Bridgeport, CT Prepares for Changes in Indoor Air Quality

Among the many climate risks to communities, one subject has received relatively little attention: indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ is important because "as the world's climate changes, buildings that were designed to operate under the "old" climatic conditions may not function well under the "new"—affecting the health of those who live, work, study, or play in them (Citation)."

As part of its BGreen initiative, the city of Bridgeport recognized vulnerability to the impacts of climate change on IAQ. The BGreen initiative outlines policies and actions to improve the quality of life and increase community resilience to climate change, particularly targeting community members who may be most vulnerable, such as people living in poverty and those suffering from asthma.

Bridgeport developed a "Triple Bottom Line" matrix to score expected climate vulnerabilities and corresponding benefits. Policies associated with IAQ ranked among the highest for the benefits to social diversity, health and safety, and community vitality. Based on its assessment, the city’s initial adaptation plan recommended a number of actions including training programs focusing on risk identification of climate threats to IAQ and public health; the creation of a residential weatherization and a renewable energy loan program; and use of green building standards that benefit healthy IAQ.

Many of Bridgeport's BGreen actions address current risks as well as reduce potential future exposures that can exacerbate climate-related public health outcomes. For example, more frequent storms and flooding can contribute to additional mold growth indoors, worsening the incidence or severity of respiratory-related illnesses such as asthma. These impacts can be further complicated by climate change-related changes to living behaviors (e.g., people stay indoors for longer periods of time when outdoor temperatures are higher, which results in additional exposure to indoor molds and fungi). By including consideration of potential climate change impacts on IAQ and related public health outcomes, Bridgeport's BGreen initiative is improving the community's adaptive capacity.

How Did They Do It?	Applicable EPA Tools
Identified strategies to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ) Bridgeport's BGreen plan identified IAQ risks from changing climate conditions. Analyzed potential adaptation strategies using a Triple Bottom Line Matrix to identify priority considerations for investment; IAQ-related policies consistently ranked among the highest priorities. The BGreen plan identified and recommended strategies that promote adaptive capacity and resiliency to future IAQ concerns from climate change.	Review EPA's Take Action for Climate Readiness and Indoor Air Quality website to help maintain a healthy indoor environment and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Conducted community outreach via workshops and training Held a series of climate preparedness workshops in 2012 to identify climate risks and concerns. Among the top concerns identified by community members were threats to IAQ from clean-up responses after flooding events, potential hazardous material spills, and cleaning product use in response to disaster. Bridgeport applied for and received EPA grants to support in-home asthma trainings, a local community fair focused on asthma, and the New England Environmental Justice Forum to train environmental justice groups and their advocates on, among other topics, climate change awareness. Educated residents about green products and IAQ by focusing on educational programs in community centers and community organizations.	EPA's Safer Choice Standards for cleaning products use less toxic ingredients and are safer for use in indoor environments. Safer Choice Label
Implemented adaptation strategies that promoted healthy indoor air quality under current and future conditions Bridgeport implemented the Cozy Home Loan Program, which provides loans to low-income homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades and indoor environmental improvements including weatherization, insulation, and lead and asbestos removal. Prior to applying for the loan residents are encouraged to get a Home Energy Solution energy assessment (at low or no cost) which can identify opportunities to increase current home health, which will help increase resiliency and adaptive capacity to climate change. Bridgeport prioritized IAQ for schools, as children are among the most vulnerable to public health impacts from climate change. The city used EPA's "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" program to train school staff on IAQ management practices that reduce exposures to indoor contaminants.	Utilize EPA's Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools to help school districts and facility planners design the next generation of learning environments so that the school facility will help schools achieve their core mission of educating children.

Similar Cases and More Information

To learn more about what Bridgeport, CT, has done to adapt to climate change view the Climate Preparedness Workshops Provide a Head Start Toward Resilience case study on the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. To see how another community has assessed public health vulnerability to climate change, including to indoor air quality, see: Minnesota Assesses Climate Risk to Public Health. Climate changes, whether to indoor or outdoor air quality can disproportionately impact at-risk or vulnerable communities. View a case study on how a community identified and actively engaged vulnerable communities in adaptation planning: Chicago, IL Uses Green Infrastructure to Reduce Extreme Heat.

• Climate Preparedness Workshops Provide a Head Start Toward Resilience
• Minnesota Assesses Climate Risk to Public Health
• Chicago, IL Uses Green Infrastructure to Reduce Extreme Heat

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References

The following links exit the site

• BGreen 2020 – A Sustainability Plan for Bridgeport, Connecticut
• Bridgeport Climate Preparedness Workshops – Summary of Findings (2012)