Proposed Reach Codes for Energy and Building Construction

The Emeryville City Council will be considering several 'reach codes' to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted through building construction and operations. Reach codes are enhancements to the state building codes that have been proven to be cost-effective, and that help the city and state achieve our climate action goals. The reach codes currently being considered are primarily related to new construction, with a few requirements for existing buildings where related retrofits are being done. The intent is to enact changes in line with many other cities in the region, in order to make reduced-GHG building construction and operation achievable and cost-effective.  

2019 & 2020 - Ongoing consideration of reach codes at public City of Emeryville Sustainability Committee meetings.

October 19, 2020 - Public webinar soliciting feedback on proposed energy and building material reach codes. 

March 2, 2021 - City of Emeryville City Council consideration of proposed building materials and energy reach codes. 

April 21, 2021 - Public webinar on energy reach codes as they pertain to the life sciences sector.

Bike to Wherever Month

The Bay Area’s annual Bike to Work Day has been re-imagined as “Bike to Wherever Day” (BTWD) encouraging people across the nine-county region to participate in a myriad of activities to promote cycling throughout May.

As part of the May activities, bicycle coalitions and traffic management organizations throughout the region are holding virtual classes and events. A key element in all of this is an online event where folks can register to participate and win prices, yet ride safely on their own. Without as much emphasis on the single day as in years past, there will be some events on May 1st to mark Bike to Wherever Day.

To register and for information about the programs and prizes that can be won, please visit https://www.lovetoride.net/bayarea

2020 Protect Your Happy Place Cleanup

This year, Coastal Cleanup is all month long and starts right at your door. Because no matter where litter happens, it all flows downstream to the coast and becomes ocean pollution when the rain comes.

So choose a day (or several!) in September and go out by yourself, with your family or a small group of friends and protect your happy place by picking up litter close to home! Local parks, shores, creeks, streets, sidewalks, drainage areas, natural areas, and trails are all good choices.

A How-To from the Coastal Commission on doing your own neighborhood cleanup can be found here

Remember to download the CleanSwell App, log your trash, and record the most unusual item found for more opportunities to win prizes!

Emeryville Earth Day 2020: Connecting Climate and Health

Fifty years later, the efforts to protect and restore earth’s ecosystems are ongoing, and with thanks to individual and group action, are increasingly effective. Each one of us is a necessary part of this change. 

This year, the focus of Earth Day has shifted from community events and volunteerism to online action and engagement. We invite you to play Emeryville Earth Day Bingo (prizes available) and visit the Emeryville Virtual Recreation Center for virtual events and resources that celebrate and support our families, our communities, and our environment.

Click here to learn more about Earth Day and play Emeryville Earth Day Bingo. For questions or to learn how to get involved in future Emeryville environmental events, please send an email to nhumphrey@emeryville.org