Energy Efficiency | Page 172

It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.

NRDC presents its 2020 Annual Energy Report, for 2019 and part of 2020, highlighting both the progress made and challenges to face in transitioning to a carbon-free economy.

The City of Madison, Wisconsin, announced on Jan. 5 that it adopted new requirements to advance EV charging. The new ordinance requires at least 10% of newly-constructed parking for multifamily residential, and some commercial uses to be “EV ready,” meaning having infrastructure in place to easily add EV chargers in the future.

The year 2020 was certainly one for the history books, and for many of us, the cycle of bad news throwing wrenches into our lives and our livelihoods could not have ended soon enough. In terms of energy policy, however, the year brought some good along with the bad. In this column, Caitlin Marquis of AEE reflects on the trends that dominated energy policy in 2020 and will be shaping the debate for the year ahead. 

California was named the top state for energy efficiency targets and initiatives in a study that found that more U.S. states have adopted or advanced new energy-saving targets and vehicle and appliance rules, while Covid-19 has slowed other efficiency efforts.

Kilroy Realty Corporation (KRC), a West Coast landlord and developer, announced Jan. 4 that it achieved carbon-neutral operations at the end of 2020. In 2018, the company was the first North American real estate investment trust to make a commitment to achieve carbon-neutral operations and it accomplished its goal.

Schnitzer Steel recently announced that it exceeded its 90% carbon-free electricity goal in FY 2020, five years ahead of schedule, while pursuing a more sustainable business model focused on recycling scrap metal.

The 2020 State of Distributed Energy Resources Study, conducted by Smart Energy Decisions and sponsored by NRG, explores the usage, consideration, drivers, and barriers for DERs among large electric power users.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services announced Dec. 22 a new joint venture with the University of Arkansas focused on increasing sustainability in the supply chain and transportation industries.

The Walt Disney Company announced Dec. 18 that it is committed to achieving net zero emissions and purchasing or producing 100% clean electricity for its direct operations by 2030.