Category: Buildings

Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources

  • Sembcorp completes acquisition of 300 MW solar project in India

    Sembcorp Industries has expanded its renewable energy operations in India by acquiring a 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan, connected to the national grid and operating under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. This acquisition boosts Sembcorp's renewable energy capacity in India to over 7.6 GW, furthering its global renewables portfolio to 20.2 GW. This move highlights the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat climate change through the expansion of renewable energy sources.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/26/sembcorp-completes-acquisition-of-300-mw-solar-project-in-india/

  • Earth blocks keep homes cool while cutting emissions in Kenya’s drylands

    In Laikipia County, Kenya, the use of compressed earth blocks in housing construction is highlighted as a sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Initiatives like the Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative and the Belém Call for Action for Sustainable and Affordable Housing are aiming to decarbonize the industry and promote sustainable building practices. The International Coalition for Building Climate Resilience (ICBC) emphasizes the importance of affordable, resource-efficient, low-carbon housing in achieving climate goals and sustainable development. This traditional building approach is gaining renewed attention in low-income communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat. Additionally, buildings in West Africa, like the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, are being constructed using eco-friendly methods such as compressed earth blocks and rammed earth architecture, offering low-cost and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in the region.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2025/12/24/earth-blocks-keep-homes-cool-while-cutting-emissions-in-kenyas-drylands/

  • AMEA Power and Kyuden partner with IFC for solar battery storage project in Egypt

    AMEA Power, Kyuden International Corporation, and Hover Energy are leading the way in climate solutions with innovative projects and technologies. AMEA Power's 1GW solar PV plant in Egypt, in collaboration with IFC, aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions, creating over 4,000 jobs during construction. Hover Energy's AI-enabled Microgrid Management SystemTM has won three awards for its contribution to rebuilding the grid for a more flexible and resilient energy future. These initiatives are crucial in the transition to renewable energy and cutting down CO2 emissions.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/amea-power-kyuden-partner-ifc/

  • Environmental News Network – New Window Insulation Blocks Heat, but Not Your View

    Physicists at CU Boulder have created a groundbreaking material called MOCHI that can be applied to windows to improve energy efficiency in buildings globally. This transparent and long-lasting insulator does not obstruct the view through the window, unlike traditional materials. MOCHI addresses the need for transparent insulators to block heat exchange, offering a promising solution for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Climate solutions experts should take note of this innovative technology as a potential tool for combating climate change.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77569-new-window-insulation-blocks-heat-but-not-your-view

  • Q&A: Five key climate questions for China’s next ‘five-year plan’

    China's upcoming 15th five-year plan in China will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, influencing clean energy growth and meeting climate commitments. The plan is crucial for aligning with Paris Agreement goals, setting clean-energy targets, capping coal consumption, and preventing emission rebounds. China faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a marked slowdown in carbon intensity reduction. To achieve the required reduction in carbon intensity, China would need to increase the share of non-fossil energy and reduce coal consumption. Policymakers are working on implementing a "dual control of carbon" system to manage emissions and face a choice between slowing down the clean-energy boom or retiring older coal-power plants to address challenges.

    https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-five-key-climate-questions-for-chinas-next-five-year-plan/

  • The Way Things Are Is Not the Way They Have to Be

    Uruguay successfully transitioned its entire economy to rely on renewable energy sources in just two years, slashing poverty rates and showcasing the economic benefits of clean energy. The shift towards green energy was driven by crises and challenges, leading to long-lasting solutions and the ability to export excess energy to neighboring countries. The country's approach, framed as an economic opportunity rather than a climate change issue, highlights the financial incentives of transitioning to clean energy. The article emphasizes the importance of public ownership in ensuring equitable access to resources and the redistributive potential of energy distribution as a tool for social justice. The discussion also touches on the potential for other countries to lead in climate solutions and the need for a just green transition globally.

    https://drilled.media/news/DrillingDeep-Natasha

  • Five climate trailblazers: UNEP’S 2025 Champions of the Earth

    The UN Environment Programme has named five new climate visionaries as its 2025 Champions of the Earth, recognizing their work on climate justice, sustainable cooling, forest protection, and methane emissions reductions. The laureates, including Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Supriya Sahu from Tamil Nadu, Mariam Issoufou Architects, and Imazon from Brazil, are driving real change for people and the planet with their innovative leadership in areas such as climate law, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and deforestation prediction models. Imazon's non-profit research institute, using science and AI-driven geospatial tools, is curbing deforestation in the Amazon and supporting legal cases. Cynthia Houniuhi is honored for pioneering forest monitoring systems, while Manfredi Caltagirone, posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, dedicated his career to addressing climate challenges, particularly methane emissions, and shaping global energy policy through his work at UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166558

  • M-Tec launches modular propane heat pump for residential, commercial use

    Austrian manufacturer M-Tec has launched a new residential propane heat pump system with a heating capacity of up to 26 kW, expandable to 78 kW with an electric heating element for peak loads. This system is versatile, compatible with different heat sources like geothermal energy, groundwater, and photovoltaic-thermal modules. It also integrates with M-Tec's energy management platform, offering features like variable electricity tariffs and self-consumption optimization for efficient and sustainable heating solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/05/m-tec-launches-modular-propane-heat-pump-for-residential-commercial-use/

  • Vertical PV system at Japanese parking lot operating under PPA

    As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in addressing climate change. This includes advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, as well as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from industries and transportation. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals is key to implementing effective climate solutions and achieving global climate goals. It is important to prioritize sustainable practices and policies that will lead to a more resilient and environmentally-friendly future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/04/vertical-pv-system-at-japanese-parking-lot-operating-under-ppa/

  • US added 2 GW of solar in September, putting 2025 ahead of 2024 for new solar generation

    As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in the field. One recent article highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources in combating climate change, emphasizing the need for a transition away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the article discussed the role of sustainable agriculture practices in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting carbon sequestration. It also touched on the significance of investing in green infrastructure and technology to support a more sustainable future. Overall, the key takeaway is the urgent need for comprehensive and innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/solar-gas-nuclear-ferc-infrastructure-report/807053/