RMI Carbon-Free Buildings

By 2030, 4 billion people will be impacted by extreme heat. By 2100, that number will more than double. For billions around the world, cooling isn’t just about comfort, it’s about health, safety, and survival. Yet, too many people still lack access to efficient and affordable cooling solutions that can reduce monthly costs and grid demand such as super-efficient ACs, thermal insulation, and reflective roofs. At the #SEforALLForum, RMI CEO Jon Creyts that the smartest energy strategy starts with using less — highlighting how smarter cooling solutions can protect people from extreme heat while cutting waste and reducing emissions. ?? Through the Global Cooling Prize, RMI challenged innovators to design residential ACs with 5x lower climate impact. The response? Over 450 applications from 56 countries and breakthrough prototypes from two global manufacturers. ?? In Palava City, India, we field-tested these next-gen ACs in real-world conditions, gathering critical data on efficiency and performance in extreme heat. ?? With the Global Cooling Efficiency Accelerator, we’re now breaking down market barriers — improving performance standards, updating testing protocols, and working with buyers to scale adoption of super-efficient ACs. Cooling solutions must be accessible, efficient, and designed for a hotter world —prioritizing people’s well-being while slashing energy waste. Learn more about RMI’s Global Cooling Initiative and how we are leading this effort??? https://lnkd.in/g56Sfr5x?

With heat pumps gaining popularity, nearly all states now offer incentives to help homeowners make the switch. But electricity rates often unfairly overcharge heat pump users for their electricity use. @RMI’s @Ryan Shea, @Joe Dammel, and @Francie Fink suggest a solution that ensure everyone pays their fair share for electricity:? Electrified Heating Rates ? These rates better reflect the real cost of serving heat pump users, leading to ? Greater bill savings for heat pump users ? Wider adoption of energy-efficient heat pumps ? A quicker transition to a clean energy future Learn more about how how smarter electricity pricing can make heat pumps more affordable for everyone ?? https://lnkd.in/g8x-mjZq

Solid-state cooling could revolutionize the cooling industry by eliminating harmful liquid refrigerants and significantly improving energy efficiency. Its potential is massive, and startups like mimic systems and MAGNOTHERM are already pushing the boundaries. In a new article, RMI’s Yulin Lou and Third Derivative’s Lindsay Rasmussen explore what’s next for this game-changing technology ?? https://lnkd.in/g6VwxA6E

?? Attention home builders, designers, energy raters, and housing policy makers! RESNET Standard 1550 is a game-changer — the first embodied carbon standard for the low-rise residential sector. But what does it mean for you? Join Green Builder Media, LLC and RMI's own Chris Magwood for a webinar on Wednesday, March 12 @ 2 pm ET to explore why this standard matters, what it covers, and how it works.?Bonus: learn about the real impact of embodied carbon, which building materials have the biggest carbon footprint, and how to make smarter, greener choices. ?? Save the date & register below! ??

Conventional homes are increasingly built with flammable plastics. In response to the devastating LA wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, many architects, engineers, designers, and builders are pushing harder for more fire-resistant natural building material alternatives to become mainstream. Cost-competitive materials like straw bale, adobe, and hemp offer better fire resistance, fewer toxic chemicals, and a lower carbon footprint. “Agricultural residues make really good building products,” said RMI's Chris Magwood. “When you look at all the criteria — good in fire, low in embodied carbon, low in toxicity — they really shine.” Want to learn more about the innovative bio-based building materials on the market today? Check out this Trellis Group article by Meg Wilcox: ?? https://lnkd.in/g85EcGjR s/o Hubbell & Hubbell Architects, Arkin Tilt Architects, California Straw Building Assn, Verdant Structural Engineers, New Frameworks, EcoCocon, Agriboard Green Building Systems, Western Fiber,?Americhanvre, Loescher Meachem Architects, Hempitecture, HempStone, Renewal Revolution, US Hemp Building Association

C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan programs have provided $9 billion for clean energy in commercial real estate across 25 U.S. states. But with a few key updates, C-PACE could unlock billions more for low-carbon materials and construction practices that reduce pollution while supporting American manufacturing. ?? How do we get there? ? Recognize and fund low-carbon materials and whole-building embodied carbon reductions—updating C-PACE guidelines to support both material-specific improvements and overall reductions through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). ? Increase financing limits for projects that cut embodied carbon, making sustainable choices more cost-effective. ? Align C-PACE with state Buy Clean policies, new CALGreen codes, and voluntary certifications like LEED to ensure consistency nationwide. RMI is facilitating a C-PACE for Embodied Carbon Reduction Working Group to make these updates a reality. Please email [email protected] if you would like to participate! Read more from Auri Bukauskas, Anish Tilak, and Satyam Maharaj ?? https://lnkd.in/gcgNGefh

What if public agencies could use their purchasing power to clean up one of the world’s dirtiest materials? Concrete is everywhere — roads, bridges, buildings, sidewalks — but making it generates a lot of pollution. In the U.S., government-funded projects drive nearly half of all domestic concrete use, meaning public agencies can play a major role in cutting its emissions. One solution? Advance market commitments (AMCs). Used successfully to support public health goals, like accelerating vaccine development, AMCs could play a similar role in driving climate progress. By committing to purchase cleaner concrete from domestic suppliers, governments and other large buyers can invest in the next generation of clean, American-made construction products today. A new policy brief from RMI and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) explores how AMCs can accelerate the shift to cleaner concrete, outlining key challenges, opportunities, and a five-year plan for making it happen. ?? Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gfwKD64f

Please join me for this webinar hosted by Green Builder Media, LLC: Cracking the Code on Embodied Carbon with RESNET 1550. RESNET Standard 1550 is the first embodied carbon standard for the low-rise residential sector, so if you're a home builder, home designer, home energy rater or policy maker addressing housing, this is for you. We'll review the basics of the standard: Why make a standard? Why RESNET? What does it cover? How does it work? What will I learn from an embodied carbon assessment?

Heat pumps can help millions of Americans save money, cut energy waste, and reduce pollution. However, several utilities currently overcharge heat pump users relative to their cost to the electric grid, limiting peoples’ full potential energy bill savings. One solution is to establish electrified heating rates, which more accurately charge heat pump customers and lower their energy bill. While annual savings vary significantly by utility, RMI analysis found that heat pump customers switching from the standard rate to electrified heating rates could lower their energy bill by 10 percent on average, or around $240 per year. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XLjYCz

A heat pump pilot at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)’s Woodside Houses in Queens is delivering impressive results nearly two years in. Since July 2023, 72 electric heat pumps have replaced steam radiators across two buildings, cutting energy use by over 87% and nearly halving energy costs. "Tia Cheng, who lives at the Woodside Houses with her grandmother, described the heat from the window-mounted heat pumps as 'more consistent and comfortable' than what she got from the radiators." H/T Samantha M.NYSERDA Midea America Gradient Siobhan Watson WOODSIDE HOUSES TENANTS ASSOCIATION INC Punit Shah, P.E., C.E.M Bright Power, Inc. https://lnkd.in/gDGkujmE