States are recognizing the potential for tangible emissions reductions with broad co-benefits when it comes to embodied carbon. The built environment hides more climate-warming pollution than you think, and reducing it is the next frontier of climate action. While policymakers have focused for decades on operational emissions—from heating, cooling, and … [continued]
The updates are projected to save Oregonians hundreds of dollars each month on utility bills SALEM, Ore. — Today, the Oregon Building Code Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) voted to approve a package of updates to the state’s residential energy code, including a requirement that new homes be built … [continued]
ChatGPT generated charcoal sketch of the Mistissini Bridge in Quebec, highlighting its timber arches and mirrored reflection in the water
Canada sits at the intersection of two crises that are converging in uncomfortable ways. Housing supply has fallen behind demand for decades and affordability is sliding out of reach. The construction workforce is aging and stretched thin. At the same time, buildings and construction remain a major source of greenhouse … [continued]
I recently spoke with Phillip Kobernick, Associate Director of Energy Programs at Peninsula Clean Energy, about a handful of EV matters. In particular, through his work at Peninsula Clean Energy and what they are doing there, we discussed effective EV policies and programs utilities and advocacy organizations can implement to advance … [continued]
Photovoltaic solar panel arrays in the California desert. Credit: Tom Brewster Photography via Bureau of Land Management, CC BY 2.0.
California is making strides in reducing emissions while the economy continues to grow. Check out some of the state’s recent wins! California continues to charge forward with significant climate wins: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) just released a report showing that California’s emissions continue to fall — a 20% reduction … [continued]
ChatGPT & DALL-E generated panoramic image illustrates the metaphorical concept of a heat pump's significant impact compared to building efficiency, depicted through the contrast in size between a large, advanced heat pump and smaller buildings.
The International Code Council ruled against its own staff last week to give a big win to the American Gas Association.
Downtown Denver features many buildings with glass facades. Researchers from NREL say retrofitting these windows with thermochromic ones can improve energy efficiency across all climate zones in the United States. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL.
New Report from Arup and the Natural Resources Defense Council Outlines Building, Construction Decarbonization Opportunities
Carbon benefits, health impacts, cost savings, and more.
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Accelerates Adoption of Modern Building Codes, Improves Resilience, and Helps Tackle the Climate Crisis As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $90 million in competitive awards to help states, cities, tribes, and partnering organizations … [continued]
Today, society faces 3 major challenges in the built environment: ensuring building safety, improving sustainability, and addressing our affordable housing crisis.
