As the Oakland EcoBlock project nears completion, the team recently shared their insights on how communities can drive local climate solutions—and what changes might help future EcoBlocks break ground faster.
The original EcoBlock vision entailed upgrading an entire neighborhood block in East Oakland with energy- and water-efficient appliances, home performance improvements, and shared amenities, including rooftop solar panels, a community microgrid, and an electric vehicle and charger. The goal was to demonstrate the economies of scale associated with aggregated, block-by-block retrofits, rather than the typical, house-by-house approach.
Credit: Beth LaBerge/KQED
However, the team had to adapt its all-electric plan due to rising costs and supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a complete overhaul, they focused on addressing heating and cooling systems—the largest sources of pollution in homes. This strategic shift yielded valuable insights, not only about retrofitting buildings but about fostering community.
There’s “something about tapping into a community and strengthening the real relationships with good people […],” said Dr. Therese Peffer, the principal investigator of EcoBlock. “The door to door, the face to face, the people that pass you day to day on the street.”
With the final solar panels slated to go live this fall, the team plans to share in-depth lessons and guides that communities can use to kickstart their own EcoBlocks.