A new study published in Nature Climate Change uses the Copernicus Climate Change Service's (C3S) ERA5-HEAT dataset to provide a comprehensive global-scale analysis of how heat stress has evolved since 1950. Using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), the study shows that hazardous heat is becoming more frequent, more intense and more widespread, with hotter nights, longer heat stress seasons and increasing numbers of people exposed to hazardous heat. Read more
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The United States could reduce energy costs by an average of $215 billion a year—$4.8 trillion cumulatively by 2050—by implementing a broad package of policy and other reforms, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says in a recent report. Savings could come as highly efficient heat pumps and other building and building equipment efficiency upgrades are made, according to the report. Read more
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New York City’s top business advocacy group slammed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s one-year ban on new construction of high-powered data centers in the state, calling it counterproductive and anti-commerce. Steve Fulop, CEO of the Partnership for the City of New York—which represents the largest 300 firms in the city, including those from Wall Street and the broader financial services industry—said the move would leave New York behind other states in the AI boom. Read more
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Rooftop solar saved New England ratepayers more than $130 million in electricity costs during the region’s early July heat wave, according to a new report. The Acadia Center’s Grid Action Report looked at the heat wave that hit New England in early July, and estimated that during the week of June 28 through July 4, distributed solar projects contributed more than six gigawatts in electricity, saving New England ratepayers $130-149 million. On July 2 alone, the report found that solar arrays saved $39 million to $54 million. Read more
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Join ASHRAE Journal Editor Drew Champlin as he interviews David Traxler, P.E., Member ASHRAE, about his award-winning article "Analysis of 50 Energy Efficient Net Zero Energy Buildings.” The conversation delves into the patterns Traxler found through studying existing net zero energy buildings and how these findings can be applied to current and future buildings.
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By Andy Pearson, Ph.D., C.Eng.
Columnist Andy Pearson asks whether product manufacturers’ approach to consumer safety is effective if, for example, it is based on worst-case scenarios. Download here
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ASHRAE announced a strategic direction for the development of future editions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. As part of the 90.1 Standing Standard Project Committee’s 2028 and 2031 six-year work plan, Standard 90.1 will maintain its primary focus on energy efficiency and energy cost justified requirements consistent with its purpose since the 1970s. This direction reflects strong industry stakeholder feedback and reinforces the standard’s historical role as a widely adopted and enforceable benchmark for commercial building energy performance. In response to growing interest from states, cities and large corporations seeking pathways to lower operational emissions, the committee will also develop a separate, aligned document. Read More
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At Cornell University, researchers are testing how a deep geothermal system can work far from the tectonic boundaries and volcanoes that have defined where energy distribution is even viable. By tapping into the planet's internal warmth, the project, known as Earth Source Heat, could supply the 2,300-acre (931-hectare) campus in Ithaca with fossil fuel-free heat to help the university become carbon neutral by 2035. What makes the Cornell project different is that it's an enhanced geothermal system works by drilling deep into hot, hard rock, fracturing it and circulating water through the cracks to capture heat for energy. If this project succeeds, it could serve as a blueprint for scaling geothermal heating across New York and the cold, densely populated northeastern United States, departing from conventional geothermal systems depending on naturally occurring underground reservoirs of hot water. Read more
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