Electrification

Getting a heat pump took some effort. Here’s what I learned.

Millions of Americans will have to switch out their boilers and furnaces for heat pumps in the years to come. These are my main takeaways from getting one.

By Dan McCarthy . 30 September 2024

Solar

How Germany outfitted half a million balconies with solar panels

The country’s residents installed 200MW of balcony solar during the first half of 2024. It’s becoming an increasingly popular way to take climate action in Germany.

By Akielly Hu . 27 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 Kowalski . 18 September 2024
Policy & regulation

Switching California from gas to electricity, one neighborhood at a time

Clean-energy advocates hope a bill awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature will jump-start projects that shut down gas pipelines and help homes and businesses go electric.

By Jeff St. John . 16 September 2024
EV charging

NYC looks to kick its curbside EV-charging plans into second gear

The city won a $15M federal grant to build 600 curbside EV chargers throughout its streets. It’s part of a broader push to build 10,000 curbside chargers in NYC by 2030.

By Carrie Klein . 9 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
Electrification

3 ways to speed up home efficiency and electrification upgrades

Detroit-based energy-efficiency contractor Carla Walker-Miller sees huge potential for electrifying homes equitably. But it’s going to take work to break barriers.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 August 2024
Solar

How to protect yourself against solar scams

Scams in the solar industry are rare but on the rise. Here are six ways to ensure your solar deal is fair.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 August 2024
Electrification

This NYC affordable housing complex is the biggest ‘Passive House’ in US

The apartments have improved ventilation and sealing that helps save energy and money, making the complex a national model for tackling the housing and climate crises.

By Samantha Maldonado . 21 August 2024
Electrification

The climate law’s $8.8B in home energy rebates are starting to roll out

New York and Wisconsin are the first to launch their long-awaited Inflation Reduction Act programs meant to deploy everything from heat pumps to insulation.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 August 2024
Electrification

This startup aims to decarbonize big buildings without hassling tenants

Hydronic Shell pairs heat pumps with insulated prefab panels that have HVAC built in. The startup is prepping its first deployment at a NY public housing building.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 August 2024