Carbon-free buildings

California’s choice: Cleaner air for schools or money for utilities

State lawmakers must decide whether to unlock $194M to fix aging school HVAC and plumbing systems or return it to utilities for a few dollars off monthly bills.

By Jeff St. John . 29 June 2026

A group of young kids sitting on a colorful rug in a classroom while a woman sits on a chair holding a book. — A first-grade class at Rosita Elementary School in Santa Ana, California, on Feb. 12, 2026. California could unfreeze millions of dollars for school upgrades and repairs or give the money back to utilities. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Heat pumps

Heat pumps may soon outsell air conditioners in US

For years, heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the U.S. — and now the superefficient appliances are coming for conventional ACs, too.

By Dan McCarthy . 26 June 2026
Heat pumps

Installing a heat pump might increase the value of your home

A new report finds that mentioning all-electric heat pumps in real estate listings delivers a sales premium. But most agents don't note the appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 June 2026
Solar

Will New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sign a balcony solar bill?

The legislature passed a measure to allow DIY plug-in solar panels, and clean energy boosters are hopeful that Hochul will sign it to promote affordability.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 June 2026
Heat pumps

Want a deal on a heat pump? Team up with your neighbors.

Bulk buying is a tried-and-true way to get discounts on rooftop solar. Now programs aimed at heat pumps are popping up too, helping people save thousands of dollars.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 June 2026
Geothermal

As geothermal networks grow, so does the call for a new utility model

A bill in Massachusetts would create a framework for a geothermal utility, with the aim of heating and cooling buildings cleanly and affordably.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 May 2026
Geothermal

Denver has a plan to heat and cool buildings with — wait for it — sewage

Denver’s largest source of emissions is its buildings, which tend to run on fossil fuels. The city is turning to a surprising solution to kick the habit.

By Ishan Thakore . 25 May 2026
Heat pumps

Amazon bets on what could be a game-changing heat pump

The tech giant signed a multiyear contract with Transaera, a startup with MIT roots, for next-gen heat pumps that will help reduce energy costs and emissions.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 May 2026
Carbon-free buildings

Software is helping this real estate giant burn less gas in NYC

AvalonBay saved big and cut pollution by outfitting apartments with tech that runs HVAC equipment more efficiently. Now the firm is scaling the strategy nationwide.

By Jeff St. John . 12 May 2026
Electrification

Local policies to get buildings off gas keep winning in court

Even though a court struck down Berkeley, California’s pioneering gas ban in 2023, similar lawsuits against electric building and appliance standards are flailing.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 April 2026
Heat pumps

Bay Area startup introduces flat-rate, single-room heat pumps

Merino Energy says its through-the-wall heat pumps are faster to install than ductless systems. They’ll be available for $3,800 — installation included.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 April 2026