Block by Block:

Strategies for a Resilient and Carbon Neutral Future

About the Project

EcoBlock is a deep retrofit of existing residential homes to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life for all community members.

EcoBlock is creating a model for block-scale community retrofits with in-home energy & water-efficient upgrades, electrification, solar, and storage

ecoblock neighborhood cross-section

Solar PV on existing roof

Shared bicycles

Shared electric vehicle (EV) and EV charger

Street trees

Distributed battery storage

Electric lines for distribution

Rain gardens

Pad-mounted transformer

Central battery storage

Insulation and improved thermal comfort

Shared electric scooters

Electrification and improved indoor air quality

Energy- and water-efficient appliances

Explore EcoBlock disciplines:

Visit the Design Strategies page
Visit the Business and Finance page
Visit the Community page
Visit the Policy and Law page
Visit the California Institute for Energy and Environment website
Visit the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory website
Visit the UC Berkeley website
Visit the California Energy Commission website

The California Energy Commission funded Phase 1 and is now funding Phase 2 of the Oakland EcoBlock Project (Contract Number: EPC-18-013.).

Latest Blog Posts

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Our Team

City of Oakland logo
Siegel and Strain Architects
sherwood design engineers logo
Introba logo
Association for Energy Affordability
Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center
morgan lewis
perkins coie logo
Microgrid Labs
Oakland Neighbors for Equity (ONE) logo
Orrick logo
civic design lab logo
Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, and Environment logo
redhorse constructors logo
lawrence berkeley national lab logo
heila logo
Sun Light & Power logo
Eco Performance Builders logo
MIG logo
SmartBlock Consulting logo
Nissan logo
It's Electric logo

See Team Members

Featured News

Getting Off Gas, Block by Block

Despite its complexities, block-level decommissioning is likely more effective than an individual, house-by-house approach, offering untapped economies of scale that can be replicated across California. Dr. Therese Peffer provides insight into the challenges of pruning gas at the neighborhood block scale and its implications for the Oakland EcoBlock project.

September 18, 2024

Disclaimer: This website was prepared as the result of work sponsored by the California Energy Commission. It does not necessarily represent the views of the Energy Commission, its employees or the State of California. The Energy Commission, the State of California, its employees, contractors and subcontractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no legal liability for the information in this website; nor does any party represent that the uses of this information will not infringe upon privately owned rights. This website has not been approved or disapproved by the California Energy Commission nor has the California Energy Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the information in this website.