The Ecoblock Project: Urban Retrofitting for Sustainability

The Ecoblock Project: Urban Retrofitting for Sustainability

This project focuses on upgrading living areas and addressing the threat of global warming at an urban block scale

The first prototype will retrofit 30 homes in a lower to middle income neighbourhood
using green construction techniques.  By sharing infrastructure and resources during renovations and in later use, we can drive greater energy efficiency all around.  The project will incorporate well-established retrofit strategies to reduce overall energy use, green house emissions, and water consumption.

There will be solar panels installed on house roofs, creating an urban solar farm.  The electrical energy will be stored communally and distributed to homes using a DC Microgrid managed by Smart Controls.  As well, there will be EV Charging stations positioned around the block for charging the shared E-Vehicles,  E-Bikes, and E-Scooters.  These measures can reduce electricity use by 80% and lower carbon emissions close to zero.  Private fossil fuel cars and residential buildings contribute up to 50% of greenhouse gases. 

Rain water will be collected and purified for use in washing machines and low flushed toilets.  Efficient shower heads and efficient taps will be installed, further maximizing water efficiency.  Grey water will be used for gardens and black water from toilets will be recycled for other irrigation uses.  These strategies can reduce water usage by 50%.  To help solve storm-water problems and recharge the groundwater, new permeable sidewalks and pavements will be incorporated.

Ecoblock projects can provide local investment in green jobs and green infrastructure, revitalizing our urban communities and helping low to middle income families to improve their lives.  The key to this project is to engage community residents and help build resilient and sustainable cities.  The Ecoblock offers a systematic design platform that can be adapted and scaled to any city in the world.