Carbon-free buildings

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
Policy & regulation

With new draft rules, Vermont’s clean heat standard faces murky future

Last year, Vermont became one of the first states to pass a clean heat law. Now, its regulators and lawmakers are trying to figure out how to implement the policy.

By Carrie Klein . 8 October 2024
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
Carbon-free buildings

Major Ohio cities aim to cut building emissions with voluntary program

A $10M Inflation Reduction Act grant will help Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton collaborate on new building performance standards.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 September 2024
Energy efficiency

One way to help the grid? Smarter air conditioning for big buildings

Startups like Parity use software to make building HVAC systems more energy efficient — and to shift power demand to help relieve utility grids during heatwaves.

By Jeff St. John . 18 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Are solar water heaters worth it? Here’s what to consider.

New data from the IRS shows an uptick of interest in the appliances, which provide one pathway to cutting the carbon footprint of water heating.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts cities embrace voluntary green building codes

Since state lawmakers approved an optional stretch code early last year, 45 municipalities covering about 30% of the state’s population have adopted the guidelines.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Colorado’s plan to cut carbon from big buildings gets a $20M boost

The state is one of many with rules that mandate emissions cuts for big buildings. New DOE funding will help Colorado’s disadvantaged communities meet those targets.

By Alison F. Takemura . 6 September 2024
Carbon-free buildings

Berkeley’s gas ban was blocked in court. Now a new plan has emerged.

In November, the California city will have a chance to institute a first-in-the-nation tax on using planet-warming natural gas in large buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 4 September 2024