Incentivizing sustainability

Cities are enticing citizens to take more environmentally friendly actions — and they're seeing results.

By Jason Axelrod • July 11, 2017

Report: Chicago has the most green office space in the US

The city boosted its percentage of LEED- and Energy Star-certified office space by 6.5% in the last year, ousting San Francisco from the top spot on the list.

By Kim Slowey • July 7, 2017

Alphabet lab turns out new geothermal company for residential heating, cooling

Dandelion will operate as a standalone company outside of Google's parent company Alphabet, offering geothermal heating and cooling to residential customers. 

By Robert Walton • July 7, 2017

In Denver, ‘nature doesn’t care’ about per capita measurements for sustainability

Denver's Office of Sustainability doesn't use per capita measurements, putting it behind in some rankings — but the chief sustainability officer says those measurements are not what's important.

By Jackie Snow • July 6, 2017

How data analytics is adding value in the smart home

As the concept of a smart, connected home gains traction, stakeholders are increasingly exploring analytics solutions to push this vision forward.

By Paige Leuschner • July 6, 2017

US Ignite adds 5 cities to network of Smart Gigabit Communities

By entering the network, each city will develop two gigabit applications per year to advance technology solutions and provide support for other SGCs.

By Kristin Musulin • July 6, 2017

North Carolina wind moratorium threatens hard-won solar compromise

Duke Energy and solar advocates worked for months on reforms to PURPA, third-party ownership and net metering. A last-minute hold on new wind projects could unravel the whole bill. 

By Herman K. Trabish • July 6, 2017

Hawaiian Electric proposes new, cheaper grid modernization plan

A previous grid modernization plan was rejected in December for being too costly.

By Peter Maloney • July 6, 2017

Keys to developing an effective utility EV charging program

ChargePoint's Dave Packard argues simplicity and customer choice are critical elements for utilities building out electric vehicle charging networks. 

By Dave Packard • July 5, 2017

New York Supreme Court upholds state prohibition on ESCO sales to low-income customers

The court also reiterated that the state's Public Service Commission has regulatory jurisdiction over energy service companies.

By Robert Walton • July 5, 2017

McKinsey: Cheaper batteries present imminent threat of load defection for utilities

Battery storage is already cost-effective for commercial customers and further price declines could lead some to cut their utility ties entirely, a new McKinsey report warns. 

By Peter Maloney • June 30, 2017

EEI: 7 million electric vehicles could hit the road by 2025

The Edison Electric Institute and the Institute for Electric Innovation say roughly 5 million charge ports will be required to support the boom in electric vehicles. 

By Robert Walton • June 30, 2017

Does the federal government’s inaction on clean water leave an opening for cities?

The Environmental Protection Agency's goals for clean water haven't been updated since 1972. Should cities start to step up?

By Cody Boteler • June 29, 2017

California lawmakers mull expanding electric vehicle incentives

A proposed measure could designate up to $3 billion towards getting more zero emissions vehicles on the road.

By Robert Walton • June 28, 2017

New York expected to set high bar for energy storage after target bill passage

Two bills passed last week only direct the state to establish storage targets, but analysts say it's likely regulators will opt for an ambitious mandate.

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2017

US mayors pass resolution for 100% renewable energy goal by 2035

Leaders of more than 250 U.S. cities said they are committed to holding up their end of the Paris climate agreement, despite President Trump's decision to withdraw from the pact. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

GTM: Proposed solar tariffs could put 47 GW of planned installations at risk

The analysis firm predicts "unprecedented demand destruction" if Suniva's tariff proposal is approved, threatening up to two-thirds of planned solar deployments. 

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2017

District of Columbia launches low-income solar installation program

Solar Works DC will train more than 200 residents in the solar industry and will install solar systems on up to 300 low-income residences.

By Robert Walton • June 26, 2017

Heat wave sets new power demand records across Arizona

Temperatures of nearly 120°F pushed demand to new heights at three Arizona utilities, while California power providers called for customer cutbacks. 

By Peter Maloney • June 26, 2017

Developers break ground on Missouri’s largest solar farm

The 72-acre project in Nixa will include 33,288 solar panels and will generate approximately 9% of the city's annual power requirements.

By Kim Slowey • June 23, 2017

NYC sniffs out green opportunity with composting toilets in Prospect Park

Brooklyn's new toilets will save 250,000 gallons of water annually, according to estimates.

By Cody Boteler • June 22, 2017

Report: PVC pipe most sustainable for water, sewage systems

PVC does not corrode often and is difficult for pathogens to stick to, making it a material with a long operational life and few safety risks.

By Jackie Snow • June 22, 2017

4 kinds of power available with truck-mounted generators (with related video)

HIPPO Multipower truck-mounted generators provide hydraulic, air, electric and welding power wherever it’s needed.

By Michael Keating • June 21, 2017

Cornell Tech’s Bloomberg Center aims for net-zero energy

The Morphosis-designed building on New York's Roosevelt Island will generate the energy needed to power its operations from on-campus sources.

By Hallie Busta • June 21, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017