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Kalamazoo's Affordable All-Electric New Homes Pilot

Expert BlogMichigan, MidwestValeria Rincon
Kalamazoo's Affordable All-Electric New Homes Pilot showcases how new homes in Michigan and the Midwest can be built to be clean, healthy, and affordable.

Let There Be Efficient Light

Expert BlogUnited StatesJoe Vukovich
The U.S. Department of Energy announced that it is issuing two important regulations that will make the nation’s lightbulbs much more efficient, saving consumers money and reducing climate-warming carbon pollution at the same time.

Demystifying Energy Code Development

Expert BlogUnited States, InternationalLauren Urbanek
Building code development looks a lot different this year than it has in the past. Here is a breakdown of how things are going.

Biden Administration Takes Important Step in Buying Clean

Expert BlogUnited StatesSasha Stashwick
The Government Services Administration will set a new standard for contractors to use low embodied carbon concrete, and new standards for environmentally preferable asphalt—part of a federal Buy Clean policy to reduce industrial emissions via public procurement.

Tepid Clean Energy Innovation Funding in FY22 Omnibus

Expert BlogUnited StatesMatthew Ko, Rachel Fakhry
Congress's recently passed package is a modest step forward for climate action relative to FY21 and includes increases in funding for several key clean energy innovation programs at the U.S. Department of Energy.

A New Tool for Measuring Decarbonization

Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. David B. Goldstein
The RESNET CO2 Index can allow government and utilities to set targets for carbon emissions reductions in homes based on site-specific metrics for carbon. Homeowners can also use this information to lower their carbon footprint.

Climate Report Confirms Housing Is Essential to Adaptation

Expert BlogUnited States, InternationalSam Whillans
The latest report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms what housing advocates and activists have long known: healthy, decent, affordable, sustainable housing must be at the core of the climate transition.

The Climate Math of Home Heating Electrification

Expert BlogUnited StatesAlex Hillbrand, Pierre Delforge

A new study shows that a typical U.S. home can cut its heating-related climate pollution by 45 percent to 72 percent by swapping out a gas-fired furnace for an efficient, all-electric heat pump.

Multifamily Energy Efficiency Programs Not Sealing the Deal

Expert BlogUnited StatesDr. Veena Singla

As we collectively work to curb emissions, we must ensure that the benefits of energy-efficient buildings are equitably delivered and that the health of all people is protected from toxic chemicals.

CA Building Decarbonization: What’s Coming in 2022?

Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez, Merrian Borgeson

In recent years, California has been a leader in the global effort to tackle climate change through a transition to clean, safe, and healthy all-electric buildings—but more is needed to meet the state’s fast-approaching climate goals.

TECH Clean California: $120M in Good News for the Climate

Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez, Merrian Borgeson

The recent launch of TECH Clean California represents a significant milestone in the effort to equitably decarbonize California’s buildings in line with our pressing climate goals. What’s in the $120 million program, and how can Californians take advantage TECH's electrification…

Will CA Finally End Subsidies for New Gas Connections?

Expert BlogCaliforniaKiki Velez, Merrian Borgeson

California is well overdue to cut the more than $100 million in annual subsidies for new gas connections to homes and buildings, which is currently under consideration at the Public Utilities Commission. 

Oregon Looks to “Reach” Code for Energy, Carbon Savings

Expert BlogOregonRalph Cavanagh
Senate Bill 1518, to be considered during Oregon’s “short” February 2022 legislative session, is a critical pushback against the embedded lowest common denominator aspect of building codes when it comes to energy and climate.