2023: End of Year Summary
Reflecting on 2023, the Cool Irvine program experienced significant triumphs. The year started with securing a 2-year program extension with the City of Irvine after many program participants made public comment in support of the program at a city council meeting in February. The community's dedication this innovative environmental initiative by waiting hours to testify, some engaging with the city council for the first time. Mayor Farrah Khans placed the item for consideration on the agenda, and it was supported by Councilmembers Larry Agran, Tammy Kim, and Mike Carroll.
As the program was extended, June marked a turning point, enabling the expansion of the 2nd annual Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair. We doubled the number of partners who exhibited at the fair and were able to secure several sponsors, such as OC Power Authority, Irvine Ranch Water District, South Coast AQMD, OC Habitats, We Compost2, and OC Goes Solar, to name a few, with over 200 residents attending the event. Vice Mayor Tammy Kim was able to stop by and speak to attendees.
Being able to fund the program allowed Cool Irvine to transition to a new online platform in August, which enhanced tracking capabilities and engagement. On top of tracking carbon emissions reduced, it tracks water, natural gas (therms), electricity (kWhs), and estimated money saved from sustainable actions performed on the platform.
August brought further recognition as Mayor Farrah Khan featured Cool Irvine as one of several innovative city programs addressing climate change at the Investigative Hearing on Climate Resiliency organized by OC Board of Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento. Our Program Director, Patty Oh, also made public comment at the hearing stressing the urgent need for climate action at the county level and encouraged the board of supervisors to bring federal climate funds to OC. As the county looks to create a county-wide climate action plan, they are looking at successful climate programs that can engage the community, encouraging adaptation and resilience.
The Cool Irvine program received the 2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award at the League of California Cities Conference in September, a testament to its impactful initiatives. Pictured here are some of our original block leaders, volunteers and city staff.
Cool Irvine stayed active throughout the months, attending various events/workshops. These included the Asian American Business Association of Orange County, Recycling Townhall, Solar Townhall, Solarize Irvine Workshop, Irvine Senior Expo, Global Village Festival, and Fall Fiesta. All while hosting many virtual and in-person socials, info sessions, and training!
As we wrap up 2023, these achievements energizes us to move forward with optimism. The year has been a testament to the community's dedication to planet friendly living, climate resilience and building community in our neighborhoods. With gratitude for the milestones and memories, we eagerly anticipate creating even more positive change in 2024.
2023 LCOY West Youth Conference
We had an amazing time helping Edward Huang with Youngo, the youth consituency of the UN, organize this LCOY event! Youth advocates Ari Jong, Sky Keyong, and Johanna Speiser spoke about their work. Special Guest Mayor Farrah Khan gave an inspirational keynote talk about climate action at the city level and how youth can influence legislation. Edward Huang from Youngo and Patty Oh, Cool OC's director, moderated the event.
2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award
We proudly announce that the Cool Irvine program received the 2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation award and the Platinum Level "Spotlight" Award for efforts to reduce natural gas use as an agency by 38% over the past year. The Beacon Program recognizes and supports California local agencies working to build more vibrant and sustainable communities. Beacon honors voluntary efforts by cities, counties, and special districts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies that promote sustainability.
City of Irvine CAAP Update
Thursday, November 2nd at 6 pm via Zoom. We had some fantastic leaders attend a workshop for Cool Irvine by the wonderful Selene Lawrence. It provided a lot of information on the CAAP update, and everyone was able to give feedback and engage in discussion!
The O.C. Sierran
Preview: Cool Irvine write up in The O.C. Sierran
Cool Irvine Sustainability
Fair
On June 24th, 2023, we had a wonderful time at the Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair hosted at Heritage Park! This event provided information on energy efficiency, disaster preparedness, plant-based diets, rebates/tax credits, water conservation, and solar/battery storage!
We thank all of the excellent volunteers and we are appreciative of the support from the community and our partners!
Cool Irvine Program Renewed for 2 Years!
February 28th, 2023
The Mayor and Council Members voted to extend support for the Cool Irvine Program for another 2 years!
The Cool Irvine family rallied by writing in, attending the City Council meeting, waiting 5 hours to make a public comment with others waiting just as long on Zoom to make their statement. The Mayor and City Council seemed moved by the stories of residents connecting with neighbors and learning how to live sustainably. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated!
It was an amazing team effort, and we appreciate the council recognizing our work!
Tom Making Public Comment at City Hall
February 28, 2023
Cool Blocks 2022 Pilot Results
We Did It Irvine - 30% Average Carbon Reduction Per Household!
The final Cool Irvine 2022 results are in, and the impact is something to make us all proud!
We had 71 Cool Irvine leaders who led 210 participating households who took 1,734 actions to reduce 727,516 pounds of carbon!
That's the equivalent to taking 71 gas burning cars off the road for an entire year!
Based on our experiences in 2022, we will continue to improve and expand the program. Many participants have connected with neighbors while making sustainable changes to their homes or making a disaster preparedness plan.
To join our next training in February, sign up HERE. Details to be announced.
We Love Our Volunteers
Thank you to everyone who volunteered during 2022! You made this program possible! To join our amazing team of volunteers, click here.
Cool Blocks Mid-Year Status Report
Since the start of the program in January 2022, we have 60 Cool Blocks and over 164 participating households. See below to see the collective actions and amount of carbon emissions reduced!
Cool Blocks in Action
Join us to be a part of a fun, inclusive and sustainable journey.
The Cool City Challenge Grant requires 120 active blocks by end of 2022. We have gotten off to a great start, but we need to keep that momentum going.
We currently have over 60 active blocks. Here is the map of existing Cool Block Leaders in Irvine from cohort 1, 2 and 3. Get your block on the map by joining us for our next training in September!
Irvine chooses 100% Renewable Energy Service for
OCPA customers
Irvine residents and businesses will soon be able to choose whether they would like to increase their renewable energy service through the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). OCPA is a new independent, locally governed, not-for-profit Community Choice Energy provider for residential and commercial power services in Irvine.
On February 8, 2022, the Irvine City Council unanimously voted to select the 100% Renewable Energy default service level for all OCPA customers in Irvine. This is a major step toward meeting Irvine's goals of carbon neutrality by 2030. As a result, all Irvine residents and businesses will receive all of their energy from renewable sources unless they choose a lower tier or opt-out and remain with Southern California Edison (SCE) as their power provider. Service for commercial customers will begin in April 2022, and service for residential customers will begin in October 2022. For questions, please call OCPA’s customer call center at 1-866-262-7693 or visit their webpage at ocpower.org/contact-us/.
For more information please visit: https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/orange-county-power-authority-set-deliver-power-beginning-april
Survey Results for Climate Action in Irvine
At this event, we heard from climate leaders, youth activists and our partners that will develop the initiatives to accelerate an ambitious climate plan for Irvine. We reviewed the Cool Block Program and heard from each of you about your priorities for climate action and your vision to shape Irvine’s climate resilient future. This image from the live survey captures the priorities nicely.
OC Register Article on Irvine's Cool City Journey
State Senaor Dave Min
Presents the Cool Irvine Program with certification of recognition.
June 2022
