Carbon-free buildings

Fossil fuels

New York passes first statewide ban on gas in new buildings

The first-in-the-nation law takes aim at a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution starting in 2026, but it doesn't affect existing buildings.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 May 2023
Energy efficiency

Airbnb will help some hosts pay for new heat pumps

A pilot program in Massachusetts will give Airbnb vacation-rental owners $2,500 to install air-source heat pumps and make their properties more energy-efficient.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 April 2023
Policy & regulation

Berkeley’s landmark gas ban overturned, ripple effects may be limited

More than 100 U.S. municipalities have passed policies to restrict fossil-fuel use in buildings, though only about 25 cities have followed Berkeley’s model.

By Maria Gallucci . 18 April 2023
Fun stuff

Canary Live Boston: Watch the event on Thurs., April 6 at 6:00 PM ET

We're broadcasting our event live from Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass. this week.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 5 April 2023
Heat pumps

‘Heat-pump coaches’ help neighbors ditch fossil heat in Massachusetts

Since 2020, at least 14 heat-pump coaching programs have sprung up in the state, all with the aim of making it easier to adopt the increasingly popular appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 March 2023
Heat pumps

When it comes to heat pumps, bigger is not always better

A heat pump that's too big raises costs and reduces comfort. Here are some tips for sizing your system right.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 March 2023
Electrification

Electrifying your home can be a huge hassle. Helio Home wants to help

The startup is one of many companies springing up across the U.S. to shepherd consumers through the complicated and multifaceted process of home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 March 2023
Guest essay

Gas stoves are a health hazard — and induction stoves just work better

Air-quality expert Brady Seals sums up decades of research and dispels some persistent myths.

By Brady Seals . 20 February 2023
Emissions reduction

Carbon credits could soon help fund distributed clean energy projects

Voluntary carbon offset markets are under fire. WattCarbon CEO McGee Young sees heat pump retrofits, demand response and community solar as a better target.

By Jeff St. John . 13 February 2023
Electrification

5 barriers to induction stove adoption — and one clever high-tech fix

It can be complicated and time-consuming to install an induction range. But carbon-free cooking may work for more homes with a bit of help from battery storage.

By Julian Spector . 10 February 2023