RMI Outlet
Buildings
How Congress Can Accelerate Zero-Emissions Homes
The Biden administration has set an ambitious goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions at least in half by 2030 to help avoid the worst impacts of climate disruption. As a result, 2021 may be the year the federal government finally acts to curb one of the largest sources of those emissions: the gas used for space and water heating and cooking in millions of buildings across the country.
Why High-Efficiency Cooling Is a Climate Priority
The world leaders of the Group of Seven, better known as G7, released a long communique following their recent meeting in Cornwall, detailing their plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic and “build back better.” In a departure from the previous G7 meeting in 2019, which ended with a…
India’s Buildings Sector Moonshot: Corporate Climate Commitments Can Forge the Path
In India’s fight against climate change, the buildings sector provides huge opportunities for emissions reductions. Progressive and forward-looking real estate players are increasingly backing the move toward net zero with ambitious sustainability commitments. As companies set voluntary targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the use of science-based targets is…
Passive Cooling in a Tiny House
As the world warms and the demand for cooling increases, many homes will require an “all of the above” approach to keep cool without further contributing to global warming. That can include high-performance cooling systems that use climate-friendly coolants and consume relatively little energy, as well as building…
Why Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Feature Prominently in Biden’s Plans
The White House on May 17 announced a slate of new programs aimed at integrating US buildings into the clean energy economy. The initiatives include electrification programs for existing homes, workforce training for next-generation jobs in the buildings sector, and efforts to increase the adoption of efficient electric heat…