Vornado Realty Trust’s Post

Cutting fossil fuels out of our homes and commutes can be a formidable challenge. But the climate dividends would be huge: more than 40 percent of U.S. energy emissions come from our appliances, home energy sources and cars, according to electrification nonprofit Rewiring America. In 2022, Judy Ko decided to take up the challenge and start electrifying her 1965 San Francisco home. Over a 15-month slog, Ko has successfully swapped her gas furnace and water heater for an uber-efficient heat pump and heat-pump water heater, put in insulation and bought an EV. She also installed solar panels and a home battery to power her home and car. That makes Ko among the early movers toward an electrified life, and her still-ongoing journey is rife with lessons that could help the rest of us. Canary Media caught up with her to ask about how she managed it, what projects were toughest — and what benefits she’s reaping now: https://bit.ly/3TjgmFV #decarbonization #electrification #homeelectrification #energyefficiency #heatpumps #solar #energystorage

🌍 Decarbonizing Existing Buildings: A Critical Step for Cities’ Carbon Reduction Goals 🌱 Did you know that existing buildings account for around 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions? Decarbonizing them is essential to meeting climate targets, but it’s no easy task. Aging infrastructure, outdated mechanical systems, and regulatory challenges make it complex—but there are solutions. Take San Diego, for example. The city is leading the way with initiatives like community microgrids, building performance standards, and electrification retrofits, all designed to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing resilience and public health. Want to learn more about how cities like San Diego are paving the way to a greener future? 🌿 Check out the full article on how urban transformation is reshaping our cities for a net-zero future! #Sustainability #Decarbonization #NetZero #UrbanRenewal #GreenBuilding Authorised by M Shield, Victorian Greens, 1.05 level 1, Queens St, Melbourne Victoria 3000

Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-related emissions. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) is tackling this issue head-on. NICO JOHNSON 🎙️ spoke with Panama Bartholomy, Founder and Executive Director of BDC, who brings 25 years of experience in the building sector, both internationally and in state and local government. Through policy, market transformation, and consumer education, Bartholomy and his team are working to mainstream technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves, while also addressing the economic and equity implications of this transition. Expect to learn: ⚡ How neighborhood scale actions are the future of building decarbonization ⚡ Market actors, including manufacturers and installers driving the transition ⚡ The health and environmental benefits of eliminating gas appliances in homes ⚡ Managing economic impacts of the gas-to-electric transition With states like New York, Washington, and California and cities like New York City, Chicago, and LA mandating all-electric new construction, the decarbonization movement is quickly gaining momentum. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eEAFZg2B The appliance revolution could be the biggest clean energy opportunity. Let us know your thoughts on the episode in the comments below 👇 #Decarbonization #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenBuilding

My first blog for the BDC, in which I describe what I've learned about neighborhood-scale decarb and share some insights and experience from Jared Rodriguez and Rachel Kuykendall's turn on "BDC Presents: Neighborhood Scale Decarbonization." (And if you've had to read this sentence a few times to make sense of it, go ahead--click the link and all will be revealed).

Great blog by my colleague Jess S. on neighborhood-scale decarbonization, and how this strategy allows us to use thermal energy networks, heat pumps, and other technologies to achieve a broad and equitable transition to clean heat and cooling. Check it out!

This is a very thoughtful and detailed analysis on some of the challenges in making decarbonization work for everyone. In California where aproximately 40% of people live in either multi family or condos, certain decarbonization strategies are more challenging. This 10 point plan offers some hope.

#Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to Protect America said in 2022, electric vehicle registrations increased by about 82% from the previous year. Jake Pawlak, deputy mayor and director of the Office of Management and Budget for the City of Pittsburgh, said the city will invest $15 million in EVs for its fleet this year with federal help. He added Pittsburgh is working with organizations on a new program to help low-income residents cut energy costs with more electric appliances, weatherization and solar installation. "Our goal is to have significantly reduced the energy burden for 100 City of Pittsburgh residents by the end of this year," Pawlak explained. "And in the next six years, do so for 10,000 residents across the southwestern Pennsylvania region." Pittsburgh's goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 is the same target President Joe Biden set for the country. Pawlak notes Pittsburgh is leveraging its designation as a federal workforce hub, working with businesses, unions and government to create training programs for clean energy jobs. Khari Mosley, a Pittsburgh city council member, said Pennsylvania's transition to clean energy is an opportunity to revitalize the city and become a leader in a new, sustainable economy. He added it includes improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and affect the economy and environment. "Pittsburgh can truly be a leader for the country," Mosley contended. "As we invest in these new technologies that not only are going to create economic prosperity, but again, make our cities more resilient as we fight climate change and ensure that this next generation of Americans will truly be the environmental stewards that set our country on the right path." Brittany Prischak, deputy director of sustainability for Allegheny County, said the county has invested in electric vehicles since 2020. She added Pennsylvania is also deploying infrastructure for charging stations, which is now standard on all new construction projects and renovations. "We've had great partnerships -- Duquesne Light Company and West Penn Power -- that operate within Allegheny County," Prischak emphasized. "They've assisted us in infrastructure or electric upgrades to our facilities so that we can put in charging stations, make sure our vehicles can make it to their destinations." Pennsylvania has seen a significant increase in EV purchases. As of December, there were more than 47,000 electric vehicles registered in the state. Disclosure: Elected Officials to Protect America contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Public Lands/Wilderness.

Shifting from a vision of clean energy access and environmental justice to a reality requires state governments to make tax credits and incentives available to all communities. In this article outlining states that are forwarding impactful policies and those that are not, Working Power co-founder Bracken Hendricks talks about how clean energy can no longer be a luxury item. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqE7yFR9.

"The real benefit of a district energy system, especially in cities, is the distribution system. If a city wants to decarbonize, and they have a district energy system, it's much easier. They don't have to change things on a building-by-building basis." 💡 Vicinity's Deputy CEO and President Kevin Hagerty was featured in this Business Insider article on the innovative power of #districtenergy systems. The article dives into how upgrading existing district energy systems can offer a timely and cost-effective solution for cities looking to decarbonize, and building owners who need to reduce their carbon impact. Vicinity's district energy systems, located in 12 cities across the U.S., are in the process of decarbonizing, and the carbon reduction benefits will be passed on to our customer's buildings instantly. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02zkMpR0