Carbon-free buildings

Carbon-free buildings

How to decarbonize every building everywhere — just not all at once

To become climate-friendly, buildings need heat pumps, energy-efficiency measures, cleaner construction, and tech that makes their power use more flexible.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 March 2025
Heat pumps

California unveils first state plan to unleash heat pumps

The new blueprint aims to help California reach its goal of deploying 6 million heat pumps by 2030, a target it is currently lagging behind.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 March 2025
Heat pumps

How closing the ‘spark gap’ can boost heat pump adoption

In cold-weather states where power costs much more than gas, heat pumps can make utility bills go up. Better electricity rate design can help avoid that.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2025
Carbon-free buildings

New York gets closer to implementing gas ban in new buildings

The state is pushing ahead on all-electric buildings, but a draft building-code update leaves out recommended rules around batteries, EV charging, and solar.

By Colin Kinniburgh . 5 March 2025
Heat pumps

For one Minnesotan, a new heat pump brings comfort and savings

Even in one of the coldest cities in the U.S., Kathy Palmer’s heat pump helps displace gas heating, lowers heating bills, and makes her home more comfortable.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025
Heat pumps

Heat pumps outsold gas furnaces by their biggest-ever margin in 2024

2024 heat pump shipments show the clean-heat transition is speeding up in the U.S.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025
Geothermal

Networked geothermal advocates optimistic despite Massachusetts setback

Thermal energy networks are catching on in the state and around the country as a way to transition off gas and lower energy costs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 February 2025
Solar

Push for third-party rooftop-solar ownership in Wisconsin hits a snag

Other states allow companies to own residential solar arrays on homeowners' roofs, but in Wisconsin the question has been tied up in legal battles.

By Kari Lydersen . 29 January 2025
Carbon-free buildings

In Chicago, all city buildings now use 100 percent clean power

Chicago is one of several U.S. cities that are taking advantage of their bulk-buying power to spur new carbon-free energy development and meet climate targets.

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco . 10 January 2025
Carbon-free buildings

Big buildings are a climate problem. These policies aim to fix that.

In New York City and St. Louis, innovative laws meant to curb emissions from buildings are kicking in this year. More states and cities will soon follow.

By Akielly Hu . 7 January 2025