Taylor Patterson, ERS Santa Claus, like many of us, has faced unprecedented challenges this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic has had tremendous impacts on all aspects of life: School, work, social life, the economy, and the environment. It has shined a light on pressing issues, like human impacts on the environment and … Read more
act-news.com, 12/14/20. The freight sector presents a unique opportunity to realize the widespread advantages of transportation electrification and reap a host of national security, economic, emissions reduction, and public health benefits. But doing so will require a collaborative effort across manufacturers; utilities; federal, state and local policymakers; the trucking and goods delivery industries; and the … Read more
Taylor Patterson, ERS The 2020 City Clean Energy Scorecard, developed by ACEEE, recognizes energy efficiency achievements of cities across the United States each year. Not only does the Scorecard rank the most efficient cities nationwide, it also recognizes the most improved cities, the ones that have made the most significant strides toward greater efficiency standards … Read more
Pictured: Mount Major – Alton, NH
Photo provided by Deanna Patterson
energy.gov, 11/19/20 In 1789, President George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation calling upon Americans to express gratitude for the happy conclusion to the nation’s war of independence and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Since then, Thanksgiving has become a favorite American holiday as family and friends reunite to feast and give thanks. The one drawback, … Read more
Patrick Hewlett, ERS The fact that our reality has transformed tremendously since the infection of COVID-19 is nothing new, and like many other industries, the world of energy efficiency is not the same as it was pre-pandemic. Much of this change has been brought upon by the shift of work and social lifestyles to remote, … Read more
eia.gov, 11/3/2020. In 2019, consumption of renewable energy in the United States grew for the fourth year in a row, reaching a record 11.5 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), or 11% of total U.S. energy consumption. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) new U.S. renewable energy consumption by source and sector chart published in the Monthly Energy Review shows … Read more
Brian McCowan, ERS Halloween has its roots in the Celtic traditional celebration of Samhain, which first took place during the Iron Age (considered to be about 800 BC to 100 AD) in what is now Ireland and Scotland. Samhain began as a collection of rituals that recognized the end of summer, the completion of crop … Read more
Max Ma and Amanda Gasse, ERS Question: Plug loads are one of the fastest growing sources of energy use in commercial buildings today. In offices, they account for 15%–20% of office electricity use. Due to COVID-19, commercial office building owners report that offices have not returned to normal occupancy levels. Yet tenants report that, while … Read more
Alex Schultz, ERS With fall comes cooler weather, apple cider, and Halloween décor: 151.95 million Americans plan to carve a pumpkin this year. Jack-o-lanterns provide a festive look to any front door, but they also represent a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions as they decompose. Talk about spooky! When a pumpkin ends up in … Read more