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When lights went out in Western North Carolina, solar and batteries helped some power up

Adam Wagner

October 28, 2024 |

The News & Observer |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Asheville, North Carolina

After Hurricane Helene shut down most of the power grid, the Footprint Project brought 47 portable solar arrays and battery systems to the area to help restore power. These solar panels offer an alternative to diesel-powered generators, so people in remote areas experiencing a natural disaster don’t have to rely on burning fossil fuels, which contributes to the climate crisis.

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How to build an AC that will get the world through hotter summers

Allyson Chiu Emily Wright

October 05, 2024 |

The Washington Post |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: India, Thane

Innovators are developing new air conditioning units to keep people cool as temperatures and humidity rise without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside improved energy efficiency, the new tech focuses on sensing and reducing humidity in real-time and adjusting itself as humidity fluctuates throughout the day.

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Why electric restaurants could be the key ingredient for cities trying to ditch fossil fuels

Sam Brasch

September 13, 2024 |

Colorado Public Radio |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

Whether encouraged by government incentives and regulations, environmental impacts, or business benefits, restaurants are switching to electric cooking appliances like induction cooktops instead of gas-powered options.

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Passive House standards a solution for efficient affordable housing

Audrey F. Henderson

September 04, 2024 |

Energy News Network |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Housing developers are following the Passive House standards to create affordable housing that’s incredibly energy efficient. These buildings are air-tight with efficient ventilation and strategically positioned windows, so they don’t need central heating and cooling systems.

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Massachusetts cities are quickly embracing new emission-slashing building code option

Sarah Shemkus

September 03, 2024 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts state government introduced a new building code, called the specialized stretch code, to set new construction up for decreased fossil fuel use. It’s an opt-in code, so municipalities vote on whether to adopt it, and many have.

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Kansas City saved energy by switching to LED streetlights. But it has bigger climate issues

Brandon Azim

August 29, 2024 |

KCUR Radio |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City has converted nearly 100,000 of its streetlights to LED bulbs over the last several years. The swap saves on energy, meaning less power is needed from the local coal-fired power plant.

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Philly home repair and climate resilience program gets big funding boost

Sophia Schmidt

June 17, 2024 |

WHYY |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Built to Last program, run by the Philadelphia Energy Authority, began as a pilot in 2021, but in the face of increased demand, the city recently granted $5 million in its budget to “future-proof” homes with electric heat pump HVAC systems, rooftop solar, electric appliances and other repairs that create more energy-efficient homes for low-income families. Since 2021, the program has repaired over 100 homes and has about 200 currently in progress.

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Months after devastating floods, Vermont renews efforts to aid climate-friendly rebuilds

Annie Ropeik

March 20, 2024 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Hardwick, Vermont

After extreme flooding damaged homes, the energy efficiency utility Efficiency Vermont offered emergency flood rebates to those impacted. Recovery teams helped people plan and find funding to repair and replace energy systems and appliances with more efficient models that will help them reach their decarbonization goals. In this circumstance, exceptions were made to include rebates for high-efficiency fossil fuel systems, too.

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Giving buildings a new, green lease on life

Krithiga Narayanan

February 02, 2024 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: India, Chennai

An architect in Chennai, India, is retrofitting private residences and public buildings to be more sustainable. They make changes like installing energy-efficient upgrades, solar panels, improved ventilation, and low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water and energy consumption.

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An overlooked climate solution unfolds in Memphis' energy challenges

Ashli Blow

January 23, 2024 |

Tennessee Lookout |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Gas Light and Water’s weatherization program is helping city residents prepare their homes for increasingly intense storms in ways that also reduce their energy use from fossil-fuel-derived sources and their utility bills. Contractors may install a new air conditioner or repair walls, but the resident is never charged for the services because ratepayers round up their bills to cover the cost.

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