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Bonneville, the Northwest's biggest clean-power supplier, faces promise and perils in changing energy markets

Hal Bernton

July 21, 2019 |

The Seattle Times |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Grand Coulee, Washington

The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state has a longstanding history of providing generating power and hydropower, but hasn't always been the most reliable operation and faces financial uncertainty. Still, it has a produced "public power at cost for Northwest utilities" and contributed to a boost in the numbers of salmon available for harvest.

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I've seen the future and it's Norwich: the energy-saving, social housing revolution

Oliver Wainwright

July 16, 2019 |

The Guardian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Norwich

A neighborhood of 100 homes in Norwich offers a solution to the affordable housing crisis through no-frills public housing. The homes, part of a social housing project funded by the Norwich City Council, meet modern energy efficiency standards that allow residents to pay nearly 70% less in energy bills than other neighborhoods.

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Energy audit inspires Virginia yogis to ‘stand up for something that's important'

Elizabeth McGowan

July 08, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Yogaville, Virginia

A self-imposed audit of energy resources aimed at reducing a Virginia community's carbon footprint and utility bill resulted in a move towards solar power. The community now partners with other surrounding entities to teach solar bootcamps and raise awareness about the need for renewable energy sources.

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This DC apartment building provides low-income families with solar power and a resilience center

Natasha Riddle

June 27, 2019 |

Greater Greater Washington |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Solar energy allows for housing that is both affordable and resilient to climate change and other emergencies. In Washington D.C., Jubilee Housing, non-profit that creates affordable housing, partnered with New Partners Community Solar Corp. to create a building with a solar array that reduces utility costs, and a Resiliency Center, a multi-use space that serves as an aid distribution point during emergencies. The building is part of Washington D.C.’s commitment to remaining on the list of 100 Resilient Cities.

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Eskilstuna: how a Swedish town became the world capital of recycling

Ammar Kalia

June 18, 2019 |

The Guardian |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Sweden, Eskilstuna

Recycling provides an economic alternative to heavy industry. In the former steel town of Eskilstuna, recovery from economic decline has meant re-platforming into a model of sustainability. From the city’s second-hand article mall to state-of-the art trash sorting technologies, innovations in closed-loop economics have created new jobs and possibilities for longtime residents and new arrivals alike.

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As Massachusetts looks to boost electric vehicle adoption, Norway offers a model

Sarah Shemkus

June 17, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Norway, Oslo

Financial incentives in Norway have contributed in a huge switch to electric vehicles. By eliminating certain taxes and tolls, drivers of electric vehicles reap financial benefits. Improved infrastructure in recent years has contributed to the widespread adoption, as well. Massachusetts is looking to Norway’s success as it tries to implement its own financial and environmental incentives.

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Building Resilience and Preserving History in Charleston

Betsey Russell

June 14, 2019 |

Shelterforce |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina's Eastside neighborhood takes strides towards building efficient infrastructure by implementing a weatherization and flood protection plan. The plan, though in early stages, has included community voices and feedback to ensure disenfranchised populations in the area are heard.

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In Ohio, craft breweries emerge as leaders for clean energy

Kathiann M. Kowalski

May 28, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Athens, Ohio

In the crowded craft beer industry, breweries in Ohio are standing out through environmentally-friendly practices. Several breweries are depending upon solar energy and energy-efficient lighting, which are funded through beer sales or through various government grants. They hope to spread this practice throughout the larger national brewing industry.

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An (Even More) Inconvenient Truth: Why Carbon Credits For Forest Preservation May Be Worse Than Nothing

Lisa Song

May 22, 2019 |

ProPublica |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Rio Branco, Acre

This story examines the well-publicized climate-change strategy of carbon credits: the idea that a CO₂-emitting company could offset its emissions by funding anti-logging efforts, effectively "saving" the equivalent amount of carbon. However, as it turns out, despite its popularity, most carbon credit programs do not actually work or, worse, may do more harm than good. This article details the shortcomings of this attempted solution to the effects of global warming.

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Termite and ventilation system

Patrick Aryee

May 20, 2019 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Zimbabwe, Harare

Buildings with permeable surfaces increase energy efficiency, mimicking natural structures. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Eastgate Centre employs methods borrowed from termite mound construction to efficiently regulate the building's temperature. By employing insights that scientists had gained by studying the airflow in termite mounds, the Centre’s architects used materials with a high thermal mass, increased surface area, and maximized ventilation.

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