Rise of net zero energy homes could boost utility-led community solar

Modeling of new energy-efficient home developments found community solar offers system advantages not available from rooftop solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • July 20, 2018

Toronto issues first green bond, joins food waste initiative

The two announcements fit into the city's ambitious sustainability goals to reduce GHG emissions to 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

By Jason Plautz • July 20, 2018

ACEEE: Rural households pay 40% more on energy than urban counterparts

Report authors emphasize the need for utilities and governments to extend incentive programs to more residents and ensure that more households can take advantage of retrofit opportunities.

By Jason Plautz • July 19, 2018

Cities, businesses join international push to promote EVs

The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Challenge from The Climate Group and C40 Cities seeks to build more purchasing and lobbying power around electric cars.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

Report details ‘bottom-up’ climate strategies for cities, states

The America’s Pledge report covers 10 opportunities for climate action, including expanding renewable energy and accelerating retirement of coal power.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

DC considering 100% renewable by 2032, but no carbon tax

A new measure could require 100% renewable energy, but some advocates are disappointed that the bill did not require a carbon tax.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018

Bill Gates’ proposed smart city could also be a water-constrained one

The plan for Belmont's construction should include an acknowledgement of and robust planning for Arizona's long-term water crisis.

By Gillan Taddune • July 13, 2018

Ohio regulator defines grid mod success through customer-side service

PUCO Chair Asim Haque supports greater transparency and data access to really add value to customer services.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 12, 2018

UK to push for electric car charges in all new homes

The strategy is a step in the U.K.’s plan to clean up its car fleet, with the ultimate goal of stopping sales of conventional fuel vehicles by 2040. 

By Jason Plautz • July 12, 2018

Nation’s first electric double-decker buses arriving in Los Angeles

The Foothill Transit agency will add two buses next year for its downtown commuter line as part of an initiative to be fully electric by 2030.

By Chris Teale • July 12, 2018

Seattle City Council approves electricity rate hike

The city has become so energy efficient that the utility says it can't cover operating expenses, leaving a shortfall that must be made up.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2018

St. Paul, MN sets plan to make buildings carbon neutral

A two-year study of carbon emissions within city limits found that physical structures accounted for 52% of the city’s carbon footprint, outpacing transportation.

By Jason Plautz • July 10, 2018

10 times fiction predicted smart city advancements

From data analytics to hyperloop and cutting-edge transportation methods, many smart city concepts aren't entirely original ideas.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2018

EVs could drive 38% rise in US electricity demand, DOE lab finds

Increasing demand could lead to sustained absolute growth of 80 terawatt-hours per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2018

Emissions cuts most effective at the city level, study says

Cities with energy production and manufacturing had higher carbon dioxide outputs than service-based or tech-focused cities, research from the University of East Anglia says.

By Jason Plautz • June 28, 2018

Blink eyes significant EV charging expansion via smart streetlights

Blink Charging and Israel's Ya’acobi Brothers Group are working together to integrate controlled electric vehicle charging with smart city infrastructure.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2018

Residential solar won’t decline but also won’t grow, report finds

After a 15% decline in 2017, a new report expects solar capacity additions to remain stable this year as customers get harder to find. It's "actually pretty good news," said one analyst.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2018

San Francisco selects design for new public toilets

The new bathrooms are in keeping with the city's Better Streets initiative, which is focused on making sidewalks work for all residents.

By Jason Plautz • June 13, 2018

Engineering vehicle-to-grid connected transportation

 As the price of batteries has plummeted faster than most anyone expected, their role in providing grid stability to smooth the large influx of intermittent renewable generation as well as a ready solution to handle peak load demand has become more and more compelling. 

June 12, 2018

Brownsville, TX and Detroit top list of cities with least broadband access

A lack of internet means less access to information and job opportunities, and can overburden public resources that offer broadband.

By Jason Plautz • June 11, 2018

Boston mayor urges cities to join large-scale renewable energy purchase

The city has already recruited Chicago; Houston; Los Angeles; Orlando, FL; Portland, OR and Evanston, IL to its initiative.

By Jason Plautz • June 8, 2018

What Mary Meeker’s 2018 trends report signals for smart cities

Increased Wi-Fi access, more home-sharing and the benefits of ride-hailing over car ownership are among the findings with significant implications for urban dwellers.

By Kristin Musulin • June 5, 2018

Alphabet spinoff Dandelion debuts geothermal heating and cooling system for homes

As cities try to reduce their climate impact and expand renewable energy options, geothermal presents an appealing option. 

By Jason Plautz • June 1, 2018

California, New York, New Jersey see nearly $1.3B in new EV funding

The California PUC's approval of $738 million in utility electrification proposals represents the largest investment in charging infrastructure by a state to date, analysts said.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2018

Blink Charging unveils new EV fast-charging station

The company wins Underwriters Laboratories approval for a new station meant to cut charging time by about two-thirds.

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2018