equipment and appliances, ventilation, and energy management) to decarbonization can support better health outcomes through:

• Improved indoor air and environmental quality
• Better outdoor and neighborhood air quality
• Safer indoor temperatures during extreme heat and cold
• Increased household and community safety from the removal of gas infrastructure
• Improved energy security

Too often building performance, housing policy, climate action and public health approaches remain siloed, resulting in suboptimal buildings. This course seeks to break down those silos and provide common ground for more intersectional action going forward.

This course is accessible to an audience of all backgrounds, and may be particularly relevant to those in the public policy, public health, buildings, affordable housing, energy and environmental justice spaces.


Continuing Education Units (CEUS) 1 hour in

• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) (PENDING)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
• AIBD
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable


Lessons learned:

1. Articulate the health impacts of gas and benefits of electrification
2. Review the community welfare approach to decarbonization of homes
3. Know where to get more information on decarbonization strategies and resources
4. Understand tech that benefits decarbonization in design or renovation


Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
[ Ссылка ]


Instructor: Yu Ann Tan

Yu Ann Tan is an Associate with RMI's Carbon-Free Buildings team supporting the Building Electrification initiative. She works at the intersection of electrification, equity and public health. Most recently, Yu Ann has been focused on elevating the co-benefits of decarbonizing our building stock and fostering more intersectional climate action to deliver environmental, health and economic benefits.

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