Martinez, CA – Contra Costa County was awarded $356,510 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
This funding, which is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), supports efforts to reduce energy use, improve efficiency, and cut emissions. Contra Costa County will channel the funds into two key projects that align with its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP): retrofitting licensed, home-based childcare facilities and creating an inventory of existing buildings in unincorporated areas.
Retrofitting Childcare Facilities to Improve Energy Efficiency
A significant portion of the funding will be dedicated to upgrading licensed, home-based childcare facilities in disadvantaged census tracts within unincorporated Contra Costa County. These upgrades will lower energy costs for facility operators and enhance indoor air quality and comfort for children and educators.
The County is partnering with CocoKids, a nonprofit organization focused on early childhood development, to identify eligible facilities and provide technical assistance. The project supports the County’s CAAP goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing clean energy in the built environment. Retrofits will take place over the next two years or until the funds are fully utilized.
Building Inventory to Guide Clean Energy Transition
A portion of the funding will also support the creation of a comprehensive inventory of buildings in unincorporated areas. This inventory will document building conditions and characteristics, providing essential data to develop the County’s first Clean Energy Roadmap and inform policy and program development for transitioning to clean energy.
“Retrofitting daycare facilities in impacted communities to improve indoor air quality for young children and teachers is an ideal use of these funds,” said Board Chair Federal Glover, District 5 Supervisor. “This project highlights our commitment to community health and sustainability.”
The roadmap will serve as a strategic guide for achieving CAAP goals, including reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.
“The County is committed to helping residents and businesses transition to sustainable energy sources,” added District 1 Supervisor John Gioia. “Our goal is to help licensed home-based childcare facilities benefit from this transition and to convert other existing buildings to clean energy.”
For more information about these projects and Contra Costa County’s clean energy initiatives, visit Climate Action Plan | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.
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