By Melissa Reyes, Community Outreach Program Assistant
The air quality in our outdoor environment is an important contributor to communities’ health, quality of life, and often what we think about when people talk about air pollution. But, did you know that the air quality in your home can also contribute to health problems and even climate change?
Home appliances that create heat by burning fossil fuels can release emissions into the home and use larger amounts of energy. Finding more energy efficient appliances for your home can be difficult. It has been found that oftentimes the communities most impacted by these issues, along with climate change impacts, are those living in underserved communities. So, how can we better the air quality of our homes while reducing our impacts on climate change?
Here’s where the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program can help.
What is the EBD Program?
The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Program, is a state program, supported by local nonprofits, community organizations, and environmental leaders to provide no-cost upgrades and personal support to your community. It is a free program for communities in qualifying regions to receive upgrades in their homes to better air quality and fight climate change.
Communities selected to qualify for this program were based on a combination of factors, including high levels of pollution, economic challenges, and vulnerability to climate impacts. The goal aims to promote resilient local communities and bring clean energy and comfort.
How Does it Work?
With no-cost installation from quality, pre-vetted contractors, your home can receive brand new, energy efficient decarbonization home systems. Along with one-on-one assistance from a Program Advisor to guide you through every step of the way, you also receive training on how to run these newly installed home systems for stress free experience.
Additionally, you get to choose what upgrades you would like in your own home. Based on your home’s unique needs and preferences, your upgrades could include:
Heating and cooling
• Heat pump for space heating and cooling
• Duct testing/sealing and/or new ducts,
returns, and registers.
• Occupant-controlled smart thermostat
• Ceiling fan or whole-house fan
Building envelope
• Air sealing
• Insulation
• Solar window film
Water heating
• Heat pump water heater (unitary)
• Heat pump water heater (central)
• Efficient-flow showerheads and faucets
Cooking
• Induction range or cooktop
Laundry
• Electric clothes dryer (heat pump or electric resistance
How Does This Help My Community and Environment?
Many communities in Southern California have older housing infrastructure and face climate risks like extreme heat. Electrifying homes with newer, efficient appliances help improve indoor air quality, and reduce pollution by reducing exposure to emissions. It will also provide more comfortable inside temperatures in homes year round and provide heat resiliency benefits.
By swapping to electric appliances, we also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions impacting climate change. By scaling these efforts in underserved communities, the program not only helps California meet its climate justice and clean energy goals, but also empowers eligible communities to combat the impacts of climate change for future generations with sustainable and resilient energy systems.
This program is a way to ensure clean energy reaches the communities that need it most and will encourage resilience to extreme heat, indoor air-quality improvements, grid reliability, and local workforce opportunities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to breathe clean air without worrying about cost or accessibility of materials.
For more information about this program and how to find out if you qualify, please visit SoCalEBD.org, email us at ContactUs@SoCalEBD.org, or call us at (424) 285-6602.