US cities sharpen focus on building performance standards to meet net-zero goals

U.S. cities are turning to performance-based standards to meet climate goals after traditional energy-efficiency mandates fell short, a JLL report says.

By Nish Amarnath • July 29, 2024

Building performance standards are likely not preempted by federal law, attorney says

Such policies are likely safe even after a federal appeals court struck down Berkeley, California’s first-in-the-nation gas ban in new construction, said Daniel Carpenter-Gold, staff attorney at the Public Health Law Center.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated July 24, 2024

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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

600+ NYC facilities pledge to cut energy use as part of expanded demand response program

The city also plans to install over 1,150 real-time meters in municipal buildings to help manage electricity use, according to its Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

By Nish Amarnath • July 23, 2024

How cities are using Biden’s $4.3B climate pollution reduction grants

The grants “put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions,” a federal official said. Cities and counties plan to use the money for electrification, bike-sharing, solar power and more.

By Ysabelle Kempe • July 23, 2024

New York wants tall commercial, multifamily buildings to test low-carbon heating retrofits

Seven finalists in a $10 million competition will develop heating and distribution systems that can be installed without displacing occupants, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week. 

By Nish Amarnath • July 22, 2024

Here’s a quick sustainability win: Make structures more energy-efficient

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.Cities and...

By Michael Keating • July 16, 2024

The movement to get neighborhoods off natural gas gains momentum

For years, cities have pursued ways to get buildings off fossil fuels, one structure at a time. Now, some leaders and advocates are eyeing a newer approach: neighborhood-scale decarbonization.

By Ysabelle Kempe • July 10, 2024

US electricity prices rise again as AI, onshoring may mean decades of power demand growth: BofA

The year-over-year inflation rate for electricity prices reached 5.9% in May, up from 3.8% in January, according to Bank of America Institute.

By Robert Walton • July 8, 2024

Government officials determine the best way to electrify fleets and meet clean fleet regulations

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.Bradley No...

By Michael Keating • July 3, 2024

Lack of affordable electric vehicles will limit widespread US adoption until at least 2028: BofA

Analysts at Bank of America and Bloomberg say U.S. EV penetration rates are slowing and are unlikely to reach 30% by 2030.

By Robert Walton • June 27, 2024

What US mayors want from the next president, Congress

The creation of a first-ever city mental health block grant, affordable housing investments and gun safety legislation are among the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ requests.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 27, 2024

Electrifying neighborhoods could save California billions on gas line replacements

Utilities could save around $20 billion in gas pipeline replacement costs by 2045 while only affecting about 3% of current gas customers, says a new analysis prepared for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 20, 2024

Local opposition to renewable energy projects ‘widespread and growing’: Columbia University report

The report tracks 395 local restrictions on renewable energy development, with 55 of those emerging in the last year.

By Diana DiGangi • June 14, 2024

WIFIA funding helps communities address the impacts of climate change

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.Changes in...

By Dallas Shattuck • June 14, 2024

Tax on gas-powered large buildings will go to voters in Berkeley, California

A 2023 court decision that struck down Berkeley’s first-in-the-nation ban on gas hookups in new construction is part of what led to the ballot measure, an organizer said. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 10, 2024

5 states, DC get $45M to finance energy efficiency retrofits

The revolving loan funds established with the federal awards can unlock millions in private capital for energy efficiency improvements, says the U.S. Department of Energy.

By Nish Amarnath • June 10, 2024

DOE releases zero-emissions building definition, part 1

The definition will bring clarity to the public and private sectors, supporting their efforts to decarbonize buildings and ramp up clean energy, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm.

By Nish Amarnath • June 7, 2024

How to let your assets tell their story

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.Justifying...

By Jennifer Perkins • June 6, 2024

Geothermal system is a US first

A networked, utility-owned system in a Massachusetts community's pilot could replace fossil fuel for heating and cooling across entire neighborhoods.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 5, 2024

$1.3B available for EV charging network expansion in US

Government entities nationwide can apply for federal funding to build charging infrastructure in their communities. 

By Haley Cawthon • June 4, 2024

How US summer cooling costs are rising in 2 charts

The average U.S. electric bill this summer is projected to set a 10-year record, finds a June 3 report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and Center for Energy Poverty and Climate.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 4, 2024

EVs will power buildings in Colorado city’s ‘transformative’ pilot

The pilot will inform how vehicle-to-everything charging technology can be used in areas at high risk of prolonged outages due to natural disaster or emergency events, a utility partner said.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2024

Dallas signs EV charging agreement with Ford Pro

As the city aims to electrify all its fleet vehicles by 2040, Ford will scale up the necessary EV charging infrastructure.

By Eric Walz • May 30, 2024

The latest threat to drinking water systems? Cyberattacks, EPA says

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.Muleshoe i...

By Ryan Kushner • May 29, 2024

Top cities for certified energy-efficient buildings announced by EPA

Los Angeles has dominated the rankings for Energy Star-certified buildings year after year. The U.S. EPA has some ideas on why. 

By Ysabelle Kempe • May 24, 2024