The Zero Energy Live/Learn Residential Ecovillage

Building Decarbonization Grid Decarbonization and Decentralization

Communities for Global Sustainability LLC (C4GS-ZEDlife - DBA)

Recipient

San Diego, CA

Recipient Location

39th

Senate District

79th

Assembly District

beenhere

$987,480

Amount Spent

closed

Completed

Project Status

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Project Result

In 2023, the project team continued work on the transportation design, workforce development, community outreach, energy modeling, building science and construction methodology, local sourcing, and land acquisition. The team also completed the schematic design for the development which was submitted as part of the proposal to receive funding to build out the project in Phase II. This project was ultimately not selected for Phase II funding, but the project team still plans to implement their designed development. In 2024, the Final Project Report was published, and the project was closed out.

A project video, which was highlighted in 2023 EPIC's Annual Symposium, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1PKL6ZkKyM&list=PLIcSRKAeCVRjlZYqQRteN…

View Final Report

The Issue

Construction costs for Zero Energy Development (ZED) housing have traditionally been high for the affordable housing market. Technological advancements in sustainability are only accessible by top-tier projects, which limits the energy-saving potential and climate change protection to the larger segment of the population. Furthermore, building codes aren't keeping up with emerging technologies, which could lead to cost reduction or create new revenue streams. In addition, grid overloads at peak times are causing stress on the current infrastructure, which makes monitoring mixed-use facilities and affordable housing communities difficult.

Project Innovation

This project will include the design of an affordable multi-use housing community that counters the forces of accelerating climate change over the building's expected lifespan. In which all buildings are designed to maximize energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy and durability, minimize embodied carbon and keep energy demand to a minimum; where knowledge transfer takes place to help people understand new and emerging energy technologies.

Project Goals

Measure Energy Consumption using modeling tools to demonstrate the amount of energy reduced throughout the buildings.

Reduce waste by Modular building design.

Reduce the build time by employing a highly pre-engineered system that cuts time from the construction schedule.

Reduce tenant waste through direct incentives.

Produce an All-electric building design that minimizes energy consumption during peak hours.

Generate jobs through local workforce development programs and increase community engagement without risking quality.

Incentivize Smart Energy Behavior by capturing the financial benefits of investments in distributed energy resources.

Create a knowledge transfer model that informs all cultures and community members on the ZEDlife and zero carbon solutions

Project Benefits

This project will result in the ratepayer benefits of greater electricity reliability and lower costs through the use of a virtual grid and in unit monitoring.