Barbara Whitchurch What do you know about air-to-water heat pumps? I learned a lot at the first-ever Air-to- Water Heat Pump Summit, sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors of NH and VT (www.abcnhvt.org/), Efficiency VT (incentives: www.bit.ly/evt-awhp), and the VT … Continue reading →
Joe Parsons A Tradition of Pragmatism New England has always been defined by a specific brand of pragmatism. From the communal management of town greens to the cooperative spirit of local utility districts, this region understands that the most resilient … Continue reading →
Yet again, heat pumps were the most-shipped space heating appliance in the U.S. And experts say the factors behind last year’s sales slide are temporary. Alison F. Takemura Heat pumps outsold fossil gas–fired furnaces in the U.S. yet again last year. … Continue reading →
Jim Van Valkenburgh Many believe that using wood fuels to heat buildings in northern New England is sustainable and positive, but this has generated some controversy. Well-meaning, environmentally-aware citizens passionately say that all living trees should remain standing, and that … Continue reading →
George Harvey All we need to make solar and wind power more reliable, steadier, cheaper, and generally superior to gas, coal, and other traditional power sources is a way to store energy. We could wish that such a thing existed, … Continue reading →
Joseph Clark Geothermal energy is having a major moment in Toronto. A decade ago, less than 1% of new homes used it. This year, it’s nearly 30%, all thanks to a simple financial flip, the Toronto Star reported. This breakthrough solves … Continue reading →
From individual homes to community thermal energy networks Joe Parsons Most people still meet geothermal one house at a time. A homeowner hears that a ground source heat pump can lower bills, cut emissions, and make the house more comfortable, … Continue reading →
Low-income residents on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard who participated in a home electrification pilot program saw their utility bills drop by more than half. Sarah Shemkus A home electrification and solar pilot program for lower-income Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard residents … Continue reading →
Michael J. Daley Last fall, Bard College’s sustainability efforts reached a milestone in that institution’s march toward net zero. The Charles P. Stevenson, Jr. Library replaced its aging fossil fuel heating and cooling system with a state-of-the-art geothermal system, eliminating … Continue reading →
Joe Parsons Sometimes, we need to go back to basics. Heat pumps—particularly geothermal and air-source systems—are not new technologies, but their value has never been greater. Heat pumps stand out as a proven solution as the Northeast continues to wrestle … Continue reading →