BayREN Welcomes the First Decarbonization Showcase Projects

BayREN’s new Decarbonization Showcase helps pave the way for cleaner, more sustainable public buildings across the Bay Area by supporting their transition to all-electric, energy-efficient operations. With a focus on equity, resilience, and real-world impact, these pilot projects demonstrate scalable solutions for reducing emissions across diverse communities and building types.

In April 2025, five projects across different counties in the Bay Area were selected to participate. “Each selected Showcase project represents a step forward in building a healthier, more resilient Bay Area,” said Program Manager, Alyssa Dykman. The Decarbonization Showcase aims to: 

• Collect and share real-world data on decarbonization approaches across design, construction, and operation stages for public buildings in a variety of climate zones.
• Offer free technical and financial support to participants, with a focus on projects serving equity priority communities.
• Share findings and insights through case studies, peer network calls, and webinars, while developing metrics to communicate the full range of decarbonization impacts.

The participating sites include the following: 

Roosevelt Community Center, San José

Located in an Equity Priority Community, this neighborhood hub offers childcare, elder care, and emergency services. The Showcase will electrify the Center’s cooking, HVAC and water heating systems, supporting San José’s Climate Smart goals while improving indoor air quality and public health.

Belle Haven Child Care Development Center, Menlo Park

This early childhood center serves low-income families in a historically underserved neighborhood. The project will electrify the HVAC and cooking systems, enhancing air quality and resilience during wildfire season in alignment with Menlo Park’s Climate Action Plan.

The Village Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco

A vital community facility in Visitacion Valley, the center houses programs supporting families, youth and workforce development. Upgrades will electrify HVAC and water heating systems to ensure safe, uninterrupted service while supporting San Francisco’s building decarbonization goals.

San Anselmo Library, San Anselmo

A trusted public space and emergency hub, this historic library will electrify its HVAC system, enhancing comfort and sustainability. The project supports the Town’s Climate Action Plan and serves as a local model for clean energy education.

Temescal Branch Library, Oakland

Home to the city’s Tool Lending Library, this well-loved community space will upgrade to an all-electric HVAC system with cooling, reinforcing its role as a climate resilience hub and aligning with Oakland’s Equitable Climate Action Plan.

These projects aren’t just upgrades, they show what’s possible when local governments commit to sustainability and equity. BayREN is proud to support this transformation and to share lessons learned across the region.