Energy-Efficient Upgrades in Urban Low-Income Multifamily Housing: Energy Burdens and Lessons Learned for Best Sustainability Practices
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Residents in low-income multifamily housing often struggle to afford energy for essential needs such as heating, cooking, and electronics. Climate change may increase these energy demands, and high energy bills can reflect inefficiencies in a home's systems or envelope. Improving the energy efficiency in low-income housing benefits both social justice and sustainability. However, there is limited information on the impact of energy upgrades in multifamily settings. This study examined the energy-related experiences of low-income families in public housing in Detroit, Michigan, who received energy-conserving measures (ECMs) such as efficient light bulbs, faucets, thermostats, and refrigerators in 2022. Thirty-nine residents completed surveys and provided energy usage data before and after the upgrades; twelve residents provided their hourly energy usage. Over 90% of residents reporting income information had an energy burden exceeding 6%, with higher energy expenses during colder months. While many residents appreciated the upgrades, quantitative evidence of reduced energy burdens was insufficient. Existing utility programs for multifamily residents typically offer minor upgrades but do not include larger appliance replacements or improvements to home insulation. To maximize energy efficiency for low-income families, thus promoting sustainability, more comprehensive programs and retrofits are necessary.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su17125464
Institutions: University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, University of Michigan, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Awards: Michigan Center on Lifestage Environmental Exposures and Disease (M-LEEaD), G1396720758, G1689673452, SCC-IRG Track 1: Reducing Barriers to Residential Energy Security through an Integrated Case-management, Data-driven, Community-based approach, Causal Mechanisms for Sustainable Adaptation to Adverse Heat and Precipitation Health Effects, G2749591161, G2866848682, G3484005404, Evidence to improve heat warning effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality., G4337513723, G463407483, G6369234955, G7051324606, G8171812552, G827738197, Michigan Research Infrastructure for Population Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W4411278406