WELCOME,

TO MOUNTZED!

C4GS Logo
We were given an "EPIC Challenge"

Project Overview

The MountZED Ecovillage is an innovative housing solution that addresses the urgent need for sustainable, zero-carbon, and zero-waste living in San Diego. Developed by C4GS-ZEDlife, this project aims to create a clean, healthy, and equitable living environment.

Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the California Energy Commission, our project partners, and the dedicated individuals who made this project possible.

California Energy Commission Logo
Hello,

Welcome to the MountZED Ecovillage, a pioneering sustainable housing project designed to meet California's zero-net-energy goals.

Our community combines advanced green building practices with a focus on affordability and active community engagement, making eco-friendly living accessible and collaborative for all residents.

MountZED Ecovillage Hero

Design and Construction

Our design aims to reduce energy burdens by using advanced energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources to lower consumption and costs for residents. We create resilience through clean transportation by incorporating electric vehicle charging stations and promoting electric bikes and scooters. To ensure equity, we implement shared energy solutions that distribute renewable energy benefits fairly among all residents, including historically marginalized communities. We integrate low-carbon materials to minimize environmental impact and prioritize local supply chains to support the regional economy, reduce emissions, and ensure material quality. This approach supports sustainability, economic resilience, and community empowerment, making our development a model for equitable living.

Kit of Parts™ Build System

Our Kit of Parts™ Building System allows for modular, on-site prefab construction, enabling a maisonette unit to be assembled in one week. This system reduces costs and promotes community-led construction.

Architectural Features

The design incorporates passive strategies for optimal indoor thermal comfort, advanced lighting controls, and innovative materials such as CNC-cut plywood and gabion retaining walls.

Energy and Technology

The MountZED Ecovillage features a 682.5 kW solar photovoltaic system designed to meet the entire community's energy demands efficiently. This state-of-the-art system not only provides a reliable and sustainable energy source but also significantly offsets operational carbon emissions, contributing to the ecovillage’s overall goal of achieving zero-carbon living. By harnessing solar energy, the photovoltaic system reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers utility costs for residents, making clean energy accessible and affordable. This comprehensive approach ensures that the ecovillage operates sustainably, benefiting both the environment and the community.

Microgrid Design

Our microgrid system includes solar panels, battery storage, and an energy management system designed to optimize energy use and ensure resilience.

Electric Mobility

Dedicated EV charging stations and an innovative EV sharing program support sustainable mobility within the community.

C4GS Community First Approach Collage
Community Engagement

COMMUNITY FIRST APPROACH

We engage local residents and stakeholders from the outset, ensuring that their input shaped the project. Our approach fosters community stewardship and prevents gentrification.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The project created over 100 local jobs and developed training programs in green building practices, providing pathways to stable, well-paying jobs.

Results and Impact

Key Results

The MountZED Ecovillage achieved significant energy savings through the integration of a 682.5 kW solar photovoltaic system and innovative energy management strategies. This system not only met the community's energy demands but also effectively offset operational carbon emissions, significantly reducing the project's overall carbon footprint. The development utilized advanced construction techniques, such as the Kit of Parts™ Building System, which minimized waste and embodied carbon in materials. These measures collectively enhanced the well-being of residents by providing a healthier, more sustainable living environment.

Policy and Market Impact

Our project aligns closely with San Diego's Climate Action Plan (CAP), contributing to the city's goals of decarbonizing the built environment, increasing access to clean and renewable energy, and promoting sustainable mobility solutions.

The MountZED Ecovillage provides tangible examples of how to implement CAP strategies, such as deploying integrated renewable energy systems and fostering community engagement in sustainability efforts. 

By addressing market barriers and demonstrating the economic viability of sustainable housing, the MountZED Ecovillage encourages policymakers and developers to prioritize environmentally responsible construction and community-focused urban planning​

Zero Energy Fossil Development

Resources

Access our final project report, presentations, and other materials to learn more about the MountZED Ecovillage.

MountZED Ecovillage Case Study

06.03.2024

CEC Final Report

06.30.2024

Media and Press

Read media coverage and press releases about our project and its impact on the community.
Communities LEAP

Mount Hope and C4GS-ZEDlife has been selected as a member of the U.S. Department of Energy's Communities LEAP Cohort 2! 🎉

This incredible opportunity allows us to further our mission of creating sustainable and resilient communities through innovative green solutions. Being part of this prestigious cohort will enable us to collaborate with other leaders in the field, access cutting-edge resources, and drive impactful change in our communities.

CEC Funding Banner

C4GS-ZEDlife is honored to be selected as a $1M award winner in the California Energy Commission's The Next EPIC Challenge! 🌟

This prestigious award recognizes our innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions and will enable us to further our mission of creating resilient, green communities. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to bring our vision to life with the support of the California Energy Commission.

Meet our Partners

At C4GS-ZEDlife, everything we do is in partnership. Through our network of program and funding partners, we are able to create something together that we would not be able to do on our own.

Get in Touch

For more information about the MountZED Ecovillage, please contact us at info@c4gs.org or call (619) 630-5730

© Copyright 2024 C4GS-ZEDlife, LLC. - All Rights Reserved   *(em)powered with ❤️ by UrbanAlchemy360