16-1 Tackling Climate Change Through Housing Resiliency Solutions

by Kenza Idrissi Janati

Across the country, low-income renters are being hit hardest by two major problems: rising housing costs and the increasing effects of climate change. Many families live in older buildings that are poorly insulated, have drafty windows, and outdated heating or cooling systems. These homes are often situated in neighborhoods that are more exposed to flooding, extreme heat, and other climate hazards. As a result, many renters pay higher energy bills just to keep their homes livable and face greater health risks from heat, cold, and mold. These challenges accumulate quickly, especially for those most vulnerable who are already struggling to cover basic needs.

Although affluent households in areas like Montgomery, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties near Washington, D.C. produce significantly more greenhouse gases per residence, lower-income communities, particularly Black and Latinx neighborhoods, face the harshest impacts of climate change. These groups have endured decades of discriminatory housing policies, resulting in their relocation to more flood-prone and polluted areas, often with substandard housing conditions. During disasters, the majority of federal assistance benefits wealthier homeowners, neglecting renters and low-income families who are frequently the most affected. Consequently, people with the least responsibility for the climate crisis bear the heaviest burdens.

The good news is that the solutions to the housing crisis and the climate crisis often go hand in hand. Weatherizing homes through processes like sealing windows, fixing insulation, or updating heating systems not only helps reduce energy use and lower utility bills but also cuts down on pollution. These improvements make homes more comfortable year-round and help renters better withstand storms and heat waves. For low-income families, that can mean real savings every month. In Philadelphia, simple fixes have proven affordable and effective, with average costs around $200 per unit and significant reductions in household emissions. In addition, these weatherization efforts have even supported over 28,000 new jobs.

However, many renters are unable to access these enhancements. In Philadelphia, for instance, nearly 50% of applicants to the Weatherization Assistance Program are denied due to issues such as roof leaks or mold. These problems must be resolved for homes to qualify for upgrades – and many residents do not reapply. This highlights the necessity of having programs capable of addressing both fundamental repairs and energy efficiency at the same time. Without this adaptability, the families that require assistance the most are overlooked.

It’s incredibly important that federal funding continues to support climate adaptation and housing upgrades, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program. These funds can help cover insulation, repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades for low-income households. However, for this support to reach those who need it, local governments must be prepared to distribute funds and run programs that serve renters – not just homeowners. Cities can also create their own initiatives to fill in the gaps. For example, in Washington, D.C., renters can benefit from programs like Solar for All, which offers free solar panel installations for residents under a certain income level, and community solar credits that reduce utility bills in multi-unit buildings.

Retrofitting old buildings is as important as constructing new ones, particularly in cities where the majority of housing was built before the 1980s. D.C.’s Efficiency Fund assists owners of affordable multifamily buildings in covering the costs of renovations that enhance energy efficiency. These upgrades reduce emissions, lower utility expenses, and help residents remain safely in their homes.

Some cities are also establishing stronger building regulations to enhance climate resilience. In D.C., the Clean Energy DC Building Code mandates that new buildings and major renovations achieve net-zero energy standards. Local policies can further motivate developers to include more affordable housing and meet energy objectives by providing tax incentives or permitting greater building density. Arlington’s Green Building Density Incentive Program accomplishes this goal, rewarding developers who adhere to high environmental standards.

As communities across the nation face climate and housing challenges, and cities play a critical role in determining how funding like this should be allocated, renters must be at the center of the conversation. Every family deserves a home that is safe, affordable, and designed to withstand the effects of climate change and disasters. By investing in weatherization and repairs or establishing better resilience standards that protect tenants, we can ensure that our most vulnerable communities – particularly those with low income – aren’t left behind, and that the path to a greener future is equitable for everyone.