New statistics show that the U.S.—thanks largely to fracking and energy efficiency—has energy-related CO2 emissions down 12% from the peak in 2007
energy efficiency
How to Use Behavioral Science to Encourage Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency isn’t just about technology. As Alex Laskey of Opower explains in this video, it’s also about psychology
Smart Power: Why More Bytes Will Mean Fewer—and Cleaner—Electrons
The hottest new thing in clean tech isn’t solar panels or wind turbines—it’s computers. Big data analytics and smart meters are allowing utilities to use more renewable power while reducing energy waste.
SXSW: Using Big Data to Shrink Energy Waste
Austin has emerged as a hub for clean tech—and the Pecan Street Project is a pioneer in using big data to study how we use (and abuse) energy.
By Sea, Land and Air: Hong Kong Inventor Leads Charge in War Against Pollution
One Hong Kong engineer puts the city’s surf and turf to work toward a cleaner future
President Obama—With Help from Bill Clinton—Pushes Energy Efficiency
It’s been tough going in the renewable energy business lately. Prices for solar panels have fallen drastically, which is good news for consumers, but not so good for solar manufacturers, who are struggling to survive. Some—like …
A Smarter Smart Thermostat
Energy efficiency is incredibly important and really, really boring. There are always going to be that small minority of people who just love to maximize their energy use, who know exactly how much air should be in their tires to improve gas mileage, who can calculate the most efficient thermostat setting. But those people are few and …
Why Fighting Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Is So Stupid
There’s dumb, there’s dumber and then there are the House Republicans—nearly all of them—who voted this morning to set the U.S. back on energy efficiency. By a quick voice vote, the House approved an amendment that would prevent funds from a 2012 spending bill to be used to implement federal light bulb standards. The amendment …
The Greenest Buildings in North America
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have come out with the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design. COTE has been listing the top green projects for the past 15 years—each of the winners will be honored at the AIA 2011 Convention and Design Exposition in New …
President Obama, Vaclav Smil and the Energy Budget
Speaking at George Washington University today on the nation’s finances, President Obama drew a line in the sand, promising to protect Medicare and Medicaid from Republican budget cuts. But at the same time, Obama didn’t play down the severity of the country’s debt woes, pledging to cut a combined $4 trillion from the U.S. budget …