New project case studies available online now.

What is the EECBG?

The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is federal stimulus funding for improving energy efficiency. The dedicated $2 million dollars is to improve energy efficiency in government owned, tenant occupied buildings in Balboa Park.

What does it cost the institution to participate?

Balboa Park Activity EECBG funds cover 100% of the eligible projects. These projects must be leveraged by projects with another form of funding, i.e. be paid by the institution or possibly financed through SDG&E’s On Bill Financing (OBF) program. See incentives.

Where do the projects come from?

Energy audits were conducted in the Balboa Park institutions by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) over the past 5 years. The current energy efficiency project list compiled by the Partnership's Sustainability Office come’s from these audits and other energy efficiency measures which have been identified by the institutions.  Learn where the projects are now!

Who is eligible for the program?

The Balboa Park leaseholders are eligible because the City owns the buildings they occupy.

Are all energy efficiency projects in Balboa Park part of the EECBG program?

The City of San Diego has deferred maintenance bond money to fund many needed projects in Balboa Park. Some of these projects are energy efficiency related and some are not. New roofs, asphalt overlay, and accessibility improvements are some examples of other City funded projects. The City has EECBG revolving loan funds that help fund energy efficiency projects. The Partnership is working with the City to help facilitate coordination of projects in Balboa Park.

Who is the Balboa Park EECBG program point of contact?

Rory Ruppert, Director of Environmental Sustainability. Rory can be reached at 619-232-7502 ext. 204 or rory.ruppert@bpcp.org

• 2009 Sustainability Workshop Series Video (January 21, 2009)
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Status (April 14, 2010)

What is the background of the Balboa Park Sustainability Program?

As one of the United States’ great urban parks, Balboa Park has provided educational and cultural enrichment experiences for the San Diego region for nearly 100 years. The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership (Partnership) is responsible for the successful administration of the Department of Energy (DOE)’s grants to elicit energy efficiency and conservation through retrofits of the existing museums and institutions.  The Partnership was formed in 2003 as the collective voice for 26 San Diego non-profit cultural institutions. Since 2008, The Partnership has worked closely with institutions, saving to-date over 6 million kilowatts hours and $1 million annually. It is anticipated that the above DOE funded additional energy measures will reduce energy consumption by 1.5 million kilowatts and provide energy saving of approximately $228,000, together, the Park Institutions savings will be over $1M annually in 2012. The Partnership is well on their way to reaching their goal of $1.5 million savings annually by 2015.

What is the current status of the Grant?

Read project case studies and learn how much the Park is already saving!

December 2011:

As we come to a close of 2011, we are proud to announce that Balboa Park Activity projects in the EECBG are on target. To date, Partnership’s Sustainability Program has spent over half of the two million dollars allocated to Balboa Park on energy efficiency and conservation projects.  Thirteen projects have been completed from June – December 2011.  These projects completed in 2011 have expected $100,000 and 800,000 kWh annual energy savings.  Institutions are noticing improved infrastructure benefits and energy savings.