Energy Efficiency Is One of Our Largest Electricity Resources

While You Weren’t Looking, Energy Efficiency Became One of Our Nation’s Top Energy Resources Union of Concerned Scientists, June 2, 2017 Here’s a fact I bet you didn’t know: in 2015, energy efficiency saved more electricity than was produced by every type of electricity resource in our country but for coal and natural gas. Hydro, … Read more

Trends and Observations of Energy Use in the Cannabis Industry

cannabis industry impact on grid

Jesse Remillard and Nick Collins, ERS, for Zondits During the fall 2016 elections, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, and California legalized recreational cannabis, and three other states legalized it for medical use. This brought the total number of states allowing the sale and use of recreational marijuana to 8, with another 28 allowing it for medicinal use. … Read more

Better Buildings Initiative Stimulates Energy Innovation

Better Buildings Initiative

Better Buildings Challenge Partners Save $1.9 Billion, Achieve their Portfolio-Wide Goal this Year The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the energy-efficiency progress made by the 345 leading public and private sector organizations in the Better Buildings Challenge. These efforts have led to a combined 240 trillion Btus and an estimated $1.9 billion in … Read more

EVs: Cleaner Than Gasoline-Powered Cars and Zero Emissions

Electric Vehicles Good for the Environment & Save You Money Clean Technica, April 18, 2017 Electric cars themselves produce zero emissions when driven, but even if you factor in the emissions from electricity produced in your region that is utilized to power your electric car, it’s extremely likely your electric car is cleaner than a … Read more

Customers Discover Energy-Efficient Products on the PG&E Marketplace

PG&E Marketplace appliance standards kitchen

PG&E launches online market for energy efficient products Electric Light & Power, April 24, 2017 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. launched the updated PG&E Marketplace with a new user interface and design. PG&E Marketplace is a website for customers to find energy-saving appliances and consumer electronics. The site allows customers to discover energy-efficient products and … Read more

Tracking U.S. Energy Use From the Source

U.S. energy flow

American energy use, in one diagram Vox, April 13, 2017 Spring brings new growth, new possibilities, and, best of all, a new spaghetti diagram from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) at the Department of Energy. Every year, LLNL produces a new energy flow chart showing the sources of US energy, what it’s used for, and … Read more

Copenhagen on Two Wheels 

cycle to work Copenhagen

Elana Cole, ERS, for Zondits Copenhagen built its first bike lane in 1910, but the bulk of the bike lanes were established within the last 25 years. Today, 50% of the citizens living in Copenhagen choose to commute by bike every day, and it’s not unusual to see people in suits, heels, or skirts comfortably … Read more

Volkswagen and CARB Ready the Diesel-Gate Penance Program, “Electrify America”

Electrify America

Ryan Pollin, ERS, for Zondits Remember Diesel-Gate? Volkswagen engineers and executives had been lying about the carbon intensity of their diesel vehicles for years – they did not crack the “clean diesel” formula, they just faked it. Carbon reparations are being litigated all over the world, and here in the states, the California Air Resources … Read more

AVM – A Small Solution to a Big Problem

AVM smog

Max Ma, ERS, for Zondits China has a big problem – one that is suffocating, blinding, and growth-stifling. It is the smog, and it is only getting worse. On days with the most severe smog, factory productions are halted, automotive transportation is limited, and schools are cancelled. In the densely populated financial and industrial centers … Read more

What Happens When We Shut Down Indian Point?

Indian Point

Gita Subramony, ERS, for Zondits Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, located in Westchester County, New York, provides around 16 million MWh of electricity annually and accounts for around one-fourth of the total energy consumption for the five boroughs and Westchester. Although it produces an abundance of energy, the State of New York has announced that … Read more