SunWork and Bronwyn Barry awarded for building a healthier Bay Area
Menlo Park, Calif. – Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) recognized two organizations with the Building a Healthier Bay Area Award at the Best of Silicon Valley hosted by Modern Luxury Magazine in late September. Reuben Veek, Executive Director of SunWork, a Bay Area-based non-profit, and Bronwyn Barry, founder of Passive House BB, received this award for their leadership in helping Bay Area residents and businesses understand the benefits of electric equipment and increasing access to technologies that support healthier, safer, more comfortable living.
“In the Bay Area, we are actually out of federal clean air standards, and this pollution is known to increase risks of lung disease, heart disease and even dementia,” said Zoe Elizabeth, Director of Decarbonization Policy and Community Strategies at SVCE. “Gas-powered water and space heating alone accounts for nearly 40% of local emissions in Silicon Valley. Replacing those appliances with efficient, electric versions has an immediate and long-term impact.”
The Building a Healthier Bay Area Award recognizes the recipients’ efforts to address two significant barriers to building electrification: access to affordable pathways for making upgrades and lack of awareness about the benefits of modern electric technologies.
Electric appliances such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump heating and cooling systems, and induction cooktops reduce exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollutants associated with fossil fuel combustion, while improving comfort, safety and efficiency. Even with these benefits, many residents remain unfamiliar with available equipment or are uncertain about the cost of making upgrades.
SunWork is focused on making clean energy upgrades more accessible. Through education, hands-on support, and a commitment to serving residents, SunWork has helped countless homeowners take practical steps toward healthier, more efficient homes and is ensuring that the contractors making these upgrades possible are prepared to support this market transition. SunWork also provides subject matter expertise to policymakers on some of the most complex buildings to electrify. Their work demonstrates that the transition to clean energy can benefit every corner of the community.
“I’m grateful for the ongoing opportunity that I have to contribute alongside the smart, passionate, imaginative, thoughtful people all around the Bay Are who are working to make hot water and comfortable indoor air temperatures available without air pollution. It’s a real honor to have that work recognized in this way.” Said Reuben Veek, Executive Director of SunWork.
Bronwyn Barry, founder of Passive House BB, is a leader in designing high-performance all-electric homes and supporting policies that strengthen building decarbonization. An award-winning architect, Barry has demonstrated how homes can achieve exceptional energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resilience, and comfort while maintaining high standards of design.
“We’ve been honored to help pioneer the energy transition towards cleaner, healthier all-electric homes in Silicon Valley. The Passive House standard has served as both our key to unlocking this transition and our optimization tool for delivering projects affordably. We’re grateful to our progressive clients who have allowed a small firm to play an outsize role in policy advocacy, unlocking this pathway for everyone. Data from our projects has highlighted gaps in the state energy code that should further accelerate the adoption of more resilient building practices across our state.” Said Bronwyn Barry.
Both honorees have played important roles in expanding awareness of electric living and helping communities overcome practical barriers to adoption.
“Technology alone does not transform communities,” Elizabeth said. “The clean energy transition succeeds because of people who educate, inspire, and guide others toward solutions that improve daily life. SunWork and Bronwyn Barry exemplify that leadership.”
SVCE works with local governments, contractors, community organizations, and industry leaders throughout Santa Clara County to increase access to healthy, safe electric equipment. Rebates and resources to help customers go electric can be found at svcleanenergy.org.
Learn more about SunWork.
Learn more about Passive House BB.
SV Clean Energy does not endorse any one business, brand or installer.
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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing electricity from renewable and clean sources to more than 280,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. Silicon Valley Clean Energy customers receive clean power, competitive rates, and unique offers and services that reduce fossil fuel use, helping create a safer, healthier region. Learn more at svcleanenergy.org.
Media Contact
Michaela Pippin, Communications Manager
(408) 549-2690
Michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org
