glass building exteriors

Buildings

Efficient, Resilient Buildings Can Help Texas Weather the Next Crisis

When the power went out across large swaths of Texas in February, the deadly crisis exposed vulnerabilities from the grid level down to individual homes. Unwinterized power plants and fuel-supply systems failed under extreme conditions, constricting the state’s supply of electricity. At the same time, the demand for electricity…

Recycling concrete at a building demolition site.

The Secret Life of Materials

You are surrounded. Whether you’re reading this on your phone or computer, if you’re sitting in an office chair, on a park bench, or waiting for your coffee order, you’re likely surrounded by concrete, wood, and countless other familiar materials. We experience these materials every day, but we usually don’t…

United States Capitol west front

The US Needs Urgent Federal Climate Policy—RMI Has Some Ideas

Climate action is back on the federal agenda in the United States. We’ve seen President Biden take executive action to tackle the climate crisis, rightfully linking it to job creation, environmental justice, and strengthening America’s infrastructure. We’ve…

Washington Clean Buildings Bill Raises the Bar for Every State

Buildings are at the forefront of climate action in the state of Washington, spurred by Seattle’s recent adoption of an energy code that will require new large buildings to be fossil fuel free. Now legislators are considering an ambitious new bill stemming from Governor Jay Inslee’s comprehensive climate proposal.

Denver’s Bold New Plan for Carbon-Free Buildings

Denver leaders are setting a high bar for other cities in Colorado and nationwide with the release of an ambitious new climate plan focused on buildings. The plan lays out a roadmap to achieve all-electric buildings, setting clear targets to phase out fossil fuels in both homes and commercial buildings.