Carbon-free buildings

California’s new rules will boost heat pumps in commercial buildings

The new building code adopted by the California Energy Commission will also promote heat pumps in new homes — but it falls short on existing ones, advocates say.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 September 2024

Los Angeles, California (Jon B. Lovelace Collection of California Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith's America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)

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
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
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
Electrification

Helping low-income families electrify could save Americans $96 billion

If U.S. policymakers pursue equitable electrification strategies, the societal benefits would be vast, says new report.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 May 2024
Heat pumps

A call to replace air conditioners with heat pumps in California

Advocates want new building codes to include a heat-pump provision that could benefit consumers and the climate. But regulators have cooled on the proposal.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 May 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Need help electrifying your home? This startup has an app for that

Zero Homes aims to make electrification easier and cheaper by quoting projects — to install heat pumps, EV chargers, and more — without setting foot in your house.

By Alison F. Takemura . 9 May 2024
Geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps are helping clean up city buildings

Initiatives in Austin, New York City, and beyond are aiming to curb costs and boost adoption of geothermal heating and cooling to reduce CO2 from buildings.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 April 2024
Electrification

Need help breaking up with fossil fuels? Ask an ‘electric coach’

Electrification is hard. That’s why Rewiring America is training 1,000 coaches this year to guide neighbors through getting heat pumps, solar and more.

By Alison F. Takemura . 25 April 2024
Heat pumps

Better heat pumps for commercial buildings are coming soon

The Department of Energy is convening manufacturers and customers like IKEA and Amazon to get next-gen heat pumps ready for commercial rooftops by 2027.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 April 2024