Carbon-free buildings

Energy efficiency

This simple score can help you find an energy-efficient home

A growing number of cities are mandating Home Energy Scores, a metric that makes it easy for potential renters or homebuyers to grasp a home’s energy use.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 November 2023

1-story gray house with slanted roof, yellow door, covered entryway, and green bushes. — This Portland home caught my eye with its canary-yellow door. But I was less charmed by its low Home Energy Score: a 2 out of 10. (Homes.com)

Guides and how-tos

So you want to electrify your home. Do you need a panel upgrade first?

If your home’s running on 100 amps or below, you might want an electrician to upgrade your panel and electrical service. Here’s what to know.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2023
Heat pumps

Heat pumps sold so fast in Maine, the state just upped its target

The chilly New England state blew past its goal to install 100,000 heat pumps by 2025. Now it's pledging to install 175,000 more by 2027.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 July 2023
Guides and how-tos

DOE's new tool helps you get your share of the climate law's billions

The Biden administration launched a hub to walk you through the process of accessing Inflation Reduction Act incentives for energy audits, heat pumps, EVs and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 June 2023
Geothermal

Why this NYC apartment complex will use a giant underground heat pump

Join our reporter as she steps inside the muddy construction site at 1 Java Street to learn the benefits and barriers of harnessing the earth's heat to decarbonize buildings.

By Maria Gallucci . 12 June 2023
Heat pumps

This new training program will put people to work as heat-pump installers

A Philadelphia nonprofit is gearing up to prepare its first group of trainees for one of the energy transition's most crucial jobs.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 May 2023
Electrification

How do induction stoves actually work?

We dig into the nerdy nuts and bolts behind induction cooking and how exactly it creates a speedy, precise and fossil-free cooking experience.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 May 2023
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