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Register: AIA Conference on Architecture 2023 (June 7-10)

Mark your calendars for A’23! Join experts from across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry from June 7-10, 2023 in San Francisco to explore bold ideas that are shaping the future of practice.

Bird's eye view of the Transamerica Pyramid amidst the urban backdrop of San Francisco. Text reads: A'23. Jun 7-10. SF. Register Now.

This year’s conference will feature a session from the EcoBlock team:

Oakland EcoBlock: Much More Than a Microgrid (June 8, 2-3:30 PM PT)

The Oakland EcoBlock offers an approach to complete decarbonization of an existing block-long street in the culturally diverse Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, California. Attendees will learn how an interdisciplinary team of residents, community organizers, researchers, planners, engineers, architects, builders, attorneys, and city and utility representatives collaborated in reducing carbon emissions to zero, increasing resilience, and strengthening community in this low/middle-income neighborhood, providing a scalable pathway toward decarbonization of existing urban neighborhoods in other communities. An EcoBlock team panel will discuss the project; legal, technical, and engagement challenges and solutions; lessons learned; and a holistic path for decarbonizing existing residential neighborhoods.

Speakers:

  • Therese Peffer – EcoBlock Principal Investigator; Associate Director, California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE), CITRIS & the Banatao Institute, UC Berkeley
  • Susi Marzuola, AIA – EcoBlock Design/Construction Team; Principal, Siegel & Strain Architects
  • Andrea Traber – EcoBlock Energy Team; Senior Principal, Integral Group
  • Amy Dryden – EcoBlock Design/Construction Team; Director of Strategic Innovations, Association for Energy Affordability

Register for the conference

More 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.

Guest Talk by Benjamin Jones: How Harmful is Indoor Air? (July 31)

Curious about the effects of indoor air on human health and well-being? UC Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment will host a guest talk by Professor Benjamin Jones from the University of Nottingham on July 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm PT. This is a hybrid in-person and online event.