better buildings

ChatGPT generated image of a fabric first home still pumping fumes beside an electrification first home

The “Fabric First” Trap: Decades Of Studies Show Electrification Wins Every Time

In climate and energy policy, certain well-intentioned ideas gain outsized popularity despite persistent evidence against them. One such appealing but deeply problematic approach is the “fabric first” philosophy — the notion that building decarbonization must begin by aggressively insulating and sealing structures, only later electrifying their heating systems. On the … [continued]

"Hurricane Irene damage to road, homes in Bethel, VT" by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeast Region is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

How Can Hurricane-Proof Houses Become More Common Across The US?

The howling wind rises in pressure and sound, like an oncoming train. Then it arrives with speed and force, filling the landscape with leaves and branches in its path. Sheets of rain blow sideways. Large trees seem grabbed by a claw from their roots and crash to the ground, ripping … [continued]

ChatGPT & DALL-E generated anoramic image of a concrete truck pouring US paper money into a construction site's foundation

Decarbonizing Cement & Concrete Is Noble, But Why Will Developers Pay For It?

During what has become concrete month, I’ve explored the full range of actual and purported solutions to the climate problem that is the cement, steel, and concrete used in construction. The industry’s emissions are high, with every ton of reinforced concrete having a carbon debt of 0.3-0.4 tons of carbon … [continued]

Sprint, Macy’s, & Johnson Controls Join DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge

This article below has been republished from the U.S. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website (image & link added): The Energy Department on February 21 announced that Johnson Controls, Macy’s, and Sprint are joining the Better Buildings Challenge. Launched by President Obama in 2011, the Better Buildings Challenge brings together corporations, … [continued]