Fall 2025 in Shepard Hall 107 and on Zoom

Please E-mail [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Schedule

Friday, December 12th, 2025 (30-45 minutes per project)

Final Capstone Presentations

9:00AM Breakfast and Networking (for those in person)

9:30AM Assessment of Urban Heat Mitigation Strategies with Precision Remote Sensing of Thermal Signatures in New York City

Professor McDonald’s and Steiner’s Team:  Lisa, Amanda, Julia

10:15AM Exploring Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) for flood mitigation and renewable energy in Nigeria

Professor Devineni’s Team: Tawfiq and Wasiu

11AM Mapping Climate Justice in Hunts Point, The Bronx

Katherine’s Team: Munevver and Aron

11:45AM NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR URBAN SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE: EVALUATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE’S CO-BENEFITS IN MANHATTAN

Professor Zhang’s Team: Anthony, Sarwat, Nursel, and Belkiz

Lunch served!

12:30PM Optimal Structural Design for Low-Carbon Concrete Structures

Professor Bolhassani’s Team: Dylan and Carlos

1:15PM Harlem Retrofit Lab and Design Partnership

Professor Bobker’s Team: Barry and Tyler

2:00PM-3:00PM Independent Study Presentation: The Playbook for Green Transformation with EBRD and The New York Climate Exchange

3PM Mid Year Capstone Presentations

Using social justice principles to retrofit a subdivision for sustainability in Mexico

Professors Biles’ Team: Rachel and Ariana

3:45PM West Harlem Retrofit Lab and Design Partnership (Phase IV)

Professor Bobker’s Team: Joe, Monica, Maya, Rajvi

4:PM Affordable Housing, Climate, and Environmental Justice

Professor Kucheva’s Team: Dante, Olivia, and Judy

5:15PM Enlistment of Remote Sensing Tools for Deployment of Renewable Energy Infrastructure with Professor Kyle McDonald

Professor McDonald’s Team: Li, Sullivan, Pravir

Initial Project Proposals (in presentation order)

Note these projects have evolved overtime and descriptions may no longer be directly in line with deliverables, but the general focus remains the same.

Assessment of Urban Heat Mitigation Strategies with Precision RemoteSensing of Thermal Signatures in New York City

Led by Prof. Kyle McDonald (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) and Prof. Nicholas Steiner (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)

Objective:

This project will assess the effectiveness of heat mitigation provided by the forests, woodlands and greenspace around NYC, and of heat mitigation strategies such as street-tree planting and installation of cool roofs. The team will use precision thermal infrared remote sensing datasets from NASA’s ECOSTRESS sensor, a thermal imaging instrument flown on the International Space Station (ISS) to assess effectiveness of strategies employed to mitigate urban heat in New York City.

Background:

Urban regions in and around New York City (NYC) experience urban heat island (UHI) with impacts that are exacerbated by climate change and heat wave events – phenomena that are increasing in frequency and intensity. Urban heat waves are a leading cause of global weather- related fatalities, and associated heat-related illnesses constitute a leading health problem for NYC and nationally. As urban vegetation is the most important factor in regulation of UHI, urban forest ecosystems can mitigate the negative impacts to health and energy usage from UHI. Furthermore, New York City has benefited from several strategies associated with climate change mitigation, and among these are NYC CoolRoofs and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation’s MillionTreesNYC. NASA’s ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) is providing precision thermal images of Earth’s terrestrial environments. Primarily intended to examine water use and water stress in plants, datasets from the ECOSTRESS thermal imaging sensor are also proving invaluable in assessing the thermal environment in urban settings. For example, assessments of ECOSTRESS thermal images over Los Angeles, California have demonstrated substantial reduction in neighborhood heating as a result of installation of CoolSeal paint on street surfaces (see Figure 1). As New York City is identified as a priority target for acquisition of ECOSTRESS data for urban regions worldwide, specialized ECOSTRESS products being derived to examine the NYC thermal environment. The goal of this capstone project is to assess UHI mitigation associated with urban forests and the effectiveness of UHI mitigation strategies such as planting of street-trees and use of cool roof technologies. The Team will employ ECOSTRESS datasets in these assessments.

Suggested Approaches:

1) Assemble salient ECOSTRESS data into a data base focused on NYC and vicinity to support multi-year times series (2018- present) thermal environment assessment.2) Assist project mentors with deployment and maintenance of monitoring stations that characterize meteorology and biophysical processes in trees. Stations will be deployed in several urban forests in and around NYC. Employ data collections to assess water use and water stress in trees as related to, e.g., heat stress and heat waves. 3) Examine time series ECOSTRESS thermal signatures at the local, neighborhood, and city scale, and coordinated with timing of installation of white and green roofs, and with street planting. Examine urban forest response to heat stress and heat waves observed with ECOSTRESS. 4) Assess changes in the spatio-temporal thermal signature across scales associated with mitigation strategies and urban forests. 5) Examine these results in the context of addressing environmental justice concerns in NYC. Students should be comfortable working with computer analysis tools and a GIS analysis framework. This project will be carried out in collaboration New York City Parks, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Environmental and Climate Justice, and with scientists from the Earth Science Section in the Division of Science at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.

Exploring Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) for flood mitigation and renewable energy in Nigeria

Led by Professor Naresh Devineni (Civil Engineering) 

Objective

This project aims to explore the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in Kogi, Nigeria, not only as a flood mitigation strategy but also as a means to harness flood water for renewable energy generation. The goal is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing SUDS that integrate renewable energy technologies, such as hydroelectric systems, to reduce flood risks while generating electricity to power local infrastructure, including water management systems, nearby structures, or irrigation systems. This will involve designing a comprehensive SUDS plan tailored to Kogi’s unique hydrological and energy needs.

Background

Kogi State, located in central Nigeria, faces persistent and severe flooding due to the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. These floods have caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural areas, and with the increasing unpredictability of rainfall patterns caused by climate change, the situation is likely to worsen. Traditional flood control measures, such as channeling and damming, have proven insufficient in mitigating the impacts of these floods. As urbanization grows, surface water runoff has intensified, exacerbating flood risks. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) offer a green infrastructure solution to urban flood management. These systems are designed to manage rainfall by allowing it to infiltrate, store, and be slowly released back into the environment, mimicking natural water cycles. In addition to managing stormwater, SUDS offer multiple co-benefits, such as improved water quality, enhanced urban green spaces, and increased resilience to climate change. A promising innovation in this project is the integration of renewable energy systems into SUDS. Specifically, floodwater could be harnessed using small-scale hydropower systems or other energy-generating technologies. This renewable energy could power the SUDS infrastructure itself, such as solar-powered pumps or water treatment systems, and provide electricity for nearby buildings or agricultural irrigation systems. By capturing and utilizing floodwater to generate energy, this project will not only reduce flood risks but also contribute to sustainable energy access in flood-prone areas. 

Suggested Approaches:

– Conduct background research on the flood history, hydrology, and existing drainage infrastructure in Kogi

– Review global case studies on the implementation of SUDS with integrated renewable energy solutions, particularly in areas with similar climates and urbanization patterns. 

– Design a hybrid SUDS system and develop hydrological and energy generation models using software tools to simulate the effectiveness of proposed SUDS and renewable energy systems.

– Collaborate with local government and stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility, cost and community impact of implementing SUDS with integrated energy generation in Kogi. 

– Write up project design, implementation guidelines, cost benefit analysis and results, with recommendations.

Mapping Environmental Justice: Using GIS and Citizen Science to Visualize Air Quality and Traffic Congestion in the South Bronx

Led by Katherine Gloede Silverman

Objective

The South Bronx suffers from air pollution due to heavy traffic. The Hunts Point Food Distribution Center and Last-Mile warehouses burden neighborhoods with emissions and noise. This project will use Counterpoint Truck Data in a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) program to visualize traffic hotspots/congested areas Identify trends, correlations, and truck routes based on data visualization.

Background

Launched in September 2023, the NYC Climate Justice Hub is a partnership between the City University of New York (CUNY)—the nation’s largest public urban university—and the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA)—a coalition of grassroots organizations who have led the fight for climate justice in NYC since 1991. By uniting CUNY and NYC-EJA, the Hub strengthens and fortifies just transition efforts led by frontline communities of color across NYC.

The Hub’s mission is to support NYC-EJA’s efforts to advance climate justice for New York City’s underserved, working-class Black and Brown communities. The Hub accomplishes this through the creation and the activation of new and existing trans-disciplinary systems and cross-sectoral networks that ensure CUNY robustly supports NYC-EJA—and the coalition of organizations and campaigns it brings together—in their efforts to accelerate “just transitions” in NYC. Through the creation of research teams, educational platforms, and a leadership development “vine,” the Hub prepares a generation of CUNY students to enter the workforce as climate leaders, operationalizes climate justice infrastructure at CUNY, and advances NYC-EJA’s transformative research agenda.

The NYC Climate Justice Hub is the largest of several “hubs” that have been created around the nation through a series of generous grants from the Waverley Street Foundation. This initiative supports minority-serving universities to work with place-based environmental justice organizations to advance the interests and aspirations of frontline communities most impacted by climate change. The current grant under which the NYC Climate Justice Hub is operating is for a 2-year pilot (2023-2025), with opportunities for future funding. See more information here: https://centerforthehumanities.org/programming/nyc-climate-justice-hub. 

Suggested Approaches 

A GIS map visualizing traffic congestion and spatial analysis 

A meeting or panel with the Point CDC (raise public awareness and community-driven advocacy using community data)

A final report combining takeaways from map visualization and community data, literature review on environmental justice in NYC, and next steps.

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR URBAN SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE: EVALUATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE’S CO-BENEFITS IN MANHATTAN

OBJECTIVE. Evaluate the feasibility of green infrastructure (e.g., rooftop gardens, urban gardens, green streets) in Manhattan to enhance urban sustainability and resiliency through co-benefits (e.g. energy conservation, water retention, carbon sequestration, public health, and urban agriculture. Quantify the benefits of these interventions to demonstrate their value in alignment with ONENYC 2050 and the UN’s SDGs.

BACKGROUND. Nature-based green infrastructure offers substantial environmental and social benefits that can simultaneously advance many of NYC’s resiliency and sustainability goals. However implementation is often limited due to a lack of comprehensive shared data—both qualitative and quantitative—that demonstrates its full potential for multiple stakeholders. Additionally, challenges arise from fragmented communication and coordination between city agencies, as well as unclear guidance for private entities and homeowners. This project seeks to integrate nature-based green infrastructure into the city’s broader sustainability framework by identifying opportunities for synergies—investments that can address multiple city goals, such as stormwater management, urban cooling, and food system resiliency—thereby maximizing return on investment. Rooftops, sidewalks, and courtyards in Manhattan represent prime but underutilized opportunities for green infrastructure integration.
This project aims to address these challenges by creating a framework for evaluating the co-benefits of nature-based green infrastructure in urban areas. The study will use mapping to identify optimal sites for various green infrastructure types. This process will align the goals of diverse stakeholders—from city agencies to developers to home-owners—using a shared vocabulary and clear metrics, enabling collaboration and coordination to maximize the impact of these projects.

SUGGESTED APPROACHES

Comparative Analysis: Analyze findings to identify synergies in the implementation of green infrastructure and opportunities to share resources across city budgets for more efficient spending.
● SDGs Addressed: Goal 3-Good Health And Well-Being, Goal 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 11-Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13-Climate Action
● OneNYC2050 Goals Addressed: A Livable Climate, Healthy Lives, Thriving Neighborhoods,

GIS Mapping: Identify high-potential sites across Manhattan for nature-based green infrastructure, applicable to new constructions and retrofits, based on spatial and environmental factors.

Data Review & Matrix: Review literature to create a matrix of green infrastructure types for new developments and retrofits, including costs, benefits (stormwater retention, cooling, health), and any precedents across the five boroughs (e.g., DEP Grant for Brooklyn Grange).

Scorecard Development: Develop a preliminary, publicly accessible scorecard to quantify
quantify the long-term benefits of green infrastructure, comparing feasibility and aligning with ONENYC 2050 and SDG targets.

Optimal Structural Design for Low-Carbon Concrete Structures

Led by Professor Damon Bolhassani (Architecture)

Objective

Investigate innovative approaches in the design of structures with a focus on minimizing material usage, carbon emissions, and cost. The primary objectives include:

1. Achieving environmentally friendly structures while maintaining structural integrity and performance using advanced computational tools and optimization algorithms.
2. Evaluating the performance and feasibility of proposed designs through analytical modeling, simulation, and practical experimentation.

Background

The construction industry significantly contributes to global warming with concrete production being a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (Jyosyula et al, 2020; Labaran et al., 2021). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable alternatives that minimize environmental impacts. Efficient structural design plays a crucial role in the sustainability of concrete structures by optimizing material usage, reducing construction waste, and minimizing environmental impact. Traditional design approaches often prioritize safety margins and over-engineering, leading to excessive material consumption and higher carbon emissions. By adopting a holistic approach to structural design, which considers factors such as load paths, material properties, and construction techniques, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in material usage without compromising structural performance. Moreover, efficient structural design has economic benefits, as it can lead to cost savings through reduced material purchases, construction labor, and maintenance expenses. By optimizing designs for material efficiency, architects and engineers can deliver projects that meet performance requirements while staying within budgetary constraints.

Suggested approaches

Incorporating lightweight design principles, such as minimal surfaces for optimized member sizes and efficient structural systems, minimizes materials required for construction, maximizes energy efficiency, and reduces environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of a building which offers lower CO2 emissions and contributes to enhanced sustainability. Advanced computational tools, such as finite element analysis and parametric modeling, offer opportunities to explore a wide range of design options and identify optimal solutions that balance structural efficiency with environmental sustainability. These tools enable engineers to simulate complex structural behavior, analyze performance under different loading conditions, and adjust their designs to achieve the desired outcomes.

Besides, 3D concrete printing has emerged as a transformative technology (Khan et al. 2021; Wangler et al. 2017) that enhances construction efficiency by optimizing material usage and minimizing waste. Precise layer-by-layer concrete deposition notably reduces the need for formwork and minimizes material waste, consequently contributing to a significant decrease in carbon emissions linked to concrete production. While these innovative techniques show potential in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability, it is crucial to acknowledge that, at the current stage, ensuring the safety of 3D-printed structures requires thorough structural design and analysis. Additionally, the anisotropy resulting from the layered nature of 3D printing introduces complexities that require careful evaluation (Wolfs et al. 2019). As the construction industry seeks to utilize the benefits of these advancements, this project aims to keep the balance between innovation and ensuring safety to fully realize the potential of 3D concrete printing in sustainable construction practices.

Notes

– Students with interest in architectural and structural design, environmental architecture, or sustainable architecture and structural optimization are well-qualified for this project.

What is the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the context of the Harlem Retrofit Lab microgrid effort?  If there is a role, which system configurations work best?

Led by Michael Bobker, Founder of the CUNY Building Performance Lab

Objective

We aim to explore how the addition of battery storage technology to the Harlem Retrofit Lab’s portfolio of buildings that could provide opportunities for financial gains for building owners, improve grid and site resiliency, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint by supporting the transition to renewables.  We also hope to identify cases where the addition of batteries may also enhance the ability of buildings to meet the local law 97 requirements by shifting load off-peak and enabling the closure of peaking power plants.

Background

As virtual power plant technology and the Harlem Microgrid evolve from concept to pilot to maturity, we expect battery technology to be a key contributor in managing costs and supporting optimization to the grid in concert with direct decarbonization strategies (efficiency upgrades, electrification, and renewable energy deployment). Given the rapidly evolving technology and regulatory environment, our goal is to identify cases where the use of BESS will benefit all stakeholders including landlords, the utility, and the community.  The utility also has the goal of reducing dependence upon the peaker plants.  Battery technology may help in contributing to this goal.

Capstone Project Focus

Our goal with the project is first to explore existing scenarios for implementing battery technology, showing the benefits of those implementations.  The project will look at two major differentiating models: “behind-the-meter” and “in-front-of-the-meter.” The “behind-the-meter” model likely entails that the batteries reside within buildings. This strategy can bypass the costly and time-consuming utility interconnection process by utilizing a customer’s existing utility account.  We will assess this model for both large and small buildings.  In addition, we will look at the possibility of an “in-front-of-the-meter” setup where the battery system is installed on the grid and not directly associated with an individual building. This could potentially be managed as a  community-owned resource through a co-op or nonprofit business model.  We will survey the current vendor landscape to identify those options which are a good fit in the urban setting, and will track and evaluate the regulatory environment as it adapts to this rapidly evolving field.

Suggested Approaches

• Survey of the Literature on Battery installations in the NYC, US. and worldwide
• Analyze GIS and other data analysis of existing installation in the city and in the region
• Provide Cost and design estimates for prototype systems
• Preparation of technology briefing and design guidance materials 
• Reach out to vendors/community groups/providers/landlords/owners/tenants to share the prototype and understand their current experiences

Using social justice principles to retrofit a subdivision for sustainability in Mexico:

Advisor: Prof. James Biles (Dept. of Sociology & International Studies Program/Colin Powell School) 

Objectives

(1) Identify challenges to urban sustainability in an international context; 

(2) Understand urban sustainability from a social justice perspective; 

(3) Evaluate potential interventions to promote sustainability in low and moderate-income housing subdivisions (fraccionamientos) in southern Mexico; 

(4) Design, in collaboration with residents, city government agencies, and a local community based organization, several projects to transform the built environment of a subdivision of “social interest housing” in a large city in Mexico based on the principles of social justice and urban sustainability. 

Background

Since the early 1990s, Mexico has made a concerted effort to combat housing deprivation and improve access to essential urban infrastructure. The country’s urban development policy agenda during this time has emphasized the construction of large subdivisions (fraccionamientos) of small, “social interest” tract houses on tiny lots, frequently on the outskirts of large cities. This strategy has contributed to a significant decrease in the population living in “marginalized” areas, both in relative and absolute terms. However, the fraccionamiento approach suffers from several serious shortcomings with respect to urban sustainability, including sprawl, excessive automobile dependence, limited green space and access to basic services, and lack of diversity, inclusivity and social cohesion. During the past year, a small team of students and faculty affiliated with the MS Program in Urban Sustainability has collaborated with residents of Jardines del Norte, a fairly typical “social interest housing” subdivision in Mérida, Mexico, and INDAGAR, a local community development organization, to identify potential interventions to improve quality of life in the fraccionamiento. This collaboration has resulted in a detailed report which identifies a proposal to retrofit the main avenue of the subdivision based on the principles of “socially just” urban sustainability. As part of this capstone project, I would like to work with a team of Urban Sustainability students, Jardines del Norte residents, INDAGAR, and government agencies in Mérida to implement the proposed retrofit strategy. Specifically, the Urban Sustainability capstone team will collaborate with local stakeholders on the design of a green pedestrian mall and four pocket parks. This project does not require Spanish language skills; however, capstone students should have an interest in working on an applied research project in the Global South. Potential participants will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with urban design software applications (for example CityCAD, GardenCAD and Streetscape Pro) and apply both their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. 

Suggested Approaches

(1) Review and assess background information on social, economic and environmental conditions of the study location. Evaluate characteristics of the built environment of the subdivision; 

(2) Review proposed retrofitting strategy for Jardines del Norte subdivision; 

(3) In collaboration with local stakeholders, make any final revisions to proposed retrofit strategy; 

(4) Identify and evaluate examples of similar retrofit initiatives in Mexico and other contexts; 

(5) Based on proposed retrofit strategy, create initial design for green pedestrian mall and pocket parks; 

(6) Incorporate knowledge and feedback of subdivision residents and other stakeholders to modify retrofit design features; 

(7) Present final design of retrofit features to local stakeholders.

Harlem Retrofit Lab and Design Partnership (Phase IV)

Led by Michael Bobker, Founder of the CUNY Building Performance Lab 

Objective

This project will develop a specific retrofit that is key to the affordable housing stock in NYC.  The retrofit is the conversion of steam heating systems to hot water circulating systems with an objective of achieving cost and carbon reductions while leaving the building “heat pump-ready.”  The project will investigate alternative methods and equipment as applicable to particular building scenarios with a goal of having a well-articulated retrofit package with documentation of costs, benefits and construction procedure for typical apartment buildings and rowhouses.

Work will be done as part of on-going work at the Harlem Retrofit Lab and Design Partnership and the CUNY Building Performance Lab’s new Building Technology Assessment Center (BTAC) with Syracuse University.  

Background

Much of NYC’s housing is in pre-1950’s buildings still operating with their original steam heating systems (although the boilers may have been changed at least once). These systems pose significant operating challenges to both comfort and energy efficiency.  Circulating hot water heating is thermodynamically more efficient and controllable and has been shown to consistently achieve energy reductions on the order of 30%.  Difficulty, disruption and expense have been cited as the reasons that such conversion has not been broadly implemented outside of gut rehabs.  

In today’s environment attention is focused on electrification of building heating via heat pumps.  Steam systems cannot be directly retrofitted with heat pumps.  The dominant approach of replacing central heating with apartment-level air-to-air heat pumps faces several kinds of difficulties.  However, heat pumps with hot water outputs in the appropriate temperature range for heating are beginning to become available with on-going government and industry R&D nearing market-readiness.   

Capstone Project Focus

Heat pump technology and strategies will be reviewed with the suggestion that an alternative approach based on steam-to hot water conversion is the most rational technology pathway.  Literature review and site visits will document experience with steam conversion, including documented energy savings.  Conversion options will be outlined, based on an understanding of several different types of steam heating systems common in NYC building stock.  Schematic designs and cost estimates will be developed, including possibilities for integrated implementation with other deep energy retrofit elements.  

Suggested Approaches 

• case studies of existing pilot installations
• schematic design, cost estimating, and comparison of alternative piping schemes 
• review of Dutch Energiesprong experience and US adaptations
• preparation of technology briefing and design guidance materials 
• meetings and discussions with contractors, funders, owners

Enlistment of Remote Sensing Tools for Deployment of Renewable Energy Infrastructure  

Led by  Prof. Kyle McDonald (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences), developed with Li Kuan Phang

Objective:  

This project will enlist remote sensing datasets and geospatial analysis to identify optimal locations for deployment of renewable energy infrastructure and assess associated benefits for local ecosystems and communities.

Background:

Assessment and characterization of resources related to renewable energy generation have become increasingly crucial. Considerations for placement of green energy infrastructure are very complex as they relate to a variety of natural resource and socioeconomic considerations.  This project will utilize a variety of satellite remote sensing datasets in combination with climate and economic datasets to inform on optimal placement of renewable energy infrastructure. Students will develop a methodology based on a GIS framework to consider locations for deployment of modern energy infrastructure. This project will employ openly available satellite remote sensing datasets to consider renewable energy sources such as wind energy, hydropower, biomass, solar energy, battery storage, and geothermal energy.

Suggested Approaches:

The team will develop a GIS-based framework that considers factors such as area demographics, terrain, meteorological conditions, and climate impacts to support trade analyses for optimization of location choices for renewable energy infrastructure. 

Building on past efforts drawn from literature review, students will make use of multiple remote sensing datasets, climate projections, and socioeconomic considerations. Sensitivity analyses will consider impacts of federal and local economies, regional capacity, and relative importance of technical and economic indicators.

Note: Students should be comfortable working with remote sensing data, computer analysis tools and a GIS analysis framework (e.g. Google Earth Engine, Jupyter Notebooks, QGIS). 

References:

Asrami Reza Fardi, Sohani Ali, Pedram Mona Zamani, Sayyaadi Hoseyn, 2023. An eco-friendly remote sensing assisted development procedure to install renewable energy infrastructure for highest techno-economic gain. Energy Conversion and Management: X 20 (2023) 100490.

Avtar Ram, Sahu Netrananda, Aggarwal Ashwani Kumar, Chakraborty Shamik, Kharrazi Ali, Yunus Ali P, Dou Jie, and Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono, 2019. Exploring Renewable Energy Resources Using

Remote Sensing and GIS—A Review. Resources 2019, 8, 149; doi:10.3390/resources8030149

Majidi Nezhad M, Nastasi B, Groppi D, Lamagna M, Piras G and Astiaso Garcia D (2021) Green Energy

Sources Assessment Using Sentinel-1 Satellite Remote Sensing. Front. Energy Res. 9:649305. doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2021.649305

Affordable Housing, Climate, and Environmental Justice

Led by Professor Yana Kucheva (Sociology) 

Objective
The objective of this project is to couple microscale measures of climate and environmental
risks, building-level and neighborhood-level analyses of vulnerability, and quantitative and
qualitative research of current responses to climate risk to develop a new framework for
affordable housing resilience in the face of climate change and environmental harm. Climate
modeling and data visualizations will be built into policy scenarios that place housing justice at
the forefront of repairing past urban planning harms and identifying actionable climate and
environmental solutions.

Background
Housing is a critical element of any infrastructural investment strategy as safe and affordable
housing provides the needed security and stability for residents – particularly families with
children – to thrive. Affordable housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods with good schools,
good jobs, and healthy environments supports vibrant communities, connects workers to jobs,
and helps families climb the economic ladder. Due to the projected increase in the duration and
intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and flooding, the U.S. affordable
housing infrastructure might soon face catastrophic losses to its availability and habitability.
According to current estimates, as much as a third of the housing stock in the U.S. is at risk from
disasters related to climate change. Nationally, more than 2.1 million federally assisted
affordable housing units are in what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
considers high-risk areas, or areas that are expected to have high economic losses due to
environmental hazards. By 2050, the number of affordable housing units vulnerable to regular
flooding will triple. As the costs to adapt the current infrastructure to climate change are already
high, cities continue to focus both their affordable housing policy and disaster responses on
short-term solutions at the expense of socially equitable long-term planning that addresses the
dual slow-moving crises of unaffordability and climate change.

Suggested approaches
The project aims to answer the following research questions:
1) What is the exposure of federally assisted affordable housing to heat, flooding, and air pollution?
How does this risk vary by program type? How does it compare to the respective climate and
pollution risks in low-income communities in general? What is the contribution of the federally
assisted affordable housing program to the concentration of low-income renters and renters of
color in communities with the greatest exposure to heat, flooding, and pollution?
2) How are local housing authorities, housing policy makers, and communities living in federally
assisted units preparing for climate change? What are their data needs in terms of preparing
actionable plans for climate change and rectifying past environmental injustices?
3) In what ways does federal housing policy aimed at low-income renters need to change to redress
the inequitable exposure of low-income communities and communities of color to environmental
injustices and to protect the affordable housing stock from the effects of climate change

To answer these research questions, we will first develop a database that combines housing data,
climate data, pollution data, and land use data from a variety of national-level public sources. We will
then establish a web-based platform with interactive visualizations and develop a Hazard Risk Score
(HRS) for every federally assisted building in the U.S. We will test and validate the national Hazard
Risk Scores (HSR) with local New York City data. As we integrate our data on heat and flooding
with administrative data on housing and data on environmental exposures to unhealthy environments,
we will examine organizational practices of local housing authorities and other public stakeholders as
models for adaptive responses to climate change with respect to affordable housing.

Notes
Parts of this project require some prior knowledge of statistical and GIS applications (e.g., R,
Stata, ArcGIS).