Vornado Realty Trust’s Post

Cutting fossil fuels out of our homes and commutes can be a formidable challenge. But the climate dividends would be huge: more than 40 percent of U.S. energy emissions come from our appliances, home energy sources and cars, according to electrification nonprofit Rewiring America. In 2022, Judy Ko decided to take up the challenge and start electrifying her 1965 San Francisco home. Over a 15-month slog, Ko has successfully swapped her gas furnace and water heater for an uber-efficient heat pump and heat-pump water heater, put in insulation and bought an EV. She also installed solar panels and a home battery to power her home and car. That makes Ko among the early movers toward an electrified life, and her still-ongoing journey is rife with lessons that could help the rest of us. Canary Media caught up with her to ask about how she managed it, what projects were toughest — and what benefits she’s reaping now: https://bit.ly/3TjgmFV #decarbonization #electrification #homeelectrification #energyefficiency #heatpumps #solar #energystorage

Great blog by my colleague Jess S. on neighborhood-scale decarbonization, and how this strategy allows us to use thermal energy networks, heat pumps, and other technologies to achieve a broad and equitable transition to clean heat and cooling. Check it out!

Jess S. from the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) recently shared insights into the vital shift towards neighborhood-scale building decarbonization. As we aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, the role of our neighborhoods is increasingly crucial. Key Points: Mass #Electrification Needed: Buildings account for 30% of U.S. emissions, predominantly from appliances running on fossil fuels. Decarbonization requires replacing these with electric alternatives, but the scale is massive - 110 million buildings nationwide. Unified #Language: Clarity and shared terminology among all stakeholders are essential for coordinated action and trust-building. #Diverse Approaches: No one-size-fits-all solution exists; strategies must cater to specific neighborhood needs, combining electric grids and thermal energy networks. Addressing #Systemic Issues: We must correct historic inequities by ensuring Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) communities are not left behind in the transition. #Heat-as-a-Resource: Efficient systems for capturing, recycling, and storing heat are necessary for sustainable energy use. #Redefining Utility Obligations: The obligation for utilities to serve all customers must evolve to support decarbonization efforts without hindering progress. #Scaling Up: Transitioning to cleaner energy requires the collaboration of utilities, labor unions, and communities. #Community Engagement: Successful projects necessitate deep understanding and integration with community needs and identities. Innovation Beyond Technology: Policy, regulatory, and financing frameworks must evolve alongside technological advancements to enable widespread adoption. Ongoing Learning: The path to decarbonization is filled with questions and challenges, necessitating open collaboration and data sharing. As we dive deeper into neighborhood-scale decarbonization, the journey reveals a compelling blend of challenges and opportunities. Let's embrace this collective endeavor for a cleaner, more equitable energy future. Credit to Jessica Silber-Byrne and the BDC for their pioneering work and insights. #Decarbonization #SustainableEnergy #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction

This is a very thoughtful and detailed analysis on some of the challenges in making decarbonization work for everyone. In California where aproximately 40% of people live in either multi family or condos, certain decarbonization strategies are more challenging. This 10 point plan offers some hope.

Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-related emissions. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) is tackling this issue head-on. NICO JOHNSON 🎙️ spoke with Panama Bartholomy, Founder and Executive Director of BDC, who brings 25 years of experience in the building sector, both internationally and in state and local government. Through policy, market transformation, and consumer education, Bartholomy and his team are working to mainstream technologies like heat pumps and induction stoves, while also addressing the economic and equity implications of this transition. Expect to learn: ⚡ How neighborhood scale actions are the future of building decarbonization ⚡ Market actors, including manufacturers and installers driving the transition ⚡ The health and environmental benefits of eliminating gas appliances in homes ⚡ Managing economic impacts of the gas-to-electric transition With states like New York, Washington, and California and cities like New York City, Chicago, and LA mandating all-electric new construction, the decarbonization movement is quickly gaining momentum. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eEAFZg2B The appliance revolution could be the biggest clean energy opportunity. Let us know your thoughts on the episode in the comments below 👇 #Decarbonization #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenBuilding

#Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to Protect America said in 2022, electric vehicle registrations increased by about 82% from the previous year. Jake Pawlak, deputy mayor and director of the Office of Management and Budget for the City of Pittsburgh, said the city will invest $15 million in EVs for its fleet this year with federal help. He added Pittsburgh is working with organizations on a new program to help low-income residents cut energy costs with more electric appliances, weatherization and solar installation. "Our goal is to have significantly reduced the energy burden for 100 City of Pittsburgh residents by the end of this year," Pawlak explained. "And in the next six years, do so for 10,000 residents across the southwestern Pennsylvania region." Pittsburgh's goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 is the same target President Joe Biden set for the country. Pawlak notes Pittsburgh is leveraging its designation as a federal workforce hub, working with businesses, unions and government to create training programs for clean energy jobs. Khari Mosley, a Pittsburgh city council member, said Pennsylvania's transition to clean energy is an opportunity to revitalize the city and become a leader in a new, sustainable economy. He added it includes improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and affect the economy and environment. "Pittsburgh can truly be a leader for the country," Mosley contended. "As we invest in these new technologies that not only are going to create economic prosperity, but again, make our cities more resilient as we fight climate change and ensure that this next generation of Americans will truly be the environmental stewards that set our country on the right path." Brittany Prischak, deputy director of sustainability for Allegheny County, said the county has invested in electric vehicles since 2020. She added Pennsylvania is also deploying infrastructure for charging stations, which is now standard on all new construction projects and renovations. "We've had great partnerships -- Duquesne Light Company and West Penn Power -- that operate within Allegheny County," Prischak emphasized. "They've assisted us in infrastructure or electric upgrades to our facilities so that we can put in charging stations, make sure our vehicles can make it to their destinations." Pennsylvania has seen a significant increase in EV purchases. As of December, there were more than 47,000 electric vehicles registered in the state. Disclosure: Elected Officials to Protect America contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Public Lands/Wilderness.

"The real benefit of a district energy system, especially in cities, is the distribution system. If a city wants to decarbonize, and they have a district energy system, it's much easier. They don't have to change things on a building-by-building basis." 💡 Vicinity's Deputy CEO and President Kevin Hagerty was featured in this Business Insider article on the innovative power of #districtenergy systems. The article dives into how upgrading existing district energy systems can offer a timely and cost-effective solution for cities looking to decarbonize, and building owners who need to reduce their carbon impact. Vicinity's district energy systems, located in 12 cities across the U.S., are in the process of decarbonizing, and the carbon reduction benefits will be passed on to our customer's buildings instantly. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02zkMpR0

It’s Great Big Green Week and we’re joining in to raise awareness about climate change by sharing what we’re doing to fight against it with our Green Road Map 🌱 🌱Our head office is on a green energy supply. 🌱Our mock-up hub has gone green: We’ve installed solar panels to the roof, reducing our grid usage by 95%, and 2 fast EV chargers for public use. 🌱Following our progress to carbon-neutral status last September, we’re now moving toward a more robust 3rd party verification and audit system with Achilles. Our next report will be based on our total carbon footprint for 2023 and our aim is to reduce our footprint year on year. 🌱Our exec team are 100% EV users and we’re using EV internal goods transport. 🌱We’ve brought in carbon free delivery units on our major sites. Let us know what you’re doing to reduce your #carbonfootprint 👇🌱 #ukconstruction #londonconstruction #climatechange #greatbiggreenweek #greenenergy #sustainableconstruction

Chichester is buzzing with green energy! 🌱🚗 The West Sussex County Council is ushering in a new era with its latest initiative to install new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. This proactive step speaks volumes about how public infrastructure can evolve to support our net zero 2050 vision. Engaging the community at the grassroots level, residents are being consulted on the proposed EV chargepoint locations through a four-week consultation. Imagine, convenience and eco-friendliness right at your doorstep! The selection considers public requests and areas with limited off-road parking - a clear signal that no one is left behind in this renewable energy movement. 215 chargepoints are already energising the streets, with many more to come, promising a future where electric transportation becomes the norm. What's remarkable is the inclusive approach, maintaining current parking freedoms for all while laying the groundwork for a sustainable transport ecosystem. This is more than just an initiative; it's a stride towards a future powered by electricity, innovation, and positive community transformation. I'm thrilled to see how these developments mirror my passions - innovation, sustainability, and making net zero profitable. 💡🌍 And what's not to love about supporting our local communities while driving our electric dreams forward? So, isn't it exciting to be a part of this energising journey? Where do you see your town or city in the EV revolution? Let's plug into the conversation! 🔌💬 #ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #Innovation

Shifting from a vision of clean energy access and environmental justice to a reality requires state governments to make tax credits and incentives available to all communities. In this article outlining states that are forwarding impactful policies and those that are not, Working Power co-founder Bracken Hendricks talks about how clean energy can no longer be a luxury item. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eqE7yFR9.