by  Jennifer Layke and Norma Hutchinson – May 05, 2020 As the human tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic worsens, global restrictions to stop the spread of the virus — including stay-at-home orders, business closures and travel prohibitions — may contribute to the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The virus has already made an indelible impact on the energy sector: Global energy use is predicted to fall …

The rise of green energy inventions like solar thermal, wind turbine, and biobattery are shaping the way we think and live in a carbon-dependent industry. Furthermore, the cheap and clean energy generators enabled a paradigm shift towards adopting modern structural designs in energy independence.  These green alternative energy inventions have gained global fascination. For instance, Toyota plans on continuing the …

106,000 Jobs in Clean Energy Lost in March Due to COVID-19 Economic Crisis More than a year’s worth of job gains erased in a few weeks Analysis forecasts industry could lose more than 500K jobs in months ahead CA, NC, PA, MA, MI, NY, OH, TX, WA, IL among hardest hit states WASHINGTON, DC (April 15, 2020) – More than 106,000 clean …

It seems like you can’t turn on the television, go online, or open a newspaper today without being confronted with some horror story about climate change. Nowadays, “going green” seems to be on everyone’s lips — the hip new thing for saving our planet.  But for all the talk — and all the hype — there’s an importance, and an …

We’ve all heard the stories. The global temperature is rising. The polar ice caps are melting. Storms are worsening. And we’ve seen the casualties. Fourteen lives lost in Tennessee. Nearly 90 dead in California. More than 1 billion animals taken in Australia. All the victims of voracious wildfires fed by an increasingly parched earth. It seems that no one and …

By Michael Tobias There’s been a lot of hype about green building and green houses recently and with good reason. I’m not talking about greenhouses constructed for growing plants, but green buildings that are designed and constructed to be sustainable and healthy. They are also environmentally friendly and a lot cheaper to run and maintain.  About Green Building Also known …

Going green comes with a lot to think about, and there are several options to keep in mind as a homeowner. It’s also a lifestyle change that you can make by adding things to your home, such as a garden that conserves water, or solar panels that will utilize and produce natural energy. Whether it’s for your current home or …

When you replace a 175-foot-long wind turbine blade, what do you do with the old one?   Until recently, the only thing you could do was bury it, using close to 45 cubic yards of landfill space for each retired turbine blade.  Typically made out of a composite fiberglass material to withstand hurricane-force winds, the blades don’t break down in the …

by Lacey Shaver – January 23, 2020 At the start of this new decade, American cities, states and businesses have already come a long way on the road to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to help tackle the climate crisis: 155 cities have committed to 100% community-wide renewable energy; 15 states plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico have official targets to get over 50% of their …

  At the start of the new year, IREC reflects on the various clean energy policy and regulatory efforts happening across the country, and recognizes those states that have demonstrated notable achievements and/or movement toward clean energy goals. This year’s Clean Energy States Honor Roll notes states to keep an eye on in the year to come for more promising …

In both the real world and in popular culture, renewable energy gets a lot of press. From solar energy to hydropower and beyond, so-called “alternative” energy sources are increasingly seen as a viable solution towards combating the negative effects of climate change.  A prime cultural example of renewable energy in the spotlight was seen on 1998’s “That ‘70s Show.” During …

Planning a wedding can be both an exciting and expensive ordeal, and it’s also something that many people look forward to all of their lives. Seeing as weddings are a big event, if they could be done in a green way, it could benefit the environment in unimaginable ways. This could explain why green weddings are becoming increasingly popular, but …

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2019 — Con Edison, as part of a coalition of public and private electric utility companies, has filed a petition in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Affordable Clean Energy Rule and the repeal of the Clean Power Plan. Con Edison has taken this action because …

Traveling is one of the greatest experiences someone can have. Whether it is going to a sandy beach to soak up some sun and listen to the waves crashing on the shore or going to a bustling city on the other side of the world to try new cuisine and experience another culture, traveling is a wonderful way to spend …

Boxborough, Massachusetts (September 4, 2019) – altE Store, a Massachusetts-based distributor of solar energy products and systems, announced its acquisition of Real Goods, a California-based solar retailer. This trans-continental expansion is a capstone moment in altE’s twenty-first year of business. Founded in 1978, Real Goods is the original purveyor of off-grid living supplies. Envisioned as a one-stop-shop to meet all the …

Despite public concern about automation and its role in the workforce, its benefits have been well documented. Along with lower operating costs, more efficient output, and greater worker safety, it can also improve energy efficiency. Automation has proven to be a great asset to world threats like climate change and diminishing resources. At the very least, automated machines distribute energy …

LYONS, NEBRASKA – Clean power commitments have increased at the county and city levels, with 11 counties and 104 cities nationwide pledging to 100 percent clean energy goals at the end of 2018. As more renewable energy is developed across the nation, regulators and policymakers must prepare for the changing electric power landscape, according to a white paper released today by the Center …

As the world inches closer to an overall population of 8 billion, the issue of sustainability is becoming even more relevant. CNN reports that overpopulation contributes to numerous environmental and social problems, including resource depletion, pollution, and malnutrition. Creative solutions are needed to help combat the effects of overpopulation before it’s too late.    For instance, where will we house …

The field of sustainability is always evolving and becoming more relevant. As the threat of climate change leaves its mark in increasingly alarming ways, sustainability is more important than ever. So what are some of the current trends in sustainability here in the United States? Minimalism is on the rise, prompting people to live by the motto “less is more” …

Today, a lot of homeowners and management companies are prioritizing eco-consciousness. In addition to helping the environment, it can also mean big savings on energy bills. Most importantly, eco-conscious building materials and upgrades are healthier for anyone who is going to spend a lot of time indoors. Green building practices also benefit the community by reducing pollution and preserving precious …