Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Allison Luengen, Ph.D.

Abstract

I examined the opportunities to enhance equity in energy performance, climate resilience, and environmental adaptation through climate-resilient envelope retrofitting and spatially guided implementation strategies (via mappings of the Urban Heat Island -UHI- and socio-economic vulnerability indicators). Passive envelope retrofits of attic insulation; high-performance windows; cool roofs; and green roofs / walls, are examined across multiple climate zones of California' aged single-family housing stock, focusing on the Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Through spatial analysis, strong overlap between Urban Heat Island(UHI) exposure; pre-1980 housing; socioeconomic disadvantage, and thus the need for spatially-directed action is underlined. The policy landscape analysis provides confirmation of the findings from the spatial analysis. Additionally, I identified challenges due to; fragmented incentive programs, administrative barriers, and a technocratic approach that values emissions reductions above resilience results, which are standing in the way of fair and inclusionary delivery. Using empirical case studies from San José, Pacoima, Oak View, and Oakland, I illustrated that prioritizing equity and place-based design by the contribution of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in retrofit frameworks would have a direct impact on participation levels and resilience outcomes. Recommendations include spatially targeted and grantbased funding and streamlined permitting for passive retrofits, the inclusion of resilience co-benefits in action program metrics, and workforce development participatory engagements in disadvantaged communities. Ultimately, highlight is the importance of changing perspective from approaches that treat passive envelope retrofits as merely exchanges of technical upgrades to one, in which passive envelope retrofits are a pillar of infrastructure for climate justice and equity.

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