Zero-Carbon Policies

RMI is analyzing potential policies, codes, and other recommendations that can help government leaders put their jurisdictions on a pathway to zero carbon while maintaining balanced markets and saving taxpayer money.

The Illinois State Capitol, located in Springfield, Illinois, is the building that houses the executive and legislative branches of the government of the U.S. state of Illinois.

What Is RMI's Zero-Carbon Policies Work?

This effort seeks to work directly with government entities or with pangovernmental coalitions and groups to propose policies that can viably reduce carbon emissions and support next-generation clean energy technologies while saving money for the taxpayer, creating jobs, and driving additional value.

Why It Matters

Many cities have made commitments to a low-carbon economy, but need robust analysis and direction to achieve their ambitious goals in a manner that is cost-effective, politically viable, and impactful.

Who's Involved

RMI has worked with Architecture 2030, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Under2 Coalition, Signify, The Heinz Endowments, and The City of Pittsburgh to recommend clear policies and to analyze policies and share outcomes with hundreds of subnational governments worldwide.

What We’ve Accomplished

RMI has performed policy analyses for a potential point-of sale policy in New York City, collaborated with the City of Pittsburgh to assess solar potential, written a report on the opportunities that buildings could pose for the electric vehicle revolution, and released both The Carbon-Free City Handbook and The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook to equip leaders in cities and state/regional governments with the tools to drive toward zero-carbon.