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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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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AIA Upjohn Awards Support Climate Action
News Brief
The American Institute of Architects has chosen five sustainability research projects to fund through its Upjohn Research Initiative.
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Are Net-Zero-Carbon Labs Feasible?
News Brief
HOK has released a study on laboratory buildings showing how to slash both operational and embodied carbon.
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New York State Tackles Electrification, Embodied Carbon
News Brief
Governor Kathy Hochul has laid out plans for widespread building electrification and signed a law regarding low-embodied-carbon concrete.
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NYC Carbon Caps Could Cost More in Frontline Communities
News Brief
New York City’s building performance standard will be a breeze for many but potentially harder in “environmental justice communities,” says a recent report on carbon trading.
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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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.
