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)

Heat pumps

Renters, you too can get a heat pump — a micro one, at least

"Micro” heat pumps aren’t as powerful as whole-home versions, but they’re portable, plug into a 120V outlet — and they’re increasingly effective in the cold.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 February 2024
Electrification

This new tool will help you plan your home electrification journey

Electrification nonprofit Rewiring America has launched a free tool to help homeowners make a step-by-step plan to get off fossil fuels.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2024
Energy efficiency

A novel way to improve energy efficiency: Take over the utility bill

Budderfly lands $400M for no-money-down small-business energy retrofits, backed by a pledge to pay its customers’ utility bills and share the efficiency savings.

By Jeff St. John . 23 January 2024
Clean industry

These startups are teaming up to decarbonize cement and concrete

Producing these key materials takes a toll on the climate. A new alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions.

By Maria Gallucci . 17 January 2024
Carbon-free buildings

New York will replace gas pipelines to pump clean heat into buildings

A state law has spurred 13 utility pilot projects aimed at creating neighborhoodwide thermal energy networks — a climate strategy gaining traction nationwide.

By Jeff St. John . 16 January 2024
Electrification

How to get people to kick fossil fuels out of their homes

A new study of 10,000 Americans suggests decarbonization programs should focus on reducing upfront costs and emphasize health, comfort — and even aesthetic benefits.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 January 2024
Fossil fuels

Berkeley’s gas ban is all but dead. What does that mean for other cities?

A court ruled again that the city can’t enforce its pioneering gas ban. But experts say cities can pursue other paths to keep fossil gas out of new buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 8 January 2024
Fossil fuels

Seattle and other cities mull creative workarounds to ditch gas

After a court ruling struck down bans on fossil gas, lawmakers are devising new and innovative ways to electrify buildings.

By Akielly Hu . 20 December 2023
Electrification

Americans like home electrification — but also still love their gas stoves

Less than one-third of Americans want a fully electric home. That number jumps to 60 percent if they can keep cooking with gas.

By Tik Root . 11 December 2023
Electrification

Yes, it’s possible to electrify a home on just 100 amps

It may require careful planning and efficient appliances like heat pumps, but 100-amp service can be enough to kick fossil fuels out of your home.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 December 2023