The Zero Energy Live/Learn Residential Ecovillage
Communities for Global Sustainability LLC (C4GS-ZEDlife - DBA)
Recipient
San Diego, CA
Recipient Location
39th
Senate District
79th
Assembly District
$987,480
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
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 ReportThe 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
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.

Economic Development
Generate jobs through local workforce development programs and increase community engagement without risking quality.
Key Project Members

Adria Fox

Mailon Rivera

Bill Dunster

Steph Groce

Dr. MA Greenstein
Subrecipients

U.S. Green Building Council - San Diego Chapter

Guttman & Blaevoet

I Am Green Inc

Ivy Energy

Rivieh

Frisco & White

ENERlite Consulting

Match Partners

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

Guttman &

Blaevoet

Ivy Energy

ENERlite
