Carbon-free buildings

Electrification

Can this new induction stove help fuel the transition to clean cooking?

Copper’s Charlie 2.0, to be manufactured by appliance giant Miele, comes with a battery that lets homes ditch the fossil fumes without an expensive electric upgrade.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 September 2026

Electric stove in a home kitchen with interesting wood cabinets, open shelving with dishes — (Copper)

Heat pumps

Massachusetts ups winter energy discounts for homes with heat pumps

It’s the only state that makes big utilities offer lower seasonal rates for heat pump owners, in an effort to boost adoption and create a fairer system.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 September 2026
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 . 14 September 2026
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 . 10 September 2026
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 . 1 September 2026
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 . 27 August 2026
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 . 26 August 2026
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 . 20 August 2026
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 . 4 August 2026
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 . 13 July 2026
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 . 7 July 2026