Shorter Battery Life
The future dims for a Massachusetts electric vehicle battery maker
May 31, 2012
China: Regional Cap And Trade
China plans to create a two-region cap and trade system able to link with global carbon trading markets
Wind Power Facts v Fictions
California Upping Efficiency Bar
California is about to raise its energy efficiency standards, 25% for homes and 30% for commercial buildings
We've Got A Winner
The Department of Energy announces the winner of its Apps for Energy contest
Germany: Grid The Wind
Germany plans to construct four electric autobahns to transmit wind turbine power
A New CO2 High
Arctic atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide hit their highest level in 800,000 years
Coming Clean On Fracking
The ability to purify polluted water coming from hydrofracking operations is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry and government regulators
What To Do When Banks Won't Do It?
Can capital markets step in where banks won't go to finance building energy efficiency upgrades?
May 30, 2012
King Coal
Extra! Extra! US reliance on coal drops sharply, read all about it
Measure It To Manage It
Corporations with green goals do best when they measure the resources they consume
Campaign 2012: He Said, He Said
The Obama campaign responds to Romney's attack on support for green energy firms
It's Culture Not Science
Climate deniers don't suffer from a deficit of scientific literacy, they operate in a different culture context
May 29, 2012
China: PV Tariff Tiff Heats Up
A view from China on the state of its solar panel industry, off-shoring to Taiwan and its fight with the US over tariffs
Canada: PV Panel Maker Woes
A publicly-traded Canadian solar panel maker in Canada, seeking debt relief, sells itself to private investors
Parsing Goldman's Green
What is the meaning of the Goldman-Sachs ten-year $40 billion green investment?
A Tale Of Two N-Plants
Consider the license renewal paths for a 1972 Massachusetts and a 1984 Washington nuclear power plant
Singapore: Sustainable Cities Summit
This summer Singapore will host the World Cities Summit with a holistic urban sustainability agenda
What The Frack
While some see the dawn of a golden era for fracking natural gas, you might see something quite different
Japan's Energy Future
In the wake of Fukushima, the choices Japan makes about its energy future could be instructive for other nations
$100 Million For Electric Karma
Fisker Motors, maker of luxury plug-in cars that received a DOE loan, reports $100 million in revenue this year for its Karma sedan
Energizer Bunnies
New battery technologies aren't just for start-up ventures
May 26, 2012
Net-Zero In Brooklyn
A solar exterior plus energy efficent construction adds up to a five story apartment building that can make as much power as it uses
May 25, 2012
We Like Ferries
East River ferries are so popular that bigger boats are needed to accommodate demand
Let The Sun Shine In
Near completion, the Oculus will allow sunlight deep into the Fulton Street transit terminal where 11 subway lines and the PATH train link up
California Boosts Solar Power
California regulators rule to net meter consumers who plug PV power into the electric grid
China: Spend Big For Less Carbon
China will spend $27 billion this year to advance energy efficiency and renewables as its energy intensity continues to fall
Senate Scores Two For Energy
The US Senate approved both the installation of EV recharging stations in the Capitol and the nomination of a new director of the Energy Information Administration
India: Could Close Airspace To EU
India contemplates closing its airspace to European airlines If the EU sanctions the nation's non-carbon complaint planes with a tax
Home Lighting In Dark Ages
Residential lighting remains stubbornly retro and energy-slurping
India: Himalayan High Heat
From 1982-2006 the Himalayas heated up by 1.5 degrees C, faster than anywhere else on Earth
Benchmarking Data Visualization
See what you can see with this map of San Francisco's energy-benchmarked commercial buildings!
You Can't Go Home Again
Reversing climate change impacts like sea level rise and drought won't be like hitting the rewind button
May 24, 2012
Beware Of Gap Growth
As nations miss their carbon cutting targets, the gap grows between reduction goals and actualities
Germany: Power Prices Plummet
Failure to deal with excess volumes of EU carbon emissions credits is linked to sharply falling prices for electricity in Germany
Rating That Train
Two New York City Councilmembers want the MTA to give letter grades to subway stations, just like the City rates restaurants
Good News About Natural Gas
Use of abundant natural gas has led US CO2 emissions to drop faster than all other nations in the IEA survey but total global carbon emissions are rising again
How To Save $1 Billion
Since 2008, Climate Corps fellows have identified $1 billion in potential energy savings at participating corporations
Next Generation Nuclear Power - Not
Super-low natural gas prices and no carbon tax might smother market chances for an emerging nuclear power technology
Peer At This
A SUNY Buffalo study described as "peer-reviewed", which found regulation has made hydrofracking safer, turns out not to be peer-reviewed
2011's Top Solar Utilities
Who are America's leading solar utilities and where are they located?
Urban Roofs - Green, White, Blue And PV
Look up options for raising the eco-performance of building roofs
May 23, 2012
Biophilia - Love It Or....
Despite the passion for biophiic building design, lack of performance data hampers its growth
All Oil Isn't Created Equal
What makes is Canadian tar sands oil so dirty and what could slow down sales?
NYC: Making Good On 30x30 Pledge
Catch up with what's happened since 2007 when NYC first pledged to cut its carbon footprint 30% by 2030
On The Bus In San Franscisco
Six years in the making, San Francisco's bus rapid transit plan comes into focus
Scotland: Smart Grid Blueprint
Scotland announces plans to develop technologies able to match electric power supply and demand for a smart grid
EU: Rising Energy Policy Discord
The UK's proposed energy policy stirs controversy in the EU power sector, anxiety over the carbon emissions trading scheme and is decidedly pro-nuclear
Congress Ignores Public
Although polls find strong public support for more renewable power and clean energy, Congress is unlikely to act
Natural Gas Pipeline OKed
By a 4-0 vote, federal regulators approve construction of a natural gas pipeline across the Hudson River from NJ to Greenwich Village.
Don't Even Think Of Driving
For Gridlock Sam, the solution to the looming traffic and parking problem at the new Brooklyn sports arena is simple, don't drive there
May 22, 2012
Let Us Not LEED
56 Congress members want the federal government to abandon LEED building ratings
UK: Out With The Old - Or Not
A decision is expected in 2013 about whether old French-owned British nuclear power plants will be mothballed
UK: Old Nukes, New Nukes And More
A British government bill would keep old nuclear plants open while encouraging new ones, and add more renewables into the energy mix
We Want What They Have
Cities with star-power high performance buildings make us green with envy
Germany: Utility Doubts Wind Future
A major German power utility is skeptical of the ability to meet the government's off-shore wind power target for 2020
Take The Money, Please
Lack of consumer demand rather than problems with financial markets might explain the low number of energy efficiency loans and the lack of underwriting standards for energy use doesn't help
Thank You For Asking
At last, peace of mind for everyone wondering what to do with old plastic CD cases
May 21, 2012
Boulder: When Good Is Not Enough
Boulder Colorado's carbon-reduction achievements are not enough to meet its own climate action plan goals and the city might impose mandatory energy efficiency rules
Concentrating Wind Power
A gust of mergers blows through the US wind power industry
ABC's Of Concentrating Solar Power
Introduce yourself to the basics of concentrating solar power
NYC Moves Itself
What should New York City do to improve mass transit, traffic congestion and the pedestrian experience?
Melbourne: 0x20
The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia has no doubt about the impact of climate change and the city has a goal of zero net-carbon emissions by 2020
Shaghai Is Sinking
Global warming is one of the reasons that the mega-city of Shanghai is sinking
Unintended Consequences
The 1990s requirement that made utilities sell their nuclear power plants lead to increasing output and big cuts in energy-sector carbon emissions
China: Work Around US Solar Tariff
In response to the new tariff imposed by the US on solar panels made in China, companies will shift production to Taiwan
Hearland Institute Could Cease To Exist
Mass defections by funders and staff from the climate change-bashing Heartland Institute could signal its demise
May 19, 2012
Cash The Wind
15 wind turbines installed at an outdoor sculpture park in Goldendale, WA. generate electricity for Los Angeles, CA and $250,000 a year for the museum
France: Vive Le Tarif Carbone
The new French President likes at least one idea of his precedessor, the carbon tariff
May 18, 2012
From AC To DC
Why is China investing $3.7 billion in DC power transmission lines?
Time To Retire
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers whether to permit continued operation of nuclear power plants more than 60 years old
The Downside Of Higher PV Tariffs
Not everyone in the US is happy with a government decision to raise tariffs 31-250% on solar panels made in China
Clean Energy Dollars And Sense
Despite a political black-eye, the economic value of clean energy investments still shines
New Jersey: The Wind-Friendly State
Development of off-shore wind power is getting friendly reception in New Jersey
Japan: Avoiding Summer Blackouts
Japan hopes that voluntary energy conservation measures will avoid a repeat of last summer's rolling blackouts
Germany: What Happens To Losers
After a major Conservative electoral defeat, Prime Minister Merkel fires her environmental minister
UK: Nuclear Delays
Long delays in site preparation for a new nuclear power plant in Somerset backed by the French utility EDF could be costly
Demystifying Energy Efficiency
In states with low electricity costs but without efficiency policies, consumers pay bigger bills than in high cost states with efficiency policies
May 17, 2012
Renewable Military Power
The Defense Department commits to installing 3 gigawatts of renewable power at its facilities by 2025
Tokyo: Penguin Haven
A penguin that escape from its aquarium is sighted swimming safely in Tokyo Bay
The PV Misperception
It can't be said too often, PV power is cheaper than you think
Wind Resource Map
Location, location and location of the nation's onshore and offshore wind resources
Data Envy
When the owner of building A sees performance data for building B, things happen!
Nuke Plant Tubes Tanking
The problem with abnormal wear of tubes carrying radioactive waste water and the question of who will pay for repairs plague the California San Onofro nuclear power plant
May 16, 2012
Plan B For EV Batteries
An electric vehicle battery maker explores 'strategic alternatives' for the company
Australia: Eucalyptus Experiment
Australian scientists will expose eucalyptus trees to future CO2 levels of to determine if they become more vulnerable to risks
Decision Near On PV Dumping
Stay tuned for a US decision this week about whether Chinese solar panel makers are violating international trade rules
Climate Science And The Media
The recent James Hanson climate tocsin op-ed is a magnet for pro, con and other reactions in the media
May 15, 2012
Dubai: Carbon Market Player
To encourage energy efficiency, Dubai will enter the carbon emissions market by selling Clean Development Mechanism permits
Hanging Out On YouTube
A Stanford University climate scientist invites climate skeptics to chat with him on YouTube
UK: Alarm In Renewable Power Sector
Government plans billed as supportive of renewable power development raise an outcry in the industry
Globe: No Cooling Trend
A New Way To Walk
Starting this summer pedestrians can go through mid town on Sixth-and-a-Half Avenue
Fracking And The Unknowns
Doctors and patients confront what isn't known about the health implications of hydrofracking
LIPA Cleans Up
Under the CLEAN banner, the Long Island Power Authority pays 22 cents/kW for solar power fed into its system
Boston: Retrofit and Research
Not only is a century-old Boston tannery getting a deep-energy retrofit, but research will determine how well the building's new materials and systems perform
Google Wind Go Ahead
The Atlantic Wind Connection for transmitting offshore-generated electricity to coastal states, financially backed by Google, moves closer to approval
May 14, 2012
Yes, But
A close look at poll data on support for paying more for renewable power finds it's not evenly distributed, making Congressional action unlikely
Forward Thinking On Renewables
What will it take to create a robust future for therenewable power business in the US?
How Cities Can Accelerate EVs
If demand for electric vehicles is ever to reach a serious scale, here is how cities can lead the way
Mexico: Gusting Ahead
Wind holds the promise of surging development for Mexico, expecting 2 gigawatts of capacity this year and double that by 2015
The Urban GHG Inventory
With cities as hubs of population and innovation, the need is clear for a standardized global guide to inventory GHG emissions
Don't Believe Everything Your Read
Check out yet another way off-base energy-themed election year billboard
Australia: Double The Gas
Asian export-oriented Australia projects its shale deposits contain two times more natural gas than previously known
Tanks A Lot
US Army tanks are on the front lines for achieving the nation's goal of the 54.5 MPG fuel standard
Brazil And China Catch The Wind
As the biggest foreign investor in Brazil, China develops wind power projects that produce electricity more cheaply than natural gas
May 11, 2012
Asia: Another Way To Thrive
Facing a looming climate crisis, Asia can forge low-carbon paths to economic growth
1% Is No Solution
Under 1% of American households report having some kind of energy management devices
Spend It Or Lose It
The Obama Administration warns California to spend $3 billion in stimulus funds dedicated to high speed rail or risk having to return the money [Greenwire $ub]
Germany: Free No More
Germany will eliminate 56% of its free carbon emissions creditstraded on the EU-ETS
Navy Green
The US Navy plans to meet half its energy needs with non-fossil fuels by 2020
Picture This
Who's that guy taking photos of NYC farms?
What Business Wants Now
The 2011 MIT/Sloan innovation survey finds US corporate management is nearing a sustainability tipping point but is not yet a top priority
What We Are Thinking
Surveys find Americans' opinions on climate change and what should be done about it are more complicated than you might think
May 10, 2012
No Solution For This Water Problem
Handling the huge volumes of toxic waste water created by hydrofracking is geologically unavailable in the Marcellus Shale so underground injection is not an option
Ukraine: Shale Gas Deal
Chevron and Shell near an agreement with the Ukraine to drill for shale gas, despite the nation's drinking water shortages
Canada: Some Call It Streamlining
A federal government proposal to 'streamline' the environmental impact review of proposed development projects arouses concern
A Climate-Koch Connection
As James Hansen spells out a dooms-day scenario if tar sand drilling in Canada proceeds, some facts surface about Koch Industries involvement
UK: Fracking Will Return
After suspending work in the wake of earthquake activity, a major natural gas driller says UK fracking will resume this year
Support Local Farmers
When renovating the Hunts Point wholesale markets, the New York Times urges the Governor and the Mayor to make room for local farm produce
Build A Better Lightbulb
Will GE have a winner with its, dimmable, mercury-free LED bulb that can shine for 22.8 years?
A Not-So-Smart Grid
Facing customer resistance to smart meters, electric utilities delay new roll-outs and smart grid advances
May 09, 2012
Welocme GB EE
PlaNYC launches a web asset replete with useful information about green buildings and energy efficiency
China: Solar Opportunity In Japan
Chinese solar power companies see new opportunities in Japan's uncertain nuclear future
A Little Too Late, Lugar
Now that Senator Lugar has lost his re-election bid, he rips the Republican hard stance against climate action
Not Insuring The Planet
Underuse of a World Bank insurance fund for clean energy projects in developing countries could mean a lack of carbon-cutting progress
Germany: Solar Reprieve Possible
German parliamentary resistance may change Prime Minster Merkel's plan to cut solar feed-in tariffs
Get Smart
IBM sees major opportunities in retrofitting buildings to make them energy-efficient and healthy for occupants
Hope In A Bloom Box
Bloom Energy, California maker of giant fuel cells sold on the West Coast, to open a factory in Delaware with expectations of an East Coast market
Spinning Right
Right-wingers target a new enemy - wind power
Empire State Building Beats Projections
Energy performance at the remodeled Empire State Building beats its first year goal on its way to cutting 38% of its usage within three years
May 08, 2012
2 x 2052
Let us hope the Club of Rome prediction that Earth's temperature will rise 2 degrees Celsius by 2052 is wrong
A Romney EPA
In speculating about a President Romney's EPA, Politico notes, "In November, Romney proudly exclaimed that he exhales carbon dioxide, asking rhetorically at a New Hampshire rally if that makes him a polluter.
'I exhale carbon dioxide', he said. 'I don’t want those guys following me around with a meter to see if I’m breathing too hard.'"
Green Offices Shine In Houston
Houston, Texas announces the winners of the first Green Office Challenge, supported by the Clinton Climate Initiative and ICLEI
Green Energy Bonds Unloved and Unwanted
Despite low costs, a federal bond program that allows local governments to finance energy efficiency and renewables projects remains largely untapped
UK: Sets Energy Policy
The UK announces fracking for natural gas and new nuclear power plants are key to its energy policy
9.11 Whistleblower Re-Hired
An EPA scientist who lost her job for disclosing data on asbestos and caustic dust released into the air due to the destruction of the World Trade Center gets rehired
Microsoft Commits On Carbon
Starting in July, Microsoft promises to become carbon neutral on a global scale in just one year
Where The Green Jobs Are
The San Francisco Bay Area tops the list for green jobs and New York City is second
May 07, 2012
Green Her Not
A 20-something social activist explains why she doesn't want to be called an environmentalist
The Social Psychology of Climate Politics
Authors of The Republican Brain and The Righteous Mind probe the political polarization over climate change and science
Energy Star Dims
The EPA Energy Star program faces opposition by Congress members not known for supporting government energy efficiency programs
Hudson River Park In Peril
Faced with depletion of its reserve fund, the Hudson River Park Conservancy eyes Pier 40 for a hotel and apartments
Renewables On The Edge
Rock-bottom natural gas prices plus the lack of federal climate policy couldkill off the renewable energy industry
Durban: Mind The Gap
Delays hamper commitments made by the EU at the Durban, South Africa climate talks to provide $30 billion annually for assisting developing nations
A Recycling Revival
While the high performance Bank Of America building highlights tenant recycling, the City still struggles to meet its own mandates
May 05, 2012
Reclaiming Urban History
Recycle New York City's history in wood so it won't go to waste
Don't Drown In Data
With the ability to amass building performance data comes the opportunity to find its value
Where The Birds Are
If you're like me, you like wind turbines and birds too, so you'll want both in your future
May 04, 2012
Paris: Building Materials And Climate
An installation at the Centre Pompidou in Paris demonstrates how wood forms respond to moisture-laden air
Getting Warmer
What's up with that story about global warming ending in 1998?
Feeling The Heat
Why is making predictions about climate changes as as much about politics as about physics?
Greenland: Glacial News
New measures suggest Greenland's glaciers may be melting slower than previously predicted, but they are melting and sea level will rise
May 5: Connect The Dots
Preview the 350.org day of global climate action
Parting The Clouds
Now that the issue of clouds and climate change has made it to the front page of the NYT, get deeper into the current state of the science
A New Life For PACE Loans
Federal home-mortgage regulators take a second look at the feasibility of the PACE energy upgrade loan program and observers expect an announcement soon
NY: No Renewables Bragging Rights
As in 2001, New York gets just 1-4% of its electricity from renewables, if hydro-power is taken out of the calculation
May 03, 2012
An Opening On Solar Windows
Will the technology for converting window glass to solar panels catch on?
Japan: Nuclear Powerless
With the temporary shutdown of its last operating nuclear power plants, Japan will keep its lights on with oil
Clean Energy Investing Now
Global clean energy investments sag 28% from late 2011, but low equipment costs mean market demand will rise over time
38 And Counting
Retrofits at a 1958 office building makes the 38th LEED for Existing Buildings award in Gotham
China: Shrink Solar Subsidies
With on-going low solar power component costs, China cuts subsidies on certain demonstration projects
Brodsky v NRC
What's the Indian Point matter at issue in Brodsky v NRC at a US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals hearing on May 3?
Move Those Toll Booths
"Gridlock Sam" Schwartz says New York tolls the wrong bridges and offers a fix
G20: Clean Energy Confab
Launched by US DOE, the latest international meeting on clean energy policies forges partnerships to tackle the hard stuff
May 02, 2012
The PV Champ
Scientists develop the most efficient solar photovoltaic cell yet
The New American Dream Home
The fastest growing segment of the US housing market offers denser development & easy access to mass transit
Doing Right By Solar PV
From the need for predicable government support to getting grid integration right, an analysis of what it will take for solar PV to thrive
A Corporate Climate Risk Management Primer
To face the risks of climate change, what should forward-thinking corporations be doing now?
South Korea: OK's Carbon Market
With bi-partisan support, the South Korean legislature approves a carbon emissions permit trading system to tackle its fast-growing carbon footprint
South Africa: Current From Current
A 1 MW experimental ocean current power project is under consideration in Durban, South Africa
Too Much Coal
While Asian demand for coal holds steady, the supply of imports soars and prices drop to $100 a ton
What Do EV Drivers Do?
One way to resolve debates over the future of electric vehicles is to study what people do when they drive them
May 01, 2012
Rethinking Energy Analysis
The Rand Corporation recommends analyzing all the energy that goes into making and using different products to arrive at climate-smart choices
UK: Oil And Wind Might Mix
Oil services firms work with wind power developers on North Sea wind power
UK: Oil And Wind Don't Mix
With the UK government retreat on climate action, Shell Oil now finds it cannot 'make the numbers work' for wind power investing
NY Counts On Jobs - Or Doesn't
A fight erupts over just how many jobs will be created for New Yorkers if Marcellus Shale hydrofracking is approved
The Fate of PACE In California
A scholarly analysis of the PACE residential energy efficiency loan program in several California communities fills a knowledge gap
Saline Secrets Revealed
Data from floating ocean robots measuring saltiness predicts disturbing changes likely to intensify rain and drought patterns on land
Idle No Longer
The EPA launches a decision-making tool to figure out the best unoccupied places or brownfields to site renewable energy facilities
Apple: Start To Think Different
Apple is installing 4.8 MW of fuel cells and 20 MW in wind turbines to power its North Carolina data center
Science At Work
Settle down here for the latest thinking on what ended the last Ice Age