Energy & Utilities: Page 16


  • Smoke rises from the skyscrapers along Chicago's lakefront.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Kamil Krzaczynski via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chicago passes updated building energy code to support decarbonization

    Starting in November, new building designs must adhere to stronger energy-efficiency and electrification standards as the city seeks to mitigate one of its major sources of emissions.

    By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 29, 2022
  • BP and Hertz to develop national EV charging network

    The move sets the foundation for BP and Hertz to “drive the future of mobility and accelerate EV consumer adoption,” the companies said in a statement.

    By Brett Dworski • Sept. 29, 2022
  • Electric charging station with many electric chargers and a parking lot on a sunny day.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Aranga87 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EV charging network plans approved for all 50 states

    The FHWA’s approval unlocks $1.5 billion in NEVI program funds through fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for all jurisdictions across the U.S., allowing the build-out of chargers covering about 75,000 miles of highway.

    By Danielle McLean • Sept. 28, 2022
  • A row of white EV chargers with cables and plus stand against a blurry background of trees and a brick building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    VictorHuang via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Demand on the rise for electric vehicle charging at multifamily properties

    EV adoption will accelerate next year thanks to new tax credits and expanding options from automakers.

    By Mary Salmonsen • Sept. 22, 2022
  • Los Angeles's downtown skyline enveloped in smog.
    Image attribution tooltip
    David McNew via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    California could phase out gas heaters by 2030 to cut smog

    The home and building appliances are “an underappreciated driver of unhealthy air quality in California cities,” non-profit advocates say in a report Tuesday, as state regulators consider only allowing zero-emissions alternatives.

    By Maria Rachal • Sept. 20, 2022
  • Green Field
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Schneider Electric
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Schneider Electric

    City-wide modernization plan creates a $100M+ economic impact

    How Sierra Vista, AZ created a sports tourism boom with sustainable infrastructure upgrades.

    Sept. 12, 2022
  • Several electric vehicles are parked in a garage under a sign that reads "Vehicle-to-grid (V2G"
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Revel
    Image attribution tooltip

    New York City’s first vehicle-to-grid charging installation is live in Brooklyn

    Project partners worked through engineering, regulatory and interconnection challenges to get the technology to market, Revel Chief Operating Officer Paul Suhey said.

    By Sept. 9, 2022
  • Two vehicles parked in a garage, with an electric charging cable connceted to a white Nissan in the foreground.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Few states have comprehensive plans to integrate the expected surge in EVs: report

    With regulators having approved more than $3 billion in vehicle electrification programs, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calls for a more holistic planning approach.

    By Robert Walton • Sept. 7, 2022
  • Modern tower buildings or skyscrapers in financial district with cloud on sunny day in Chicago, USA.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stock via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Arup, startup are building smart city modeling tools to maximize energy efficiency

    With Matidor, the partners seek to help civil engineers see the environmental impact and energy efficiency of what they’re developing in real time.

    By Maria Rachal • Sept. 2, 2022
  • A row of white EV chargers with cables and plus stand against a blurry background of trees and a brick building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    VictorHuang via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    15 states should be prioritized for EV infrastructure, EV Council report suggests

    To support increased numbers of electric vehicles, large cities and rural states in the South and Midwest will be challenged to provide enough charging stations, according to a report this month.

    By Aug. 29, 2022
  • Modern tower buildings or skyscrapers in financial district with cloud on sunny day in Chicago, USA.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stock via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Growing building sector carbon emissions threaten 2050 net-zero goal, report warns

    U.S. economywide greenhouse gas emissions fell 12% from 2005 to 2019, but direct emissions from the building sector were higher, according to an Information Technology and Innovation Foundation report this week.

    By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2022
  • Close-up of building with Department of Transportation lettered on yellow bricks.
    Image attribution tooltip
    sshepard via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    State NEVI plans raise concerns about EV charging infrastructure rollout

    Grid capacity, plus Buy America and matching fund requirements, are among states’ worries about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which aims to put charging stations every 50 miles along interstate highways.

    By Aug. 23, 2022
  • A green and white electric car parked next to a charging station
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by MCE
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by MCE

    The power of clean transportation in an equitable energy future

    Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is electrifying our transportation sector.

    Aug. 22, 2022
  • President Biden signs the Inflation Reduction Act surrounded by members of congress and backed by American flags in the White House.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How cities can prepare for the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate opportunities

    With billions of dollars for energy efficiency upgrades, urban park enhancements and more signed into law this week, experts share tips on how cities can start preparing for funding opportunities now.

    By Maria Rachal • Aug. 19, 2022
  • District of Columbia regulators approve $92M energy efficiency program with focus on low- and moderate-income residents

    The three-year program is expected to result in almost 1% annual energy savings.

    By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2022
  • Empty parking stalls are equipped with electric vehicle chargers, under a canopy that contains solar panels.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Aranga87 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Inflation Reduction Act concerns, shortfalls seen by EV, clean energy, environmental leaders

    Strict requirements for making EVs and content sourcing for critical minerals could challenge manufacturers, experts say, and climate progress depends on governments using funds from the climate and infrastructure laws wisely.

    By Aug. 18, 2022
  • Buildings in downtown Boston at sunset.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Elijah-Lovkoff via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Boston aims to eliminate fossil fuels in new buildings

    The city’s chance to set new building standards comes from the climate bill the Massachusetts governor signed last week, which extends that opportunity to 10 municipalities in the state. 

    By Maria Rachal • Aug. 17, 2022
  • The United States Capitol in February 2020
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Smart Cities Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Support for housing efficiency upgrades, urban parks, drought resilience poised to become law

    With the House sending the Inflation Reduction Act to the president’s desk, some climate leaders say the onus will shift to local governments to execute on key initiatives.

    By Maria Rachal • Aug. 15, 2022
  • chicago
    Image attribution tooltip
    Tim Boyle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Chicago commits to 100% renewable energy at city facilities by 2025

    The clean energy agreement “helps build the market” while encouraging smaller cities and municipalities “to make similar commitments,” said a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

    By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 15, 2022
  • People line up to enter a low building with a sign identifying it as a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. A white car is parked under an awning in front of the building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EV adoption might be hindered by DMV fees: report

    Some of the same states that incentivize EV purchases charge additional fees to EV owners, but they could restructure those fees to align with emissions goals, according to a July RMI report.

    By Aug. 10, 2022
  • Gradient heat pump units showing on the exterior of a residential building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Gradient
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    New York public housing is poised for electric heating and cooling upgrades from a California startup

    Vince Romanin, the CEO of Gradient, discusses the market for heat pumps and a New York City Housing Authority contract to rethink HVAC for residents vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

    By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2022
  • Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) gives the thumbs up as he leaves the Senate Chamber after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act at the U.S. Capitol August 7, 2022 in Washington, DC.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Drew Angerer/Getty Images via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Mayors and city leaders voice support for Inflation Reduction Act

    The bill, which passed the Senate on Sunday, represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history and has garnered support from cities seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost resilience.

    By Danielle McLean • Aug. 9, 2022
  • Buildings in Bethesda, Maryland.
    Image attribution tooltip
    DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Building performance standards momentum slowly grows in the wake of White House efforts

    A Maryland county’s policy represents one of the only major updates so far, but more localities have said they’ll pursue standards. Funds in the Inflation Reduction Act could provide new incentives to decarbonize buildings.

    By Maria Rachal • Aug. 8, 2022
  • MCE staff unload portable batteries for distribution to customers.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by MCE
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by MCE

    MCE: The power of an equitable energy future

    Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is creating an equitable clean energy future.

    Aug. 8, 2022
  • An artist's rendering of a city streetscape. A high-tech car approaches a crosswalk as pedestrians pass by.
    Image attribution tooltip
    gremlin via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Opinion

    Together, EVs, AVs and multimodal transportation will create more vibrant cities

    Gas stations, subway stations, parking garages and roads are among the city features we can reimagine as new mobility technologies change how we get from point A to point B, writes a leading exec at Gensler.

    By Andy Cohen • Aug. 5, 2022