Energy Efficiency

Last year, developer KB Homes began putting an Energy Performance Guide (EPG) label on every home they build. Is this an idea who's time has come?

August 29, 2011 - Builder Magazine

Researchers in China have reportedly created an insulation material that can "retain and release heat according to specific temperature requirements."

August 3, 2011 - Buildings

Climate Central intern Ruthie Nachmany writes how one conference on energy envisions individuals taking a role in being energy efficient, while another conference prefers cities creating systems that can lead to energy efficiency.

July 13, 2011 - Climate Central

The truth is, it works: a new report shows that energy efficiency standards placed on utilities result in less demand and greater savings.

June 16, 2011 - Grist

Despite having the world's most energy efficient, least polluting auto fleet, greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector continue to rise in Sweden.

June 14, 2011 - Common Dreams

A 2001 study showed that we can save more oil by building more fuel-efficient cars than by expanding drilling under U.S. soil or in our oceans. Deron Lovaas sees black gold in our cities and suburbs.

March 17, 2011 - NRDC Blog

Homes located near transit stops are more energy efficient than homes classified "energy efficient", according to a new study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

March 10, 2011 - USA Today

A new peer reviewed study reveals that housing located in compact, transit-oriented and location efficient developments are more likely to consume less energy than developments in low density suburban areas.

February 25, 2011 - NRDC

"Reskinning" buildings -- or adding a new facade -- is taking off in Canada and Europe.

February 19, 2011 - Solve Climate News

Building owners in downtown Chicago are hoping to push forward a project aimed at creating a "smart grid" of energy-efficient and energy-producing buildings.

January 25, 2011 - The Architect's Newspaper

Stephen L. Cowell, an energy efficiency expert, says that while other careers are sputtering the business of creating savings by reducing energy consumption is going gangbusters.

January 10, 2011 - Renewable Energy World

Cary Lowe, Los Angeles-based attorney and advocate for energy efficiency, makes the case for the economic benefits of energy efficiency retrofits to the state of California.

November 5, 2010 - The Planning Report

In the face of a recent heat wave, New York City's smart grid stood up to the challenge and made sure that the power kept flowing.

July 16, 2010 - Good

The South eats up more resources than the rest of the U.S., says reporter Elizabeth Daigneau. With 36% of the U.S. population, the South uses 44% of the nation's energy consumption.

June 28, 2010 - Governing Magazine

If cities want to curb energy use, they should focus on private buildings, according to this article.

May 15, 2010 - Sustainable Life

Preservationists say a new California law that requires new construction to meet stringent green building standards could encourage demolition of historically significant buildings.

February 23, 2010 - NPR

As part of a $133 million renovation of a federal building in Portland, the Government Services Administration plans to add 200-foot high "vegetated fins" that will carpet the building with plants and - hopefully - energy savings.

February 1, 2010 - New York Times

California is on the verge of approving the country's first state green building code, but some environmental groups are trying to stop it, arguing the code does not go far enough.

January 11, 2010 - Los Angeles Times

The Danish island of Samso is the poster child of clean energy. Its residents generate more energy than they consume. Now the Danish government wants to export that model back to the mainland.

October 25, 2009 - Der Spiegel

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has announced a ten-point plan to turn his city in the greenest in the world by 2020.

October 23, 2009 - The Vancouver Sun