$90M for greener building energy codes awarded by DOE

“Modernizing energy codes is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses and make communities more resilient to extreme weather events,” the Energy Department said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • July 14, 2023

Oregon plans to install 500,000 new heat pumps by 2030. Who’s going to do the work?

The state plans to train and provide provide technical assistance on installing energy-efficient appliances to developers, builders, contractors, technicians and others. 

By Kavya Balaraman • July 13, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards

Cities are using these levers to meet climate goals and address everything from data centers to building decarbonization.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Solar-powered ‘microgrids’ coming to San Diego public buildings as first of 8 projects breaks ground

The microgrids will save the city $6 million over 25 years and boost community resiliency by providing energy during blackouts, the city says.

By Ysabelle Kempe • July 11, 2023

Scottsdale, Ariz. implements green building code for new commercial, multifamily construction

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.As communi...

By Andy Castillo • July 10, 2023

Ready to ride the wave of fleet electrification sweeping the US?

Here’s how to navigate the obstacles to EV fleet charging infrastructure at your facility.

July 10, 2023

3 tips for public sector leaders looking to take advantage of federal funding for infrastructure

3 tips for public sector leaders looking to take advantage of federal funding for infrastructure

By Bill Symon • July 7, 2023

How to make communal spaces truly community friendly

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Communal s...

By Celeste Frye • July 6, 2023

US electric vehicle goals will require up to $127B to install 28M chargers by 2030: NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory expects there will be 30 million to 42 million electric vehicles on U.S. roads in 2030, requiring a rapid infrastructure buildout.

By Robert Walton • July 6, 2023

Report: More charging infrastructure is needed to support 30 to 42M electric vehicles by 2030

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Driven by ...

By Andy Castillo • July 6, 2023

California greenlights $4.3B funding for energy efficiency, targets underserved and rural communities

The funding will support energy efficiency efforts from 2024 through 2027. Regulators also approved a forecasted budget of another $4.6 billion from 2028 through 2031.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 5, 2023

EPA launches $7B program to fund solar development in low-income and disadvantaged communities

The agency will assess proposals on several metrics, including whether they produce at least 20% bill savings, provide resilience benefits during power outages and support workforce development.

By Ethan Howland • June 30, 2023

Massachusetts city mandates net-zero emissions for some large buildings by 2035

Cambridge, Massachusetts, touted its new requirements as the most aggressive in the country, as building performance standards emerge as a key tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 30, 2023

Phoenix passes water conservation policy that restricts turf, outdoor irrigation on new development, promotes native flora

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.With droug...

By Andy Castillo • June 28, 2023

Residential heat pump, EV sales surged last year in US and globally, boosting energy efficiency

“We are seeing strong momentum behind energy efficiency,” said International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol, and the IEA expects global investment to reach record levels this year. 

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2023

Getting the lead out: Courtney Steger, 2022 Exemplary Public Servant of the Year

As utilities director, Steger has spearheaded the lead pipe replacement project for Mayville, Wisconsin.

By Michelle Havich • June 16, 2023

NYC housing authority highlights 9% reduction in heat, hot water outages; $78M in infrastructure upgrades

Investing in modern heat and hot water infrastructure doesn’t just reduce energy costs, it also saves money by cutting down on outages. New York City’s Housing Authority (NYCHA) has reduced its heat and hot water outages by nearly 10% compared to the previous heating season.

By Andy Castillo • June 15, 2023

To reduce carbon footprint of existing buildings, Seattle proposes new standards

Mayor Bruce Harrell called the legislation “among the most impactful proposals [the city] can advance to reduce emissions.”

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 15, 2023

California’s urban roofs provide more value for community solar+storage than rural areas: report

State and federal incentives could help “ensure that not all of our community solar is getting built in the cheapest areas out in rural locations,” said a solar developer’s Western policy director.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 13, 2023

New York City Housing Authority says heating system improvements reduced outages by 9%

New York City’s upgrades are just some of many taking place in municipalities across the country, with others also using energy performance contracts to save money to fund future installations.

By Joe Burns • June 12, 2023

USDA announces $11B in green energy grants for rural utilities

USDA announces $11B in green energy grants for rural utilities

By Andy Castillo • June 8, 2023

Dallas in the homestretch of ransomware attack recovery

Security operations and tools are also getting a refresh as city officials rebuild impacted systems and make upgrades across multiple departments.

By Matt Kapko • June 8, 2023

Utility plan to build 460 EV fast-charging stations in Colorado angers retailers, other charging proponents

Gas stations, convenience store owners and other businesses say Xcel Energy's plan to own chargers makes it less likely they will install them.

By Robert Walton • May 26, 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions tracking project addresses ‘flawed’ approach cities use now, researchers say

City Climate Intelligence can provide free, near-real-time information on greenhouse gas emissions at the city, neighborhood, building and street level.

By Ysabelle Kempe • May 26, 2023

How green last-mile infrastructure benefits your community

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Overseeing...

By Celeste Frye • May 24, 2023

Collecting data to support energy-burdened communities poses unique challenges, experts say

Census data isn’t collected often enough to reflect neighborhood demographic shifts, and asking communities to self-report can present additional burdens, panelists said at a clean energy summit.

By Diana DiGangi • May 24, 2023