April 12, 2022/June 7, 2022 — How can we enable weatherization upgrades to reach more homes, especially for people who need them most? E4TheFuture announces a new resource that provides vital information about how to overcome health and safety barriers that often prevent program participation.
Barriers such as those found commonly in older homes — e.g., the presence of asbestos, vermiculite or mold, faulty combustion appliance venting that causes gas or carbon monoxide leaks, or other hazards — are increasingly recognized as significant hurdles to fulfilling weatherization needs.
Weatherization Barriers Toolkit: How to Address Health and Safety Barriers with an Income-Eligible FocusThe new toolkit focuses on finding solutions for income-eligible customers. Specifically, it provides ideas for various states to use. Suggested solutions are based on experience in a state where over 20 percent of homes in the pipeline for low-income energy upgrades are deferred due to health and safety issues.
Get updated toolkit slides (June 2022), more resources.
Lessons Learned: ConnecticutThe toolkit features details of how Connecticut developed its program to address health and safety barriers, and discusses how states might take advantage of available funding to address similar obstacles. Although many programs aim to expand home weatherization, the strategies to address barriers are not as well-known. E4TheFuture partnered with Energy Futures Group and Tohn Environmental Strategies to develop an essential summary with the most valuable lessons learned in Connecticut.
Intended Audience
This document is for use by:
—Federal or state agency staff (energy, housing, health)
—Utility program administrators
—Energy, environmental and equity advocates
—Funders or administrators of weatherization/energy efficiency programs
—Weatherization/energy efficiency program implementers
This was updated 6/7/22 to offer revised Toolkit slides. For more information, contact E4TheFuture.
