Equitable Housing Decarbonization: Implementation Approaches

Housing decarbonization is essential to meeting California’s climate and equity goals, addressing greenhouse gas emissions as well as providing substantial social and health benefits for residents. However, despite significant state investment in retrofit and efficiency programs, lower-income and renter households have to date participated at far lower rates than wealthier homeowners. This report evaluates the central program design, funding, capacity, and infrastructural barriers to participation by lower-income households and offers recommendations for state agencies and program implementers for improved access and performance.

The study included a comprehensive literature review, surveys of program participants, a comprehensive analysis of state policies and decarbonization programs, and an evaluation of policy cost analysis strategies. It was developed for the California Air Resources Board by a research team led by UC Berkeley’s Department of City and Regional Planning. CLEE provided technical guidance on law, policy, and program design questions.