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For Storing Electricity, Utilities Turn to Pumped Hydro
While high-tech batteries are garnering the headlines, utilities from Spain to China increasingly rely on pumped storage hydroelectricity
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One Man’s Quest for Energy Independence — Part 3
Adding more solar hot water capacity makes it possible to say goodbye to the utility gas line
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The Big Picture on Ultra-High-Def TV
Shifting to a new generation of televisions could add $1 billion to viewers' annual energy bills unless efficiency improves
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Some Notes on This Year’s Greenbuild Conference
Fellow attendees were the highlight of this annual gathering
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Siding and Interior Finish Work in New Hampshire
With the roof complete, Brian and Kyra begin interior work at their pretty good house in the White Mountains
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Toilet Talk: Meeting One of the World’s Grand Challenges
Forty percent of the world’s population lacks access to decent sanitation facilities
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Heating a Superinsulated House in a Cold Climate
After considering a hydronic radiant floor, ductless minisplits, and a wood stove, the author settles on a surprising choice for a heating system
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One Man’s Quest for Energy Independence — Part 2
A notice from the local utility convinces the author that it’s time to add more solar capacity
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If a Solar Plant Uses Natural Gas, Is It Still Green?
The Ivanpah solar plant in California uses natural gas to generate power when sunlight alone isn't enough
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Bottom Lines Reaches the Summit
An account of the 2015 BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines Summit by one of its founders