The clean energy sector is experiencing a historic expansion, with renewable energy jobs now accounting for more than 40 percent of the 8.35 million people employed across the U.S. energy industry. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), private clean energy companies, governments, and nonprofit organizations added […]
When homeowners set out to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of an older home, the list of possible upgrades can feel overwhelming. Should you replace the windows first? Add attic insulation? Upgrade the heating system? The key is not to guess but to follow a data-driven approach that reveals which improvements deliver the greatest
Homeowners planning energy retrofits often face a difficult question: where do you even begin? After five years of working through an energy retrofit on my own home, I can tell you that the order of operations matters a great deal. Should you tackle the cheapest items first and build momentum, or should you focus on
The World Economic Forum selects 100 early- to growth-stage startups each year as part of its Technology Pioneers program, spotlighting innovations across climate science, renewable energy, decarbonization, and healthcare. The 2024 cohort spans 23 countries with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and smart-energy solutions. Among these pioneers are three companies developing technologies that directly
The building and construction industry stands at a critical crossroads. For decades, architects and builders have focused almost exclusively on operational energy the energy consumed by heating, cooling, and lighting buildings after they are occupied. Yet a growing body of research reveals that this narrow focus overlooks an equally significant problem: the carbon emitted during
The 2024 presidential election brought housing affordability to the forefront of national political debate. When Kamala Harris raised the issue of housing shortages and affordability during the September 10 presidential debate, she signaled that housing policy would be a defining platform of her campaign. Her proposal, framed around what she calls an “opportunity economy,” aims
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant popularity as energy-efficient alternatives to conventional electric resistance water heaters. By using the vapor-compression cycle, these appliances absorb heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the tank, achieving efficiency ratings well above 200 percent. Manufacturers and utility efficiency programs frequently highlight lower
Wildfires pose an increasing threat to communities across the United States, particularly in regions where suburban development pushes into fire-prone wildlands. Prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and expanding populations at the wildland-urban interface have created conditions where catastrophic fire events are not a question of if, but when. The International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) provides a
Many homeowners face a frustrating summer situation: the air conditioner keeps the indoor temperature right where the thermostat is set, yet the rooms still feel clammy and uncomfortable. This happens because an air conditioner has two jobs, not one. It cools the air and also removes moisture. When the temperature drops quickly but the equipment
Blower door testing has evolved far beyond a simple pass-fail measure of building airtightness. For contractors who invest in their own equipment, the blower door combined with a manometer opens the door to diagnostic techniques that identify hidden air leaks, evaluate pressure relationships between building zones, and test forced-air HVAC system performance. Mastering these methods
