Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Buildings

Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources

  • Green10 meeting with European Commission President von der Leyen

    The Green 10, representing 50 million Europeans, met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urge for action on climate change, environmental protection, and health impacts of pollution. They called for a swift phase-out of fossil fuels, prioritization of health and environment protection, and public financing to drive necessary changes. The group emphasized the need for the EU to lead in phasing out harmful chemicals, implementing regulations, and championing a green, social, and sustainable transition to address the climate-nature-pollution crisis and secure a fair future for future generations.

    https://www.env-health.org/green10-meeting-with-european-commission-president-von-der-leyen/

  • Free online calculator shows Irish homeowners how to save with solar

    Irish homeowners are increasingly adopting solar panels with the help of government subsidies, driving Ireland's total installed PV capacity to 2.7 GW. To help homeowners understand the financial benefits of different system configurations, AirPV has created a solar and battery calculator tool. The tool aims to empower homeowners to make informed decisions about their home energy systems, with founder Scott McKechnie starting a microgeneration campaign to encourage more communities to switch to solar and batteries through group installation deals. The updated solar calculator tool includes battery arbitrage and the 5 kW inverter size limit for Irish home solar systems, allowing users to determine the optimal number of solar panels and battery storage for cost savings and payback time. McKechnie's emphasis on using tools like AirPV to avoid misinformation and ensure sensible decision-making when installing solar systems is further supported by the tool's ability to provide tailored quotes from installers based on user input, allowing homeowners to compare options and submit their contact details for installation. Additionally, McKechnie has developed a building energy rating (BER) calculator to show how solar and battery systems can impact a home's energy efficiency.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/09/free-online-calculator-shows-irish-homeowners-how-to-save-with-solar/

  • UC San Diego Health Receives National Awards for Sustainability

    UC San Diego Health has been recognized for their sustainable healthcare approach, including efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, pursue clean energy, and implement initiatives such as reprocessing medical devices, managing recycling programs, donating medical supplies, and sending food waste to local farms. The University of California's Sustainable Practices Policy addresses climate protection, transportation, zero waste, and more, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship in healthcare and creating resilient spaces for patients, staff, and visitors.

    https://health.ucsd.edu/news/press-releases/2026-06-08-uc-san-diego-health-receives-national-awards-for-sustainability/

  • A Home Battery Revolution Is Reshaping the Power Grid

    Australia has seen a surge in home and commercial solar arrays, with one in three homes now equipped with panels. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program has led to a significant increase in battery installations, aiming to reach over 2 million by 2030. The use of virtual power plants and advanced software is transforming the energy sector, allowing decentralized energy sources to contribute back to the grid. Battery prices have dropped, making them more accessible for households and reducing the need for gas peaker plants. Australia's policies have set an example for other countries to accelerate the clean energy transition, marking the beginning of a battery revolution reshaping electricity markets.

    https://e360.yale.edu/features/home-battery-vpps

  • TriplePundit • Rooted in Nature: How Three CPG Companies Are Scaling Regenerative Practices

    Climate solutions experts are focusing on innovative strategies to combat climate change, such as renewable energy sources, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices. These experts are advocating for policies that prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is crucial in implementing these solutions on a global scale. The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the impact on vulnerable communities. By prioritizing climate solutions, experts believe that we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

    https://triplepundit.com/2026/pg-oatly-lundberg-family-farms-regenerative-agriculture/

  • Exploring How to Get More Solar & Batteries at Apartment Buildings

    A pilot study in Sydney, Australia is deploying more solar power and batteries in apartment buildings using an AI-powered modular power portal system to improve energy flow. The goal is to increase solar and battery uptake among renters by predicting energy use and creating a shared network, expected to lower operating costs by up to 30%. Companies involved in the study include Beaumont Strata Management, Ocean Building Management, and One Stop Warehouse.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/28/exploring-how-to-get-more-solar-batteries-at-apartment-buildings/

  • MIT-WPU researchers develop solar thermal battery for hot water supply after sunset

    Researchers at MIT World Peace University have developed a solar thermal energy storage system using a phase change material-based thermal battery to provide hot water even after sunset. The system combines a Scheffler solar concentrator with a thermal storage capsule containing paraffin wax, capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat. This technology aims to reduce dependence on electricity and fossil fuels for water heating applications, reaching Technology Readiness Level 7. Seeking collaborations for pilot deployment and commercialization, the next phase involves field trials, performance optimization, and scale-up for various sectors including residential water heating, industrial process heating, and off-grid rural communities.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/26/mit-wpu-researchers-develop-solar-thermal-battery-for-hot-water-supply-after-sunset/

  • New White Paper Calls on AI Hyperscalers to Align with Planetary Limits

    The article emphasizes the importance of companies using clean energy to accelerate the next generation energy system, making AI more resource efficient and transparent, and prioritizing Exponential Solutions for gigatonne scale climate impact. The shift towards Earth-aligned AI requires coordinated efforts across the ecosystem, with three proposed tracks for implementation: clean power and energy system acceleration, AI efficiency and transparency standards, and scaling Exponential Solutions. The message is to aim for better aligned ambition, with Hyperscalers playing a key role in shaping an Earth-aligned economy through clean energy and net-positive climate impact.

    https://exponentialroadmap.org/new-white-paper-calls-on-ai-hyperscalers-to-align-with-planetary-limits/

  • Two Microgrids With Solar Power Being Developed For Tribal Community In California

    The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and OATI are partnering to develop two microgrids for the tribal community in Northern California, bringing renewable energy onto tribal lands for energy independence and cost reduction. The project includes a 4.5 MWac solar power array and 21 MWh battery energy storage system, with funding from the California Energy Commission and FEMA. The microgrid will power on-reservation facilities and sell excess electricity to the grid, providing resiliency and substantial energy cost savings for the Paskenta community. This initiative will allow Paskenta to self-generate a significant amount of electricity, leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable energy future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/23/two-microgrids-with-solar-power-being-developed-for-tribal-community-in-california/

  • Clean energy just hit record investment

    The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.

    https://350.org/clean-energy-just-hit-record-investment/