Emissions reduction

Green steel

Chart: Steelmaking is starting to go electric

The majority of newly announced steel capacity in 2023 planned to use lower-emissions electric arc furnaces, but the dirty industry has a way to go to clean up.

By Dan McCarthy, Carrie Klein . 26 July 2024

Electrification

Here's why electric lawn mowers are cutting down the gas-fueled competition

Making the leap to battery-powered lawn equipment can help you ditch the noise, fumes and hassle of gas models — and slash your carbon emissions, too.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 October 2023
Carbon-free buildings

Boston skyscraper named world’s biggest 'Passive House' office

The building, which will use far less energy than a conventional design, is the latest example of the efficiency standard’s growing popularity.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 October 2023
Energy efficiency

These startups are using AI to cut energy waste from buildings

Buildings use — and waste — an enormous amount of energy. A growing number of startups are trying to wield buzzy AI technologies to fix this problem.

By Jeff St. John . 9 October 2023
Utilities

These 25 utilities are united by one big goal: 80% less CO2 by 2030

Dealing with climate change means removing fossil fuels from the power grid ASAP. A diverse and growing group of utilities is leading that effort.

By Julian Spector . 28 September 2023
Clean industry

Startup hits milestone in its bid to cut concrete’s dirtiest ingredient

Demand for clean concrete is rising. CarbonBuilt says it has a potential solution: concrete made without using any Portland cement.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 September 2023
Carbon-free buildings

NYC’s big building-decarbonization law faces its first major test

Landlords and climate activists are sparring over the future of Local Law 97 — the country’s most ambitious citywide mandate to clean up building emissions.

By Jeff St. John . 20 September 2023
Clean industry

Terra CO2 says its Texas factory will cut carbon and cost from cement

The startup is building its first large-scale plant to turn common rocks into cement additives that can reduce cement's hefty carbon footprint without raising costs.

By Jeff St. John . 12 September 2023
Food and farms

Chemical fertilizer is a climate disaster. Can high-tech biology fix it?

Startup Pivot Bio has developed a smarter way to get nitrogen to crops, and it has a new CEO who aims to supercharge growth.

By Michael Grunwald . 29 August 2023
Emissions reduction

Virginia may ditch a regional carbon cap-and-invest program

RGGI has helped boost climate resilience and cut emissions in the state, but its Republican governor wants to leave the program. Activists aren’t sure he can.

By Katie Myers . 29 August 2023
Marine transport

Wind power with a high-tech twist could help ships burn less fuel

Commodities giant Cargill is testing a new kind of wind-harnessing device meant to slash fuel use and curb CO2 emissions from the world's cargo ships.

By Maria Gallucci . 21 August 2023