Electrification & Decarbonization
The Frick Environmental Center for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. AIA COTE Top Ten honoree. Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
“Building electrification” refers to using electric technologies instead of combustion-fueled technologies to supply the comforts of a modern building. An electrified building typically uses electric heat pumps for space heating and domestic hot water, as well as electric or induction stoves for cooking.
Electrification supports the long-term goal of building decarbonization. That’s because the grid is getting greener, and also because designing buildings to harmonize with the grid can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions as well.
Electrification & Decarbonization
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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We Must Decarbonize Existing Buildings by 2050—but How?
Feature Article
Curbing carbon emissions requires that we address our vast stock of existing buildings. Here’s how to make the case and get it done.
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Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Feature Article
Net-zero-energy buildings don’t always reduce carbon emissions. These are the tweaks we need to ensure they do.
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Changing Building Design for a Changing Electrical Grid
Feature Article
The way we get our electricity is evolving, and buildings need to be ready to respond.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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The Future of Home Energy Connectivity
Product Review
Schneider’s Square D Energy Center can connect photovoltaics, energy storage, electric vehicle charging, and “smart” meters and appliances.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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California Architects, Get Ready for Net-Zero-Carbon Education
News Brief
The “ZNCD” California law requiring architects to take net-zero-carbon design courses goes into effect soon.
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Gas Stoves: Like a Cigarette Smoker in Your Kitchen?
News Brief
Benzene concentrations from unburned fossil gas can exceed health recommendations, but it’s highly regional, researchers found.
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We’re Way Behind on Climate Targets; Can Electrification Save Us?
News Analysis
The global building industry is not on track for decarbonization by 2050—not even close. There is promising news from COP27, but we need structural change, starting with electrification.
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Someday, Back-up Batteries Will Pay for Themselves
News Analysis
Most utility rate structures don’t encourage battery back-up systems. Here’s what needs to change.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Sign This Letter on Equipment Needs for Building Electrification
Blog Post
We need to eliminate toxic fossil fuels from our buildings. This joint letter to HVAC equipment manufacturers asks them to address the gaps in the equipment that’s currently available.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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We Must Decarbonize Existing Buildings by 2050—but How?
Feature Article
Curbing carbon emissions requires that we address our vast stock of existing buildings. Here’s how to make the case and get it done.
-
Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Feature Article
Net-zero-energy buildings don’t always reduce carbon emissions. These are the tweaks we need to ensure they do.
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Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Spotlight Report
In this report, we list eight ways that NZE projects miss the mark on climate goals, including how they affect the electricity grid, transportation, embodied carbon, and resilience, and how we can course-correct to achieve our goals.
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Changing Building Design for a Changing Electrical Grid
Spotlight Report
The way we get our electricity is evolving, and buildings need to be ready to respond.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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Public Demonstrations Challenge Company’s Decarbonization Efforts
April Fools
Decarbonization is the new buzzword in sustainability, but efforts to lower one product’s embodied carbon are being challenged by an increasingly agitated public.
