Carbon-free buildings

Policy & regulation

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Since state lawmakers approved an optional stretch code early last year, 45 municipalities covering about 30% of the state’s population have adopted the guidelines.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 September 2024

A construction site in Somerville, Massachusetts. (Chris Rycroft/Creative Commons)

Carbon-free buildings

Colorado’s plan to cut carbon from big buildings gets a $20M boost

The state is one of many with rules that mandate emissions cuts for big buildings. New DOE funding will help Colorado’s disadvantaged communities meet those targets.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Berkeley’s gas ban was blocked in court. Now a new plan has emerged.

In November, the California city will have a chance to institute a first-in-the-nation tax on using planet-warming natural gas in large buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 4 September 2024
Electrification

Xcel Colorado’s new clean heat plan is a big deal. Here’s why.

The $440M plan to deploy heat pumps and electrify buildings is the product of a state law requiring gas utilities to cut emissions — and is an important test case.

By Carrie Klein . 8 August 2024
Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It's not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024
Heat pumps

This NYC high-rise is using heat pumps and waste heat to cut fossil fuels

The cutting-edge, state-backed project at 345 Hudson could be a model for other big buildings sprinting to comply with the city’s building decarbonization law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 June 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Can this California bill help get neighborhoods off gas?

The legislation would enable 30 “zonal electrification” pilots across California — a step toward the gas-to-electric transition that’s already underway in other states.

By Jeff St. John . 11 June 2024
Clean industry

Southern California adopts landmark rule to electrify industrial heat

The effort will slash emissions from more than 1 million boilers and water heaters over the next decade. Advocates hope other regions will follow suit.

By Maria Gallucci . 7 June 2024
Electrification

Electric lawn equipment, solar could be home-electrification ‘gateways’

People with firsthand home electrification experience are much more interested in cutting fossil fuels from other areas of their lives, per a new survey.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 June 2024
Clean industry

Sublime Systems’ low-carbon cement goes commercial

The startup’s cement is made using electricity instead of fossil fuels. Now the company is working to get contractors and construction crews to use it.

By Jeff St. John . 30 May 2024
Batteries

Is adding a battery to your rooftop solar worth it? Here’s how to decide

Although expensive upfront, batteries can help you get through power outages and lower your utility bills. Federal and local incentives can sweeten the deal.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 May 2024