Cambridge Community Center

The Cambridge Community Center (CCC) Resilience Hub aims to create a reliable and clean power supply for the center using a microgrid. Climable is supporting the CCC along with other partners to develop an energy-efficient emergency resilience project—a resilience hub, as defined by the Urban Sustainability Director’s Network. Climable works closely with the CCC as a technical translator and connector to incorporate clean energy resilience into their facility's renovation.

Why the Cambridge Community Center?

The CCC has been a vital part of Cambridge's community for over 90 years, providing essential programs and resources for residents. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCC opened a food and supply pantry that continues to serve around 1,000 households weekly. This project will ensure that the building and power supply of the CCC are as reliable and resilient as possible to maintain these critical programs and function as a shelter for the community during extreme weather events and other difficult times.

Climable’s Role

Climable serves as a strategic advisor and implementation coordinator across the CCC's resilience-building initiative. Our role involves:

Translating technical climate adaptation and mitigation solutions into digestible recommendations tailored to CCC's organizational needs and community context
Supporting the identification and securing of grant opportunities
Cultivating stakeholder relationships and facilitating partnerships for the development of the resilience hub

Project Details

Goals

Upgrade the electrical system to support increased electric demand
Improve energy efficiency, cooling, and heating
Install solar panels and backup battery storage
Upgrade generator efficiency
Upgrade to a fully electrified, fossil fuel-free kitchen

Project Timeline

Phase 1 (Implementation): 2023-ongoing
Phase 2 (Evaluation and Optimization): 2026-2027

Get Involved!

There are several ways to get involved with the CCC Resilience Hub project:

Donate: Support the project financially to help ensure its success
Volunteer: Assist with community outreach, events, and education programs
Attend community meetings and events: Stay informed about the project's progress and provide input

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resilience hub?

A resilience hub is a community-serving facility, such as a community center, that supports a community with programs and services they want and need every day, as well as during times of disasters and recovery. It provides a safe place for residents to access essential services, including food, water, power, and other necessities. The hub is designed to meet the specific needs of the community and be a place where people can come together to support one another. It is equipped with solar panels and battery storage for backup power, so it can continue running even if the main power goes out. Resilience hubs also offer programs and events throughout the year to help the community prepare for emergencies and build stronger connections with each other.

How will the CCC Resilience Hub benefit the community?

The CCC Resilience Hub will ensure that the center can continue providing essential services and resources to the community during emergencies and power outages. It will also reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and enhance community resilience through education and outreach programs.

When will the project be completed?

The first phase of the project, which includes electrical service upgrades, main renovations, and solar and battery installations, is expected to be completed by Dec 2025. Phase two will begin thereafter with kitchen renovations and the installation of an elevator.