Carbon-free buildings

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
Heat pumps

Did fake comments sink SoCal clean heat rules? Advocates want answers.

Last year, Southern California regulators rejected rules that would have phased down gas heaters after an industry-tied campaign generated 20,000+ critical comments.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 March 2026
Clean industry

Clean cement startup Sublime cuts jobs after Trump pulled funding

Sublime Systems lays off two-thirds of its staff months after pausing work on a planned Massachusetts factory, following the loss of an $87 million federal grant.

By Maria Gallucci . 12 March 2026
Heat pumps

Oregon pushes new homes to install heat pumps over ACs

In a state where energy costs have risen sharply, new rules will boost adoption of the clean heating and cooling appliances.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

In more than half of U.S. states, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would boost adoption of DIY solar systems.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 February 2026
Heat pumps

Zero Homes nabs $16.8M to go big on easier heat pump installation

The Denver-based startup’s software eliminates the usual in-person home visit to quote a heat pump project, saving customers time and money.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 February 2026
Heat pumps

Heat pump sales dipped in 2025. They still beat gas furnaces.

Yet again, heat pumps were the most-shipped heating appliance in the U.S. And experts say the factors behind last year’s sales slide are temporary.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 February 2026
Heat pumps

How to keep your heat pump humming in the freezing cold

Plenty of heat pumps work well even in subzero temps. But these expert tips will help your heat pump work even better on the coldest days of the year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 February 2026
Heat pumps

Colorado group looks to boost heat pumps with $200M federal grant

It’s a rare example of a Biden-era climate grant moving forward under Trump — and could grow heat pump adoption across the Denver area.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 February 2026