Written by Ryan Pollin, ERS for Zondits, June 11, 2018 A new Rocky Mountain Institute report, “The Economics of Clean Energy Portfolios,” considers four proposed gas plants in different areas of the United States, comparing the cost of their construction and operation to a locale-appropriate mix of clean energy resources – solar, wind, storage, and … Read more
Ryan Pollin, ERS, for Zondits There are lots of things we can say about Bitcoin, and its underlying blockchain technology. Given the cryptocoin’s recent explosion in value (real or perceived), a commensurate explosion in “mining” has caused startling growth in energy demand in data centers. Bitcoin’s blockchain technology uses a proof-of-work model to establish trust … Read more
Boulder Commons Sets New Standard for Net-Zero Leases Just two miles from downtown Boulder, Colorado, a new net-zero energy (NZE) development is under construction: Boulder Commons. The project consists of two commercial buildings totaling roughly 100,000 square feet of professional office space and boasting a restaurant, coffee shop and community gathering flex space — all … Read more
United States’ Largest Landlord Might Go 50% Net-Zero by 2030 Ryan Pollin for Zondits, February 11, 2015 The United States General Services Administration (GSA) owns and leases 8,300+ buildings to the federal government, and last September the US Green Building Advisory Committee (GBAC) proposed that 50% of the GSA’s building area achieve net-zero energy building … Read more
McDonald’s eyeing net zero energy restaurants Fierce Energy, February 3, 2015 With the help of Rocky Mountain Institute, McDonald’s Corporation is investigating the feasibility of developing net zero energy (NZE) fast food restaurants. Net zero energy means that in a year, an energy efficient building and the site on which it sits produces as much … Read more
In short, Citibank and partners figured out how to take advantage of the huge (and secure) financial returns available through energy efficiency that my boss at IRT was talking about.