Weatherization of a building involves tightening the building envelope such that less air and heat are able to transfer between the inside and outside. Weatherization lowers homeowner energy costs, improves thermal comfort, and reduces carbon emissions. We are researching how weatherization changes the microbiomes of homes and therefore how weatherization effects health.

In an ongoing project with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Studies and Buildings Laboratory and the Biology and the Built Environment Center, along with Oregon Research Institute collaborators, are investigating the effect of home weatherization on microbial ecology, indoor air quality, homeowner behavior, and ultimately occupant health. Every home we studied received a custom report describing the air quality and microbial results for their house. Click here to download an example report.