Energy efficiency

Geothermal

Lennar will build 1,500 new Colorado homes with geothermal heat pumps

The homebuilder is partnering with Dandelion Energy to install the tech, which is efficient but expensive — unless it’s built into new homes from the start.

By Jeff St. John . 2 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio utility retracts energy-efficiency plan despite potential savings

Duke Energy Ohio’s retreat is the latest chapter in a struggle to restore utility-run energy-saving programs that were eliminated by a 2019 law.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 March 2025
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
Clean energy

Housing developers will have a new green financing tool in New Hampshire

State lawmakers started the 2025 session with a rare bipartisan win, passing legislation to establish C-PACE loans.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 February 2025
Electrification

North Carolina launches first-ever statewide electrification incentives

State officials recently unveiled a broad home energy efficiency and electrification program, but it’s unclear whether the Trump administration will block funding.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 5 February 2025
Policy & regulation

Trump's climate spending freeze is already causing serious economic harm

Federal courts have ordered funding to resume. But businesses and community groups struggling to stay afloat because of the pause don’t know when they’ll see it.

By Jeff St. John . 3 February 2025
Energy efficiency

These high-tech windows fight climate change – and will save you money

LuxWall makes vacuum-sealed glass in a factory it opened this summer. Now it’s ramping up production after landing a federal grant and $51 million in new funding.

By Julian Spector . 4 December 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
Energy efficiency

Weatherization can keep you cool this summer — and warm next winter

Insulating, weatherstripping, and sealing your home could make it much more energy efficient, keeping you comfy for less money while helping out the grid.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 July 2024