Smart Energy Decisions Research Center

GHG Emissions - April 22, 2024

Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 4/2/2024
Author: By U.S. Department of Energy
Primary Topic: GHG Emissions

The U.S. Department of Energy led the development of a Blueprint that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. buildings 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050 vs. 2005 while centering equity and benefits to communities.

GHG Emissions - April 17, 2024

Reducing Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 4/17/2024
Source: Constellation
Primary Topic: GHG Emissions

As public awareness grows around the issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, corporations are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lessen their emissions impacts. Constellation's white paper, "Reducing Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions" can help kickstart these efforts.

Wind - April 15, 2024

Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 4/15/2024
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Primary Topic: Wind

The Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study, presented by the U.S. Department of Energy and co-led by NREL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, evaluated coordinated transmission solutions that would enable offshore wind energy deployment along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, which are critical to achieving state clean energy goals.

Sourcing Renewables - April 10, 2024

Renewable Capacity Statistics 2024

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 4/10/2024
Source: IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency)
Primary Topic: Sourcing Renewables

Highlighting the continued progress achieved in the global energy transition, this latest edition of IRENA’s Renewable Capacity Statistics illustrates the growth of renewables in new installed power generation capacity in 2023.

GHG Emissions - April 3, 2024

Reducing your Carbon Footprint with RECs and EFECs

Type: Article
Date Published: 4/3/2024
Source: Constellation
Primary Topic: GHG Emissions

While decarbonizing your organization's energy supply might seem daunting, there are a variety of options to consider. Your objectives should inform whether your plan focuses on renewable energy supply, supply from carbon-free non-renewable resources, or a combination of both. This article from Constellation continues its series exploring strategies to reduce your carbon footprint with a look at how to navigate energy solutions available to meet your overall environmental goals.

March 29, 2024

National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 3/12/2024
Author: By Joint Office of Energy and Transportation

Developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy will guide the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure from 2024 to 2040.

GHG Emissions - March 20, 2024

Overview: Renewable Energy Certificates

Type: Article
Date Published: 3/5/2024
Author: By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy
Primary Topic: GHG Emissions

A new guide, “Overview: Renewable Energy Certificates” provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge, presents REC definitions and characteristics, regional tracking systems, procurement, and accounting and reporting for the U.S. renewable energy market.

Energy Efficiency - March 15, 2024

NYC's Green Economy Action Plan

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 2/28/2024
Source: NYCEDC, NYCTalent
Primary Topic: Energy Efficiency

In 2023, New York City committed to creating a comprehensive industry action plan that defines the green economy and lays out the City's path to seizing the opportunity it presents. The Green Economy Action Plan sets forth the first-ever universal understanding of the green economy in New York City and establishes a baseline to understand its growth over time.

March 11, 2024

Beyond Checking the Box – How to Create Business Value with Embedded Sustainability

Type: White Paper
Date Published: 3/11/2024
Source: IBM

Almost one-third (30%) of executives say they have made significant progress in executing their sustainability strategy – up from 10% a year ago – but turning ambitions into impact remains a challenge, according to a study from the IBM Institute for Business Value, "Beyond Checking the Box – How to Create Business Value with Embedded Sustainability."

Sourcing Renewables - March 6, 2024

Reaching Sustainability Goals Through Renewable Energy Procurement

Type: Article
Date Published: 3/6/2024
Source: Constellation
Primary Topic: Sourcing Renewables

The integration of renewable purchasing is a popular, but potentially complicated, step in meeting sustainability goals that can significantly cut your company’s market-based Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article from Constellation explores several models for organizations to leverage for offsite renewable energy procurement, each with its own structure and benefits.