Bridgeport, CT Prepares for Changes in Indoor Air Quality

Cityscape view of Bridgeport Connecticut
Photo credit: City of Bridgeport, CT

Among the many potential impacts to communities from changing environmental conditions, one subject has received relatively little attention: indoor air quality (IAQ). 

IAQ is important because as the environmental conditions change, 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 (see Climate Change, Indoor Environment and Health).

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

Bridgeport developed a "Triple Bottom Line" matrix to score expected 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 threats to IAQ and public health.
  • Creation of a residential weatherization and a renewable energy loan program.
  • 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 public health hazards and impacts. For example, more frequent storms and flooding can contribute to additional mold growth indoors. This can worsen the incidence or severity of respiratory-related illnesses such as asthma. 

These impacts can be further complicated by the resulting changes to living behaviors. Behavior modifications such as people staying indoors for longer periods of time when outdoor temperatures are higher can result in additional exposure to indoor molds and fungi. 

By including consideration of potential hazards and change impacts on IAQ and related public health outcomes, Bridgeport's BGreen initiative is improving the community's adaptive capacity and resilience.

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 environmental conditions.
  • Analyzed potential resiliency 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.

Conducted community outreach via workshops and training.

  • Held a series of preparedness workshops in 2012 to identify risks and concerns associated with natural disasters. Among the top concerns identified by community members were:
    • Threats to IAQ from clean-up responses after flooding events.
    • Potential hazardous material spills.
    • Cleaning product use in response to disasters.
  • Bridgeport applied for and received EPA grants to support in-home asthma trainings and a local community fair focused on asthma.
  • 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.

Implemented strategies that promoted healthy indoor air quality under current and future conditions.

  • Implemented the Cozy Home Loan Program, which provides loans to low-income homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades and indoor environmental improvements that include:
    • Weatherization.
    • Insulation
    • Lead and asbestos removal. 
  • Encouraged residents to get a Home Energy Solution energy assessment (at low or no cost) before applying for the loan. This assessment can identify opportunities to increase current home health, which will help increase resiliency and adaptive capacity.
  • Prioritized IAQ for schools, as children are among the most vulnerable to public health impacts. 
  • Trained school staff on IAQ management practices that reduce exposures to indoor contaminants using EPA's "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" program.
  • 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 prepare for changing environmental conditions, 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 vulnerabilities, including to IAQ, see: Minnesota Assesses Climate Risks to Public Health. 

View a case study on how a community identified and actively engaged communities in planning and preparedness: Chicago, IL Uses Green Infrastructure to Reduce Heat Event Impacts.

References

The following links exit the site:

Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center (ARC-X)

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Last updated on August 6, 2025