Expert Columns

To accelerate the clean energy transition across the U.S., Google is signing the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMR) to be developed by Kairos Power, a deal the tech company says will enable up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids and help more communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear power.

Smart Energy Decisions presented the 2024 DEI Impact Awards at Net Zero Forum Fall on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Westin Westminster in Westminster, Colorado, to a variety of organizations and individuals to honor efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in clean energy. Meet the winners of the 2024 DEI Impact Awards.

St. John Properties headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, implemented a series of energy efficiency upgrades between 2018-2021 that resulted in over 225,000 kWh of energy savings and $12,500 in cost savings annually. Take a closer look at the changes the company implemented that also ensured operational excellence and sustained efficiency.

U.S. power grids are undergoing a massive transformation driven by an evolving energy landscape. In this column, learn how Amazon is taking tangible steps to support the modernization of this complex system, from accelerating energy innovation to advocating for grid modernization reform.

Sol Systems celebrates leadership in the renewable energy space alongside Smart Energy Decisions through their DEI Impact Awards. In this column, the company explains why this is not just a celebration of achievements — it is a reaffirmation of the power and potential that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our industry and beyond.

Private and public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) are essential to the transformation of the transportation sector, yet associated expenses outside of the actual hardware, software, and construction called “soft costs” are not well understood. A new multilaboratory initiative led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) aims to find pathways to reduce soft costs for EVSE installation.

On June 6 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rolled out the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building. In this column, the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) breaks down the elements of the definition, outlines how the industry will use the definition, and suggests what may be next in its evolution.

To achieve its Scope 1 and Scope 2 sustainability goals of reducing GHG emissions by 30%, Sherwin-Williams recognized the need for external energy audits to identify new opportunities and accelerate energy and emissions savings. In this Better Buildings column, find out how third-party audits produced energy reduction opportunities for the company with a potential of 7.7 million kWh in energy savings and a GHG emissions reduction potential of 10,000 metric tons of CO2.

In 2022, Norfolk City Council adopted a resolution around the commitment to reduce energy consumption by 20% as part of the Better Buildings Challenge. To increase awareness of participation, the City’s Environmental Sustainability Division created the Watts Going Down, Norfolk campaign, which has engaged 87% of City staff.