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☆ How to make your home hurricane resistant, as scientists predict an 'extremely active' storm season
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

In this article Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTRyersonclark | E+ | Getty ImagesMaking your home hurricane resistant can be a significant financial undertaking. In 2024, the national average cost to upgrade an entire house with hurricane windows runs between $1,128 and $10,293, or $100 and $500 per window, including installation, according to This Old House. Hurricane resistance is about preventing 'pressurization'Hurricanes are different and unpredictable storms, said Jeff Ostrowski, a housing analyst at Bankrate. If installing new hurricane windows aren't in the budget, shutters are lower-cost options to protect windows and other openings, said Chapman-Henderson. Talk to your insurer about possible discounts Strengthening your home against disasters may help lower your insurance cost.

Persons: Phil Klotzbach, Jeff Ostrowski, Leslie Chapman, Henderson, Jennifer Languell, Chapman, Kin, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Bankrate's Ostrowski, Ostrowski, Loretta Worters, Worters, Languell Organizations: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hurricanes, National Oceanic, Fluid Dynamics, Climate, Energy Solutions, Swiss, Finance, Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric, Federal Alliance, Safe, Safe Homes, Department of Energy, Trifecta, William Raveis Mortgage, Insurance, Institute, Homeowners Locations: windstorms, U.S, Florida, In Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, dsireusa.org

☆ It might be the year to upgrade your home's heating and cooling system and get a big discount
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Electric heat pumps are also more efficient at heating and cooling homes than systems powered by oil and propane. Heat pumps move hot and cold air from indoors to outdoors, rather than burn fuel, and can save the average US homeowner an estimated $500 a year. Cutting the up-front costs of buying and installing heat pumps is a key way to increase sales. "There's a lot of outdated information about heat pumps out there." AdvertisementMcIlwain said Maryland was working to put more information online, including a database of contractors, electricians, and manufacturers trained on heat pumps.

Persons: Maine —, Serena McIlwain, Joe Biden, Jay Apperson, Sage Briscoe, Emily Levin, McIlwain Organizations: Service, Wednesday, Business, Energy Information Administration, Maryland Department of, Heat, Management, Rewiring, Energy Department, state's Department of Locations: Maine, Maryland, California , Colorado , Maine , Massachusetts , New Jersey , New York , Oregon, Rhode, States, Rewiring America, Massachusetts, California, New York, Hawaii, New Mexico, Rewiring, NESCAUM

AdvertisementWe expect our energy bill to remain high in the coming months unless we make crucial changes around our apartment. But having the heat on for 12 hours is making our energy bill higher than we'd like. But I am willing to invest a little money if it will decrease my monthly energy bill. Minkel also says that it's important to stay safe with your actions even when you're eager to lower your energy bill. AdvertisementInstead, Minkel says that it's important to put safety first as you're looking for ways to reduce your energy bill.

Persons: —, we've, Maureen Minkel, Minkel Organizations: Service, Business, South Jersey Industries, weatherstripping Locations: South

☆ Can we turn all those empty office buildings into housing?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Experts in housing, building, and urban planning say it may be difficult to convert office space to livable, likeable residential housing, but there’s an urgent reason they’re trying. More office space is sitting empty in the United States than at any point since 1979, Moody’s Analytics reported earlier this week. By some estimates, only 3% of New York City office buildings and 2% in downtown Denver are suited for residential conversions. Office space and homes are two fundamentally different types of buildings, according to builders and architects. Do you have another building where you can move them?”As result, according to Theodos, office conversions are not a solution to either the empty office glut or the housing supply shortage.

Persons: Biden, ”, Harold Bordwin, Keen, Brett Theodos, ” Bordwin, “, ” Maren Reepmeyer, ” Theodos, –, Nathaniel Meyersohn, Donald Judd Organizations: DC CNN, Moody’s, National Association of Realtors, Summit Capital Partners, Metropolitan Housing, Policy Center, Urban Institute, “, CBRE, Wacker, Chicago Business Locations: Washington, New York, Boston, Cleveland, United States, Manhattan, “, New York City, Denver, Chicago, Theodos

☆ Climate tech in 2023: More grants, experienced founders, and new laws help sector to standout year
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-29 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

While much of Europe's startup ecosystem has been hobbled by the rocky macroeconomic environment and soaring interest rates, climate tech has continued to lure funds from venture capitalists. Many climate tech companies work with hardware, meaning debt financing is also an attractive non-dilutive option for working capital between funding rounds. Global private market equity and grant funding for climate tech startups is actually down – it slid 40% to $65 billion in the 12 months ending September 30, according to PwC. Some smaller climate tech companies have made cuts, including vertical farming company InFarm, which retreated from Europe and was declared bankrupt in the Netherlands. Generally, however, layoffs have been a boon for climate as big tech talent has moved into or launched climate tech startups.

Persons: —, Siobhan Brewster, Atomico, Brewster, Piotr Bukanski, Mike Schroepfer, Greg Sandoval, retrofits, Barcelona's, Balderton Capital's Magda Lukaszewicz, Stuart Ferguson, Schroepfer, Warner, Aenu's Brewster Organizations: Service, Business, Venture, Energy, Beringea, Gigascale, Sustainable Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, Global, Ada Ventures Locations: London, Europe's, Ukraine, United States, Europe, Silicon, Netherlands

At least 118 countries at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai have backed a pledge to improve energy efficiency rates by 4% each year until 2030. In its simplest form, energy efficiency can simply mean using appliances, technology, or electronics that are designed to consume less energy, such as heat pumps or LED lighting. Industries worldwide could save $437 billion per year by 2030 with improved energy efficiency, according to an October 2023 industry collective report by the Energy Efficiency Movement. As a result, energy efficiency improved globally this year by about 1.3% compared with last year, slower than the 2% improvement posted in 2022 due largely to rising energy demand, the IEA's annual Energy Efficiency report said. In the U.S., energy efficiency is beating the global average efficiency improvement rate this year at 4%, with $86 billion allocated for the goal under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Persons: Andrew Boyers, Larissa Gross, Sofie Irgens, Nick Eyre, Gloria Dickie, Katy Daigle, Jan Harvey Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, International Energy Agency, BE, European Union, Industries, Energy, U.S . Department of Energy, IEA, Oxford University, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Watchfield, Swindon, Britain, Dubai, leakages, India, Africa, U.S, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands

☆ This $1,600 speaker system makes your electric truck sound like it has a V8 engine. People joked it's the EV equivalent of sticking a playing card in your bike spokes.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Kylie Kirschner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A demo of the system shows a Ford F-150 Lightning making V8 engine sounds. After all, though Ford's electric truck might have a massive frunk, its motor is far quieter than its gasoline-powered counterparts. Borla, a company that designs and manufactures exhaust systems, is now selling a $1,600 aftermarket "active performance sound system for EV." Another company called Thor Tuning sells an "electric exhaust system" for EVs. And car companies like Hyundai and Dodge have gotten in on the action too, producing electric cars with built in electric exhaust sound systems.

Persons: —, TFLstudios, Borla Organizations: Service, Shelby Mustang, Kufatec, Hyundai, Dodge Locations: TikTok

☆ British tycoon plans to launch an electric airline that will serve plant-based food
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"The question of how to create sustainable air travel has plagued the green movement for decades," said Dale Vince, founder of British energy firm Ecotricity. Ryan Hiscott | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesBritish entrepreneur Dale Vince on Monday announced plans to launch an electric airline that will be powered using renewable energy — and those behind the project hope it will mark the start of a new era in air travel. Vince, who is the founder of British energy firm Ecotricity, was bullish about Ecojet's prospects. "The question of how to create sustainable air travel has plagued the green movement for decades," he said. He went on to describe Ecojet as "by far the most significant step towards a solution to date."

Persons: Dale Vince, Ryan Hiscott, Ecojet, Vince Organizations: Getty, Getty Images, Monday, Civil Aviation Authority, CAA Locations: Ecojet, Europe

☆ Today's vision for the homes of tomorrow
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Sponsor Post | Created Insider Studios With Schneider Electric | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The impact of the climate crisis is now affecting people every day, with record temperatures seen globally and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common. Florent Berard, Schneider ElectricThe stakes could not be higher, Berard said, as the world is at an "inflection point." To mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis, Berard said it's important to look at how we drive the right behaviors. Visualized on a smartphone, the intelligent panel provides invaluable insights into a home's real-time energy consumption. This means a net-zero built environment must be a marriage of the past and present, combining sustainable design and sensitive retrofits with smart digital solutions.

Persons: Florent Berard, it's, Schneider, Berard, —, It's, Schneider Electric's Organizations: Deloitte, Schneider, Distribution, EU, Home Energy Management Solutions, Schneider Electric, Insider Studios Locations: Ukraine

☆ An earthquake destroyed their California home days before Christmas. They still have to pay the mortgage
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( Nouran Salahieh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake had just struck Rio Dell, California, upending homes and lives for the community of 3,400 people near Oregon. “It’s a gamble to not have it,” Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp said. A whopping 90% of homes in California aren’t covered by earthquake insurance, according to Glenn Pomeroy, CEO of the California Earthquake Authority, a nonprofit quake insurer established by the state. Gavin Newsom proclaimed an emergency for Humboldt County, where Rio Dell is located, in part to help local governments access services. Despite seeing how costly earthquake damage can be, she doubts she’ll buy earthquake insurance for her next home.

Persons: CNN —, Jacqui McIntosh, Rio, McIntosh, ”, unlivable, “ It’s, Fred Greaves, “, Kyle Knopp, Glenn Pomeroy, ” Brian Ferguson, Knopp, ” Knopp, Randy Jensen, ” Jensen, Jensen, Jane Tyska, ” Pomeroy, that’s, Pomeroy, Gavin Newsom, Michelle Bushnell, Bushnell, it’s, Keith Porter, Kent Porter, Bolt, Porter, ” Porter, ‘, Alyssa Jorgensen, Jorgensen, didn’t, ” McIntosh Organizations: CNN, Dell, California Earthquake Authority, California Governor’s, Emergency Services, Mendocino Triple Junction, FEMA, Rio Dell, Reuters, Rio Dell Water, Media, East Bay Times, San, Small Business Administration, Institute, The Press Democrat, Mitigation, retrofits, Earthquake, California Earthquake Locations: Rio Dell , California, Oregon, Rio Dell, California, It’s, Mendocino, Cape Mendocino, Northern California, Montecito, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Rio, Humboldt County

☆ Deadline for airline retrofits could impact
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Multiple US air carriers told CNN Thursday that they will be able to meet the deadline. It added that all of its widebody aircraft will have the upgraded equipment by the deadline. The Regional Airline Association, meanwhile, said that most of its members’ planes were retrofitted ahead of a deadline last fall, and that they have plans to retrofit the remaining planes. That delay followed an even earlier postponement negotiated by the wireless carriers and the aviation industry, which had raised broad concerns that 5G signals might affect air travel. The deadline comes after a week of heavy flight disruptions linked to weather that are beginning to subside, with the exception of United.

Persons: Pete Buttigieg, ” Buttigieg, Buttigieg, CNN’s Gregory Wallace Organizations: New, New York CNN, Verizon, Transportation, Airlines for America, CNN, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta, Regional Airline Association Locations: New York, Delta

☆ ‘Once Upon a One More Time’ Review: Cinderella, Liberated (Again)
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Elisabeth Vincentelli | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The Britney Spears jukebox musical “Once Upon a One More Time” is not a bio-show recounting the singer’s life. Rather, it retrofits two dozen of her songs — including “Oops! But this big, splashy show, which is quite entertaining at times, is hampered by a shambolic jumble of sisterhood 101 messaging and defanged fantasy revisionism. Although Cinderella is supposed to be content in the happy-ever-after, her loneliness just might be killing her. But shush, pretty lady, push these thoughts out of your lovely head: As her prince (Justin Guarini) soothingly informs her, “You’re paid to be pretty, and I’m paid to be charming.”

Persons: Spears, ”, Snow White, Aisha Jackson, Pea, Morgan Whitley, Gabrielle Beckford, Ashley Chiu, Lauren Zakrin, Adam Godley, Justin Guarini, soothingly, “ You’re, I’m Organizations: Disney, Broadway

☆ This former Tesla developer is reinventing the home electrical panel
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One major component of that, however, is not very smart at all: the electric panel. The Span panel is capable of measuring every circuit in your home and giving you, as the homeowner, control over the dials. "The Span panel is increasingly becoming a default solution when paired with resiliency products." Buyers of the Span panel are eligible for tax incentives that apply to both the product and its installation. Some homebuilders are adopting the Span panel because it reduces the costs for new builds.

☆ This couple spent $48,000 to convert their Portland, Oregon, home to 'net zero': 'The future is efficient and renewable'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Zachary Green Celia Fernandez | Zachary Green | In Zachary-Green-News | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

When Ryan Shanahan, 41, decided to buy a house in Portland, Oregon, he knew from the start that he wanted his future home to be "net zero." To be net zero is to cut greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions reabsorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests, for instance, according to the United Nations. "My mantra is that the future is efficient, electric, and renewable," Shanahan tells CNBC Make It. To buy the house, Shanahan took advantage of a $15,000 forgivable loan from Oregon's Down Payment Assistance program. Shanahan purchased the house because it had design features needed to help reach his goal of making the house net zero.

☆ Amogy retrofits vehicles ranging from drones to tractors to make them run on sustainable ammonia. It just raised $139 million with this 18-slide pitch deck.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

We got an exclusive look at the 18-slide deck Amogy used to raise the money. A startup betting on ammonia as a next-generation fuel has just secured $139 million in an all-equity Series B extension. New York-based Amogy has created a retrofit energy system to replace engines, which allows ammonia to be used as a fuel. Ammonia is predicted to account for 45% of all shipping fuel in a net zero 2050 scenario modeled by the International Energy Agency. The company is also working with upstream players to help decarbonize the fuel, Woo said.

☆ Lordstown halts production, shipments of Endurance electric trucks to address quality issues
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Lordstown Motors gave rides in prototypes of its upcoming electric Endurance pickup truck on June 21, 2021 as part of its "Lordstown Week" event. Lordstown Motors said Thursday it will suspend production and deliveries of its all-electric Endurance pickup to address performance and quality issues with certain components. Lordstown said it is working with suppliers to implement a solution that the company believes will address the issue. The company declined to forecast how long production will be idled at the Ohio plant, which Lordstown purchased from General Motors in 2019. The recall and production problems add to a long list of issues at Lordstown since the company went public nearly 2½ years ago.

REUTERS/Phil NobleCOVENTRY, England, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Developing fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) that can go everywhere has proven harder and more expensive than expected, but investors are continuing to fund startups that target simpler self-driving vehicle solutions far removed from pedestrians and other vehicles operated by unpredictable humans. Earlier promises made by robotaxi companies of operating fleets of vehicles by the early 2020s have fallen well short. BMW iVentures has also invested in AV truck technology firm Kodiak Robotics, which managing partner Sage said has adopted a simpler approach to areas like mapping. Construction and agricultural equipment - used off-road in low-traffic environments - has been another growth area for AV startups. U.S. agricultural equipment maker AGCO Corp (AGCO.N), for instance, is using the Palo Alto, California-based startup's software for an experimental automated electric planter.

SEATTLE/WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) told employees on Monday that it will add a new 737 MAX production line in Everett, Washington, in mid-2024 as it plans to ramp up deliveries of its best-selling plane. The company is reactivating its third 737 MAX line in Renton, Washington, Deal added. Boeing booked nearly 700 MAX orders last year, delivered 387 737s and has a total backlog of about 3,600 MAX airplanes. Boeing said this month it had stabilized 737 production at 31 per month, with plans to ramp production up to approximately 50 per month in the 2025-2026 timeframe. The legislation requires Boeing to fit new safety enhancements to the MAX 7 and MAX 10 and retrofit existing MAX 8 and MAX 9 planes in the fleet.

SEATTLE/WASHINGTON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) told employees on Monday that it will add a new 737 MAX production line in Everett, Washington, in mid-2024 as it plans to ramp up deliveries of its best-selling plane. Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Stan Deal said in an email seen by Reuters that the new line will be its fourth 737 MAX one and is needed because of "strong product demand." Boeing is reactivating its third 737 MAX line in Renton, Washington, Deal's email added. Boeing booked nearly 700 MAX orders last year, delivered 387 737s and has a total backlog of about 3,600 MAX airplanes. Boeing said this month it has stabilized 737 production at 31 per month with plans to ramp production to approximately 50 per month in the 2025 to 2026 timeframe.

☆ U.S. FAA proposes requiring 5G safeguards on planes by early 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Octavio JonesWASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Monday it is proposing a requirement that passenger and cargo aircraft in the United States have 5G C-Band-tolerant radio altimeters or install approved filters by early 2024. The proposed airworthiness directive, which would take effect in February 2024, is similar to one that took effect in December 2021, prohibiting passenger and cargo flight operations in the vicinity of 5G C-Band wireless transmitters unless the FAA specifically approved them. Some international airlines have privately expressed reluctance to install filters absent a legal requirement from the FAA, officials told Reuters. FAA acting Administrator Billy Nolen in October sought a delay in some 5G C-Band transmissions from smaller operators over aviation safety concerns. A deal struck shortly before a 2022 deadline did not prevent dozens of foreign carriers from canceling international flights to the United States.

☆ U.S. FAA proposes requiring airplanes to have 5G safeguards by early 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Airline passengers walk inside the Tampa International Airport as airports around the country are awaiting for Verizon and AT&T to rollout their 5G technology, in Tampa, Florida, U.S., January 19, 2022. REUTERS/Octavio JonesWASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Monday it is proposing to require passenger or cargo aircraft in the United States by early 2024 have 5G C-Band-tolerant radio altimeters or install approved filters. The proposed airworthiness directive is similar to one that took effect in December 2021, prohibiting passenger and cargo flight operations in the vicinity of 5G C-Band wireless transmitters unless the FAA specifically approved them. The FAA is also proposing to require airlines to revise airplane flight manuals to prohibit low-visibility landings after June 30 unless the retrofits have been completed on that airplane. Reporting by David ShepardsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ A US federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —A federal agency is considering a ban on gas stoves as concerns about indoor pollution linked to childhood asthma rise, Bloomberg first reported. A US Consumer Product Safety commissioner told Bloomberg gas stove usage is a “hidden hazard.”“Any option is on the table. The CPSC has been considering action on gas stoves for months.Trumka recommended in October that the CPSC seek public comment on the hazards associated with gas stoves. The study found that almost 13% of current childhood asthma in the US is attributable to gas stove use. Trumka told Bloomberg the agency plans to open public comment on gas stove hazards.

☆ Tesla owners who just want a normal steering wheel on their Model S and Model X get their wish
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Aaron Mok | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla's Model S/X owners will have the option to replace the yoke steering wheel with a round one. The move comes after Tesla car owners complained about the learning curve of the box wheel. Starting in March, Tesla owners can replace their current steering wheels for $700. Unlike a conventional wheel, the yoke wheel is rectangular with a tiny button for honking. The stalk — the part in conventional cars that controls core functions such as turn signals, headlights, and windshield wipers — was replaced with buttons on the steering yoke.

☆ Inside climate tech's record-breaking year where the energy crisis, new regulation, and a maturing debt market helped European startups raise $17.5 billion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Climate tech was a clear green shoot in a tumultuous 2022 but there will be a delayed correction. But there has been one green shoot: Climate tech. "We've just gotten started when it comes to climate tech," Emitwise's Cozzi said. Many climate tech companies have raised at high valuations, said Magda Lukaszewicz, principal at Balderton Capital. Energy and infrastructure companies are tipped as winners, while pure software plays may see some consolidation, climate tech investors and founders said.

☆ Eco standards and energy bills are key priorities for UK house buyers, says strategist
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailEco standards and energy bills are key priorities for UK house buyers, says strategistPete Gladwell, group social impact and investment director at Legal & General, says new research sends a message to home builders on the demand for better environmental standards — and that they must work with government and financial institutions on eco-retrofits and cutting-edge new builds.

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