Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Buildings

Cut Emissions:
– Shift Energy Sources

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • 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.

    https://blog.ucs.org/zoe-middleton/risk-or-resilience-congress-cant-miss-its-opportunity-in-major-housing-legislation/

  • 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/

  • 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

  • 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.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/renewables-account-for-more-than-55-pct-of-spains-energy-mix-in-2025-and-in-first-month-of-2026/

  • EU invests €3 billion in decarbonization of buildings, road transport

    The EIB has announced a €3 billion facility to support investments in cleaner heating, cooling, and reducing energy demands in buildings and road transport, including programs that benefit low- and middle-income households to prepare for the new emissions trading system. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of solutions like heat pumps and electric vehicles to reduce energy and transport bills, while also supporting a shift to public and shared transport, expanding e-mobility schemes, and deploying recharging infrastructure. Additionally, the EU has opened the IF25 Heat Auction to support electrified and direct-renewable heat production, further advancing climate solutions in the region.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/eu-invests-e3-billion-in-decarbonization-of-buildings-road-transport/

  • The DIY Diehards Building Green Infrastructure from Scratch

    PureSelfMade, a company based in Germany, is developing a how-to book with designs for small wind turbines ranging from 600W to 3kW. Michel from Sweden attended a course to learn how to build a turbine for his home, highlighting the growing interest in renewable energy solutions. The company sells pre-manufactured parts made from transparent and locally sourced materials like wood, making assembly easy. Wind turbines can complement solar panels, especially in areas with limited sunlight, but the challenge remains in making them affordable. PureSelfMade offers models at a lower cost compared to traditional options, aiming to make small wind turbines more accessible for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

    https://reasonstobecheerful.world/diy-diehards-building-renewable-energy-infrastructure-from-scratch/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: Verna completes first two hydrogen pilot wells in Canada

    Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/06/the-hydrogen-stream-verna-completes-first-two-hydrogen-pilot-wells-in-quebec/