The Atherton Library, along with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and single family home in Redwood City and the Whitehair Home in San Mateo, recently received 2023 building electrification awards from Peninsula Clean Energy.
The Atherton Library, an all-electric 9,601-square-foot public library completed in June 2022, earned the 2023 All-Electric Leader, Outstanding Commercial Project distinction. Nearly double the size of the previous library, the new building is “wired for a 100 kW rooftop solar system intended to supply all of the structure’s energy needs.l,” according to PCE. The library was also named an honorable mention for the 2023 Green Building Award from SSMC and American Institute of Architects’ San Mateo County Chapter.
“The Atherton Library represents the evolution of our city center by showcasing how building innovation can support our carbon-reduction goals while preserving historic charm,” said Rick DeGolia, Atherton council member and chair of Peninsula Clean Energy’s board of directors. “We designed and built this facility with no natural gas connection, so it is a 100 percent all-electric building.”
The Casita Kastrop ADU, a 699 square foot backyard cottage in Redwood City, received the 2023 All-Electric Leader, Outstanding Residential New Construction (Accessory Dwelling Unit) award. The cottage “features solar panels and battery storage to provide all normal electricity required for residents, as well as enough storage for three or more days of emergency power if needed,” states PCE.
“It’s exciting to see Redwood City residents building Accessory Dwelling Units that achieve comfort and energy efficiency through all-electric design and innovation,” Redwood City Councilmember Elmer Martinez Saballos said.
Solar and Heat Pumping to the Max, a 1,750-square-foot single-family home in Redwood City, earned the 2023 All-Electric Leader, Most Inspirational Residential Project. And at 2,200 square feet, the Whitehair Home in San Mateo received the 2023 Electric Leader, Outstanding Residential Modernization.
Each winner will receive a $2,000 cash award and will be presented a plaque at Sustainable San Mateo County’s 24th Annual Awards Celebration on March 30.
Photo courtesy of The Atherton Library
