This blog is part of the Energy Crossroads Podcast series, helping listeners learn more about the episode in an alternative format.
In a recent episode of the Energy Crossroads podcast, Adele Houghton, FAIA, DrPH, LEED AP, provided a compelling view into the interconnection of architecture, public health, and climate resilience. A green building and public health expert, Adele views the built environment as a key driver to public health outcomes.
This episode centered on two timely topics: the recently released U.S. Climate Resilience for Healthcare (CR4HC) Toolkit and Adele’s new book, Architectural Epidemiology. These works provide both practical tools and a vision for rethinking how we design buildings and engage communities – ensuring resilience is built in so that we can address a changing climate.
The Climate Resilience for Healthcare Toolkit is a hands-on resource for healthcare systems looking to assess and improve their resilience to events including extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires. The toolkit was developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with other federal agencies and is an interactive website that helps organizations look beyond infrastructure upgrades and to consider cross-sector partnerships as part of their resilience planning. In this episode, Dr. Houghton explains that healthcare facilities can serve as anchor points for broader community resilience.
We also discussed her book, Architectural Epidemiology, co-authored with Professor Carlos Castillo-Salgado of Johns Hopkins University, showcases how using data-driven health insights combined with architectural best practices we can shape environments that proactively lessen disease, reduce emissions, and help shield against extreme events. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, positioning the built environment as a tool for advancing health of people and the planet. Adele discussed the connection between our physical environments and health outcomes, reframing design through a public health lens.
This conversation provides a roadmap for deeper integration and broader impact as the spaces we build shape the lives we lead. We must design with the future in mind for healthier, more sustainable, and resilient communities.
To listen to this Energy Crossroads Podcast episode, click here.
