Why Building Codes Make Our Cities and Communities More Resilient

The number, frequency, and intensity of disasters affecting U.S. cities is growing. From floods and fires to sub-zero cold snaps and extreme heat, it seems like every week we are provided with another example of why communities need more tools to ensure they are more resilient, prepared for weather-related disruptions, and can quickly recover. The … Continued

Small Business Energy Changemakers: Doug Luciani

The Small Business Energy Initiative is led by the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the Greater Cleveland Partnership/Council of Smaller Enterprises (GCP/COSE). With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Initiative is partnering with local chambers of commerce and similar small business organizations from five regions across the country to arm them with leading-edge tools, best … Continued

Should I Stay or Should I Go: The Embodied Carbon of Buildings

Improving the efficiency of new and existing buildings is a crucial strategy for cities and states that are charting a path to decrease carbon emissions and meet ambitious climate goals. But what about the materials that are being used to construct and retrofit buildings? Fabricating the materials that comprise buildings—like concrete, steel, and windows—also releases … Continued

How to Make Energy Efficiency Happen: IMT’s Top E-Learning Resources of 2018

Energy efficiency doesn’t just happen. It is made possible by the many building owners, property managers, sustainability and energy managers, architects, designers, retrofit contractors, energy service companies, and too many other types of professionals to name who develop and utilize innovative strategies that transform buildings and spaces so they perform better, save money, and reduce … Continued

IMT’s Top 10 Blog Posts of 2018—Efficiency Onward!

This year has been a breakthrough for climate action in the midst of enormous challenges. As devastating impacts and warning signs mounted, city governments, businesses, real estate leaders, and individuals took on a new level of urgency to deploy solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and move us faster towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient future. … Continued

What You Should Know: Fort Collins’ New Benchmarking Ordinance

After more than a year of private sector and community engagement, Fort Collins, Colo., became the 25th U.S. city to pass a benchmarking and transparency policy for privately owned buildings on December 4. This is a key step in accomplishing Fort Collins’ ambitious climate goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, and follows the City’s … Continued

How PowerForward Can Advance Ohio’s Energy Goals Through Better Data Access

Utilities across the U.S. are continuing to push ahead on grid modernization plans in order to improve reliability and offer their customers new products and services. A recent process you may have heard of is PowerForward, which is being spearheaded by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to envision an Ohio-specific modern electric grid. … Continued