Boston’s first networked geothermal project will electrify 7 public housing buildings

Geothermal systems are a promising approach to transitioning communities off fossil fuels for heating and cooling, experts say.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 9, 2024

9 states pledge to accelerate zero-emission heat pump sales

The pledge sends a clear market signal, said the senior policy advisor for an association of Northeastern state air quality agencies.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 7, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them in 2024.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Neighborhood-scale building decarbonization: 2 approaches

Relying on the replacement of one appliance at a time isn’t enough to meet federal and state climate goals, said the Building Decarbonization Coalition’s executive director. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 6, 2024

ASHRAE, ICC unveil draft standard for GHG emission assessment in buildings

The proposed Standard 240P intends to provide a common platform to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions of buildings, the organizations say. 

By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 5, 2024

3 ways Washington cities are reimagining downtowns

Facing empty offices and shops and less pedestrian activity, these cities are seizing the opportunity for creative placemaking.

By Adina Solomon • Feb. 5, 2024

Is the EV revolution over?

Despite a sales slowdown, apartment owners and developers should charge ahead with electric vehicle infrastructure, experts say.

By Amanda Loudin • Feb. 1, 2024

FEMA to help communities pay for net-zero energy projects post-disaster

Communities can now leverage the agency’s grant programs to install solar microgrids, heat pumps and passive cooling when rebuilding schools, hospitals, fire stations and other infrastructure in disaster’s wake.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Feb. 1, 2024

US cities’ outlook for 2024

Cities are pushing ahead on innovative bids to build more sustainable, safe and equitable communities, but many of the roadblocks they face likely aren't going anywhere.

By Smart Cities Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024

Extreme heat watch: Will cities be ready for summer 2024?

This year could be even hotter than last year’s record-breaker, some scientists say. Cities are using the winter to prepare.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 31, 2024

Chicago mayor proposes natural gas ban in new buildings

This marks the first time the city has introduced a building decarbonization ordinance, a city employee said. The proposal drew swift backlash from the local gas industry.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 25, 2024

Where land is scarce and housing is costly, some cities are looking up

Jurisdictions across the country are relaxing zoning laws to allow for taller multifamily construction.

By Amanda Loudin • Jan. 22, 2024

ASHRAE updates energy efficiency standard for existing buildings

The 2024 edition of Standard 100 contains new metrics for setting emissions targets and a “simple” compliance mechanism for energy-efficient and low-emission buildings.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 22, 2024

Affordable housing faces building performance standards challenges, report says

Facing costly upgrades, hefty fines and lacking technical assistance, the affordable housing sector needs more help from cities and states with such policies, says a new American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy report.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 18, 2024

6 trends that could shape US cities in 2024

Cities will contend with a shifting transportation picture, increased urgency to act on climate change, and innovative policies and technologies to address longstanding concerns.

By Ysabelle Kempe , Dan Zukowski , Rachel H. Pollack • Jan. 17, 2024

Buildings can reduce energy intensity by up to 38%: report

Undertaking energy savings and energy efficiency measures by 2030 can garner up to $2 trillion in annual savings, according to a white paper by the World Economic Forum and PwC. 

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 11, 2024

Climate funding takes hit in California governor’s 2024 budget proposal

Transit funding, however, was relatively unscathed in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget, which represents $20 billion in cuts from last year.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 11, 2024

What 2024 may hold for municipal bonds, a ‘crucial financing tool for cities’

Interest rate trends, investor demand and the 2024 elections could all impact the municipal bond market, according to finance experts.

By Gaby Galvin • Jan. 11, 2024

New buildings that use natural gas lose final utility subsidy in California

Incentives that indirectly help expand the gas system don’t align with the state’s climate goals, the California Public Utilities Commission said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 9, 2024

To define zero emissions for buildings, Biden administration seeks input

Feb. 5 is the deadline to submit information on Part 1 of the definition, which addresses operating emissions, including those from tenants.

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 5, 2024

Office-to-residential conversions raise questions at the curb

Plan for changes to parking use and curbside activity when approving office-to-residential or office-to-retail conversion, experts say.

By Amanda Loudin • Jan. 5, 2024

NYC starts first compliance period for building emissions reduction law

Even though 89% of covered buildings are set to meet 2024 emissions targets, building owners must act promptly to achieve 2030 goals, experts say. 

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 4, 2024

Federal court won’t reconsider decision to overturn Berkeley, California, natural gas ban

The denial of the city’s request for a rehearing left the court divided, with a strong dissent by 11 judges. If Berkeley wants to continue to appeal the decision, its next stop would be the U.S. Supreme Court.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 2, 2024

What US cities could look like in 2024: 6 predictions

Safer, greener communities with more housing, greater civic participation, and diversified downtowns are what these experts envision for the coming year.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Jan. 2, 2024

Legal threats to city, state natural gas bans: A timeline

Berkeley, California’s legal battle with the California Restaurant Association comes to a close as the city agrees to repeal its first-in-the-nation ban on gas in new buildings.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated March 27, 2024

NYC releases second set of final rules for Local Law 97 implementation

The rules define what a good-faith effort to decarbonize is, create a framework for retroactive enforcement, limit the use of renewable energy credits and more.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 20, 2023