UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stressed the urgent need for a transition to renewables due to the negative impacts of fossil fuel dependence on economies and people. Despite renewables becoming cheaper and faster-to-market, the transition is still too slow, particularly in developing nations that require more support. Stiell emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation and protecting civilian lives, highlighting the critical role of accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources globally.
Category: Buildings
Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources
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New model reveals pathway for land-efficient U.S. solar expansion
McGill University researchers utilized deep-learning computer vision to analyze 719 solar projects in the Western U.S., setting a new "land-sparing" benchmark for developers. The study revealed a link between geographic irradiance and land efficiency, showing that sunnier regions and compact system designs result in higher energy density. A global study further emphasized the potential for rooftop solar integration, indicating that targeted policy could make it more cost-effective than ground-mounted systems. These findings underscore the importance of strategic land management and integrating solar into the built environment to help achieve net-zero targets and minimize environmental impact.
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The Important Role That Black Communities Play In Addressing Climate Change
Black Climate Week, organized by The Solutions Project and NAACP, aims to support Black-led climate solutions and amplify success stories. Strategies such as agroforestry, zero-emission buildings, renewable energy sources, and plant-based diets are highlighted as steps towards a net zero future. Black-led organizations are securing policy victories and developing clean energy projects to reduce carbon emissions. The NAACP is advocating for renewable energy and financial responsibility for climate-related costs, while supporting youth through programs like the Young Black Climate Leaders Dream Lab. The Solutions Project, a nonprofit organization, supports grassroots climate organizations led by women and people of color with grants and communications support, while the NAACP advocates for civil rights for Black America, focusing on racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies for marginalized communities. Both organizations are committed to creating a world without racism and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
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German consortium launches web guide for BIPV planning
Germany's SolarEnvelopeCenter project has launched a web-based planning guide for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), offering standardized design solutions for roofs and facades that meet building codes and industry standards. The collaboration between research institutes, architects, façade planners, and solar companies has resulted in 15 construction principles for BIPV integration, enabling early incorporation of solar elements in projects. The tool includes an input form and online configurator for refining parameters, with information on available products for each construction principle. Additionally, the German Solar Energy Society has developed training courses for industry professionals to effectively utilize the web-based tool.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/20/german-consortium-launches-web-guide-for-bipv-planning/
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This City Turned Its Rooftops into a Climate Shield
Green roofs have been shown to provide habitat for birds and butterflies, with cities like Zürich and Basel leading the way in showcasing the benefits of green rooftop ecosystems. Basel has even made green roofs mandatory on new or renovated buildings, resulting in a significant increase in green roof coverage. Despite economic factors and planning inertia posing barriers to widespread adoption, the ecological benefits of green roofs are clear, with potential for long-term environmental and climate benefits. Architect and city planner Brenneisen advocates for the positive impact of green roofs on a building's ecological footprint and encourages more creativity in their design to maximize ecological relevance.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/zurich-turned-rooftops-into-climate-shield/
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Adani to invest $100 billion in AI data centers in India
Adani Group is set to invest $100 billion by 2035 to construct renewable-powered data centers in India, with a goal of reaching 5 GW of capacity and establishing a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem. This investment will facilitate the growth of renewable-energy-powered, AI-ready data center capacity across the country, positioning India as a key player in the global artificial intelligence economy. The planned 5 GW rollout would create the world's largest integrated data center platform, primarily powered by Adani Green Energy's renewable projects. Additionally, Adani plans to expand its renewable portfolio and enhance transmission networks to support high-demand AI workloads.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/18/adani-to-invest-100-billion-in-ai-data-centers-in-india/
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Risk or Resilience? Congress Can’t Miss Its Opportunity in Major Housing Legislation
The proposed legislation in Congress aims to address the American housing crisis by incentivizing changes to land use laws and speeding up housing development processes. However, concerns remain about the legislation's ability to adequately address current and future physical risks like extreme heat exposure, flooding, and wildfire risk. There is a need for stronger affordability mandates, ongoing funding, and reimagining land use to create a housing ecosystem that meets current and future needs, including those driven by climate change. Congress should prioritize strategies to reduce residential heat exposure, invest in retrofitting housing, establish an Eviction Helpline for tenants, reform disaster recovery policies, and invest in improving existing housing stock to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters and housing challenges in the country. It is crucial for Congress to prioritize affordability, resilience, and climate solutions in shaping housing policy to avoid locking communities into risk.
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NOA Group seals 401GWh-a-year renewable deal with Sibanye
NOA Group has formalized a renewable energy supply agreement with Sibanye-Stillwater, providing around 401GWh annually through fixed allocations and an additional 100GWh per year through a flexible contract. This deal will help Sibanye-Stillwater reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 433,080t of CO2 equivalent starting in 2028. By 2028, renewable energy will make up approximately 56% of Sibanye-Stillwater's total energy demand in South Africa, with costs expected to be 20-30% lower than Eskom's wholesale tariffs. The agreement aims to support Sibanye-Stillwater's goal of carbon neutrality by 2040 and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable energy practices in the mining sector.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/noa-group-401gwh-a-year-deal-sibanye/
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Heat pump sales dipped in 2025. They still beat gas furnaces.
In 2025, distributors faced a backlog of heat pump equipment due to stocking up in 2024, but despite temporary challenges, heat pumps remain the most efficient way to heat and cool homes. The high cost of heat pump systems has hindered widespread adoption, but federal funding and incentive programs are making them more affordable. State and local governments are implementing initiatives such as rebates and lower electricity rates for heat pump owners to promote their usage. The market is transitioning from gas furnaces to heat pumps, signaling a shift towards more sustainable heating and cooling solutions.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/heat-pumps/heating-cooling-sales-us-gas-furnaces
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Renewables account for more than 55 pct of Spain’s energy mix in 2025, and in first month of 2026
In 2025 and January 2026, renewable energy made up over half of Spain's total energy mix, with wind energy leading the way followed by solar PV. Despite rising electricity demand, renewable production reached record levels, with wind power maintaining its position as the top source of electricity generation. Energy storage technologies played a crucial role in maximizing the utilization of renewable energy sources.