Carbon-free buildings

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

Downtown Montpellier, the capital city of Vermont. (John Greim/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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 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
Electrification

Xcel Colorado’s new clean heat plan is a big deal. Here’s why.

The $440M plan to deploy heat pumps and electrify buildings is the product of a state law requiring gas utilities to cut emissions — and is an important test case.

By Carrie Klein . 8 August 2024
Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It's not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024
Heat pumps

This NYC high-rise is using heat pumps and waste heat to cut fossil fuels

The cutting-edge, state-backed project at 345 Hudson could be a model for other big buildings sprinting to comply with the city’s building decarbonization law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 June 2024