From establishing a non-profit community association to conducting block-scale efficiency and electrification retrofits, the Oakland EcoBlock has made significant headway over the past four and a half years. EcoBlock principal investigator Dr. Therese Peffer shares a behind-the-scenes look into the project.
In recent years, electricity rates have risen significantly across California, affecting us all. It's key to understanding the underlying causes behind these changes and exploring effective strategies for managing electricity usage and costs together.
Oakland is known for hosting many vibrant festivals, but few can match the continued popularity of Oakland First Fridays, which celebrate the city's vibrant community and culture.
Decarbonizing the U.S. housing sector, while crucial for combatting climate change, faces challenges of market scalability and affordability. A recent report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory identifies key challenges to advancing residential decarbonization and explains how solutions—such as the Oakland EcoBlock project—offer opportunities for a clean energy future.
Here in California, we are working to be world leaders in the fight against climate change. State law requires that by 2030, 60% of electricity be supplied by renewable energy, and by 2045, 100% of electricity be from carbon-free or renewable energy sources. To reach these goals, we will need to build and use more renewable energy, primarily solar and wind generation.
There are an estimated 700 unhoused, “transition-aged youth” between the ages of 18–24 who live in Alameda County. Youth Spirit Artworks (YSA) is a Berkeley-based non-profit organization that has taken groundbreaking steps to help these individuals as they enter adulthood.
While they may not be as fast or convenient as BART or the Bay Bridge, ferries are a key part of the Bay Area’s public infrastructure. EcoBlock’s Amit Cohen explores the history of this maritime mode of transportation.
With summer well underway, bringing with it a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables in season, read on for some recipes to reduce food waste—including crunchy veggie chips, leftover fruit crumble, Persian tahdig, and more!
The Oakland EcoBlock team breaks down the water conservation and resilience strategies that will be deployed as part of the pilot research project at the 2023 Water Conservation Showcase.