Zero-Energy Buildings to Zero-Energy Communities This op-ed was written by CEC President’s Council Member and Allen Construction Chair Dennis Allen. It…
2019 Workshops and Resources In the Fall and Winter of 2019, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) partnered with city and…
Renowned architect Ed Mazria, whose lecture one decade ago prompted Santa Barbara City to adopt one of the most progressive…
Join us for a presentation by internationally acclaimed architect and thought leader Ed Mazria. Over the past decade, Ed’s seminal…
For businesses throughout Santa Barbara County, making the initial decision to go green is often the easiest part. But identifying which green practices—from recycling and reducing waste to conserving or even generating energy—make the most economic sense and implementing them can be a herculean task all of its own.
If last weekend’s hot weather has proved nothing else, it’s summer. For some, summer sparks the thought of surfing, beach…
When the Santa Barbara-based ambulatory surgical center (ASC) and physician practice management company, MedBridge, purchased a new building and moved its headquarters into the funk zone, the executive team knew they wanted the location to demonstrate the company’s “holistic approach to building and core values as a business,” said MedBridge Chief of Staff Ruth Loomer, co-chair of CEC’s Partnership Council.
Refrigerators and freezers consume about one-sixth of all electricity in a typical American home1, making them the most energy-consuming household…
The old saying goes that knowledge is power. For those who – like me – are interested in knowing more…
The Carrot Mob was a success! A buzz was in the air and the mood was upbeat as people bellied…
Join us in a Carrot Mob for Telegraph Brewing Company (416 North Salsipuedes St) on Saturday, October 13, from noon…
Robert and Ellen Lilley were considering purchasing an electric vehicle to reduce their carbon footprint. However when Robert, an electrical…
My journey is one of many steps. Thirty years ago I built a modest house for our family near the upper end of Mission Canyon that was quite green at the time. Our utility bills were miniscule. Nevertheless, in 1999, we installed photovoltaic panels to generate most of our electricity. However, I was troubled by the fact that, living in upper Mission Canyon, we went everywhere around town in our cars -- yes, that is plural. The only way I saw to reduce this dependence on fossil fuel was to move downtown.
Concern about energy and resource use evolved from a basic value that I have held for a long time -- namely, the sacredness of all life. Spending a lot of time camping and backpacking as a child and teenager shaped this reverence for life and my becoming a conscientious objector to war.
As we know, tensions around the possession and exploitation of the planet's finite resources—fossil fuels being prominent on this list—have and continue to lead to many wars and the destruction of many creatures and habitats. I remember being stuck in long lines of cars waiting for gas during the OPEC oil embargo in 1973. That event sparked my involvement with solar energy and efforts to move away from our over-reliance on fossil fuels. This awareness has undergirded my path of using fewer non-replaceable resources.
About 6 years ago, we and 2 other couples began designing a 4 condo infill project just a few blocks off State Street. We harnessed the sun for powering the buildings in all ways—space heating, hot water, and electricity. This combined with rigorous energy conservation measures has nearly freed us from fossil fuels in our homes.
The next step was to get rid of my car, which I did about 8 months ago. Now biking or walking gets me wherever I need to go with the occasional negotiated use of my wife's car. Even though my geographic world has shrunk, my interactive world has increased. I meet more people—old friends, new friends and casual interactions—than I ever did in the past. Best of all, I love it.
Being a part of a small living community has also been wonderful. Visiting, helping, borrowing, lending and sharing on a daily basis is a lost pattern of living for most of America.
The frosting on the cake for this journey (and totally unplanned) is having our son, his partner, and their new baby – our granddaughter – living in the flat just above us. Multi-generations living together is prevalent in most countries of the world but not so common in the U.S. today. This old family living arrangement has brought us great joy and richness. It makes me think often of the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child."
Pictured left to right: Coffee Cat employee, Robert Hattery and Coffee Cat owner, Krista Fritzen with Community Environmental Council's Cory…
Everyone wants a home that is safe, comfortable and efficient, but often our homes have poor indoor air quality, are…
The Towbes Group has a motto – “do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” The company’s commitment…
Who knew everyday objects like windows and doors would start a flourishing green building business? Brian Larkowski got his start…
A buzz was in the air and Coffee Cat was teeming with people on Saturday, January 21st. We put the…
Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year, CEC advances rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. See our Impact Report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast. Support our work by texting GIVE to 805-600-3360 or visiting us at www.cecsb.org/give.