In a recent op-ed published by Capitol Weekly, Greg Chasen, owner of Chasen Architecture and one of TIME100 Climate’s 2025 list of leaders, writes about how better construction home builds, specifically tightly insulated homes with unvented attics, not only serve as a hedge against rising energy costs, but also increase building resiliency, especially in the wake of natural disasters like wildfires.
An unvented attic is created when an air impermeable insulation, like spray foam insulation, is used on the underside of a roof deck, which moves the attic inside the home’s building envelope, protecting the entire structure from extreme outside temperatures and elements, helping homeowners save on their energy bills.
An unvented attic also removes the need for vents, which are used in most attic designs to prevent condensation. However, in communities vulnerable to wildfires, vents are among the easiest ways for embers, heat, and smoke to get in, igniting a home. Unvented attics block embers from entering, greatly reducing the risk of significant fire damage.
One of Chasen’s home builds, which incorporated several resiliency designs, including an unvented attic and spray foam insulation, survived the devastating Palisades Fire that tore through southern California earlier this year. The tightly sealed building envelope also meant the home was impervious to smoke and toxic contaminant damage, meaning the homeowners were able to quickly and safely return home.
Chasen calls on California officials and regulators to update building codes to incentivize using unvented attics, which will reduce energy use and increase resiliency, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Read the full op-ed here.