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

Window heat pumps will help electrify New York City's apartments

A $70 million initiative will deploy 30,000 electric heat pumps to bring climate-friendly comfort to residents of NYC's aging public-housing units.

By Maria Gallucci . 3 August 2022
Electrification

Meet a chef working to electrify commercial kitchens

Christopher Galarza helps restaurants and institutions shift to induction stoves. The change is good for the climate — and for kitchen workers' mental health and well-being.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 3 August 2022
Heat pumps

Heat pumps perform well in below-freezing weather, new research finds

A study in Maine found that heat pumps without fossil-fueled backup can deliver comfort and cost savings — even in the state's subzero winter temperatures.

By Sarah Shemkus . 1 August 2022
Clean industry

Major construction firms team up to get the carbon out of concrete

The Climate Group’s ConcreteZero initiative will set standards and create markets for low-carbon concrete. Experts say its early goals are well within reach.

By Jeff St. John . 6 July 2022
Workforce diversity

This innovative cleantech job-training program is changing lives

BlocPower's Civilian Climate Corps is hiring people in underserved NYC areas to make their own neighborhoods more energy-efficient.

By CJ Clouse . 21 June 2022
Carbon-free buildings

How century-old 'district energy' networks can help decarbonize cities

Vicinity Energy aims to convert Boston's steam network to run on clean electricity, showing how some cities can move toward climate-friendly heating and cooling of buildings.

By Jeff St. John . 7 June 2022
Video

Video: Cooking without gas? Induction stoves are the future, so we test one out

Which pans work with an induction stove? How fast does it boil water? How well does it cook various foods? Watch to learn about climate-friendly cooking.

By Julian Spector . 2 May 2022
Carbon-free buildings

Washington state moves to electrify new buildings by requiring heat pumps

New commercial buildings in Washington will have to conform to what are now the country’s strongest electrification standards for the sector.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 April 2022
Policy & regulation

Maryland just passed one of the most aggressive climate laws in the US

The landmark legislation targets net-zero carbon by 2045 and takes decisive action on building decarbonization and environmental justice.

By Jeff St. John . 12 April 2022
Hydrogen

Experts say blending hydrogen into gas pipelines won't work

Utilities want to extend their infrastructure's useful life. But the evidence suggests the risks and costs far outweigh the negligible emissions-reduction impact.

By Jeff St. John . 29 March 2022