Expert Columns

GHG Emissions - February 3, 2021 - By Larissa Koehler, EDF

In 2021 we must set more ambitious targets for zero-emission trucks and buses

Despite the historic difficulty of 2020, there were some climate and air quality bright spots. For example, the march toward zero-emission trucks and busses is on. In this column, Larissa Koehler of EDF explains why we should increase our ambition in 2021.

January 29, 2021 - By Chris Hensley, Encycle

Commercial HVAC practices: Adaptability is key during a continually changing business landscape

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many U.S. businesses operating from commercial buildings experienced either a shutdown or a substantial reduction in facility usage in 2021. This column from Chris Hensley at Encycle explores energy usage and control decisions companies are making as they recalibrate their buildings' HVAC operational requirements.

Energy Efficiency - January 25, 2021 - By Tanya March, Envizi

Tackle energy efficiency projects with no upfront costs

Following up on Envizi's webinar, "Optimizing the Low Carbon Pathway," this column from Tanya March, SVP North America, continues the discussion with key considerations to understand creative financing options in order to make best practices a reality.

Sourcing Renewables - January 20, 2021 - By Ceres

Veto of landmark climate bill is a missed opportunity for Massachusetts

The decision by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to veto landmark climate legislation is extremely disappointing and a step in the wrong direction for Massachusetts’ ability to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, according to this column from Ceres. The organization is calling on state legislators to reintroduce this legislation immediately, noting that the Commonwealth cannot afford to delay the transition to a net-zero emissions future that is already underway.

Energy Efficiency - January 15, 2021 - By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy

Repurposing the Western Maryland Railway Station

The Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland, Maryland, built in 1913, went through various transformations before its current use for offices, a museum, and retail shops. This column from Better Buildings shows how a comprehensive building upgrade resulted in a 21 percent annual energy savings.

Regulation - January 6, 2021 - By Caitlin Marquis, AEE

Top Energy Policy Trends from 2020–and How They Can Inform your 2021 Energy Plans

The year 2020 was certainly one for the history books, and for many of us, the cycle of bad news throwing wrenches into our lives and our livelihoods could not have ended soon enough. In terms of energy policy, however, the year brought some good along with the bad. In this column, Caitlin Marquis of AEE reflects on the trends that dominated energy policy in 2020 and will be shaping the debate for the year ahead.

December 16, 2020 - By Tanya March, Envizi

Which renewable energy options are best for my business?

A recent Smart Energy Decisions webinar, “Optimizing the Pathway to Low-Carbon”, sponsored by Envizi, Edison Energy, and Redaptive, explored best practices for achieving Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets. This column from Tanya March of Envizi walks through the process of understanding which renewable energy options are best suited to your business and summarizes questions posed by attendees during the webinar.

December 11, 2020 - By Audi Banny, IMT

All Roads Lead to Green Leasing

Real estate in the U.S. and around the world is experiencing an astronomical disruption that will reshape the future of buildings, how they are built, operated, and occupied for the foreseeable future. In this column, Audi Banny of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) explains why traditional leases aren’t working, and why green, high-performance leases are becoming the new standard.

December 8, 2020 - By Mike Mattera, Akamai Technologies

New legislation can help Massachusetts build back a stronger, more equitable economy

As a sustainability professional living in the Commonwealth, Mike Mattera of Akamai Technologies is pleased to see that landmark climate change legislation was passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Now all eyes are on the state's general court, where final terms of the bill are being negotiated. In this column, Mattera explains the importance of legislation to build back a stronger, more equitable, just, and sustainable economy.

Energy Efficiency - December 7, 2020 - By ENERGY STAR

Energy Treasure Hunts During COVID-19

2020 was supposed to be a big year for energy treasure hunts and the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR© program - until COVID-19 hit. Yet even with restrictions brought about by the pandemic, this column from ENERGY STAR shows that organizations can still implement programs to find energy savings, engage employees, and build better energy management practices.