Project Summary: Advancing Climate Resilience in Houston's Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens
Lead Researcher: Dr. Bruce Race, University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design
In collaboration with the City of Houston Health Department, Dr. Bruce Race, along with assistant professors Mili Kyropoulou and Dalia Munenzon, embarks on a groundbreaking initiative to develop a comprehensive climate resilience strategy for the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens communities in Houston. This endeavor is funded by a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the government-to-government grant program, aimed at addressing climate resiliency, environmental vulnerability, and economic disparities experienced by communities.
Goals:
The overarching goal of this project is to empower the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens communities to withstand and adapt to the challenges posed by extreme temperatures and flooding. The initiative seeks to establish a community-driven climate resilience plan that specifically focuses on stormwater management and mitigation of urban heat islands (UHI). The ultimate objective is to enhance the overall well-being of the community by addressing environmental vulnerabilities and economic disadvantages through informed and sustainable infrastructure investments.
Methods:
The research team, comprising experts from the University of Houston's Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, will collaborate with the City of Houston in a community-based process spanning 12 to 18 months. This process involves extensive engagement with the local community to understand their unique challenges, gather insights, and co-create a neighborhood resilience plan. Driven by the input of community members, the plan will prioritize stormwater management and UHI mitigation, with the aim of informing both pilot projects and broader infrastructure investments.
The challenge at hand encompasses the disproportionately high urban heat island (UHI) temperatures and vulnerability to flooding experienced by the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods. Houston's UHI temperatures, which are twice the national average, contribute to elevated energy bills, particularly affecting lower-income households without central air conditioning. The research team, leveraging Dr. Race's expertise in mapping energy poverty, aims to address these issues by implementing green infrastructure stormwater solutions to complement traditional public works projects.
Key Focus Areas:
Urban Heat Islands (UHI) Mitigation: The project will explore strategies to mitigate UHI effects by introducing green infrastructure, such as increased vegetative cover, to reduce surface temperatures during extreme heat events. This includes identifying areas with a high energy cost burden and implementing solutions to alleviate energy poverty.
Stormwater Management: Given the historical vulnerability to flooding in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, the resilience plan will prioritize stormwater management strategies. The goal is to enhance infrastructure resilience against flooding events, protecting both structures and roadways in flood-prone areas.
Expected Outcomes:
The project envisions not only a resilient and climate-ready Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens but also a replicable model for addressing climate challenges in vulnerable communities. By integrating green infrastructure solutions, the research team aims to beautify neighborhoods, reduce energy costs, and improve overall environmental and public health outcomes. The community-driven approach ensures that the resilience plan aligns with the specific needs and aspirations of the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens residents.
This EPA-funded initiative builds on the City's post-Hurricane Harvey mitigation action plan and aims to supplement gray infrastructure projects with innovative green solutions. By blending traditional public works with community-centric green initiatives, the project strives to create a holistic and sustainable climate resilience strategy for these historically underserved communities.