Carbon-free buildings
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Heat pumps
California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more
Two bills on Gov. Newsom’s desk would reduce hurdles to heat pumps and home solar and batteries, which could reduce fees by $1,000 or more per project.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Geothermal
Dig Energy completes first project with novel geothermal drilling tech
The firm just wrapped work on a heating and cooling system for a Boston office. It says its rig makes drilling cheaper, quieter, and less water-intensive.By Sarah Shemkus .
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Solar
Can the Obama Presidential Center help Chicago embrace community solar?
As an anchor tenant for several off-site arrays in development, the center will help spur investment and educate residents on the benefits of shared solar.By Kari Lydersen .
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Heat pumps
Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better
Manufacturers are rolling out models that heat up at times when power is cheap, fit into tighter spaces, and aggressively cut energy bills.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Balcony solar
California Legislature passes balcony solar bill
Unless Gov. Newsom blocks the bill, it will legalize plug-in solar in one of the world’s biggest economies. But the rules are more restrictive than some hoped for.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Heat pumps
US apartment buildings have tipped toward heat pumps
The climate-friendly appliances are becoming the norm among American home builders. Here are the factors driving the shift.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Energy efficiency
Massachusetts embraces backyard homes as housing and climate solution
The state needs more housing, fast. ADUs offer a path forward — and their compact, sometimes all-electric designs offer lower energy bills and carbon emissions.By Sarah Shemkus .
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Solar
A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US
Plug-in panels can lower your bills. To boost the American market for the tech, nonprofit Bright Saver is selling kits with no markup, starting at around $300.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Energy efficiency
Trump admin could undermine energy efficiency with dubious new analysis
A Department of Energy study found that the latest version of an international energy code would raise construction costs by billions — and ignored bill savings.By Alison F. Takemura .
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Hydropower
Could hydropower hamper NYC’s building decarbonization law?
New York City building owners can soon buy renewable energy credits to comply with Local Law 97. Climate groups want Mayor Mamdani to limit this practice.
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