Measuring and Addressing Water and Waste Water Affordability in the United States
Measuring and addressing the rising cost of water in the U.S. Over recent years, the cost of water and wastewater service has increased rapidly in communities across the United States, posing a threat to access and public health, especially among low-income and marginalized communities. With evidence suggesting costs will continue to rise, the Institute for […]
More Urgency, Not Less: The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Lessons for Local Climate Leadership
COVID-19 made climate action more urgent, not less As local government leaders grapple with economic recovery post-COVID-19, there is concern resources have been or will be diverted from climate actions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. The COVID & Climate: What’s Next for Cities? research series surveyed hundreds of reports, articles, blogs, and other materials […]
Still Charging: Energy Storage Commercialization in Massachusetts
Making Massachusetts a global leader in energy storage innovation Massachusetts’ robust community of entrepreneurs has the potential to transform the region into a global hub of energy innovation, especially with regard to energy storage. Recognizing this opportunity, researchers at the Institute for Sustainable Energy surveyed more than two dozen experts from across the Massachusetts energy […]
Bringing Power and Progress to Africa in a Financially and Environmentally Sustainable Manner
Power and progress: the sustainable electrification of Africa One of the most critical challenges to adequately addressing the global threat of climate change is determining how to sustainably electrify Africa, home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population and where 600 million people lack access to reliable power. To better inform decision-makers, Institute for […]
Integrating Electric Mobility Systems with the Grid Infrastructure
What we need to prepare the grid for electric vehicles The way we move people and goods will see massive changes as we transition transportation systems to clean energy sources. In November 2019, the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability) and Center for Information and Systems Engineering brought together […]
Water Utility of the Future: A Case Study of Conservation as a Service
Target water conservation efforts toward top-consuming customers Water utilities serving growing populations in dry climates face challenges in balancing water demand with scarce resources, often turning to demand management strategies like pricing and education. Research from the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability) points to a new demand management […]
Assessing the Potential for U.S. Utility Green Bonds
Green bonds offer utilities billions to power clean energy transition Green bonds are a newer debt security in impact investing that could help finance what is likely the largest challenge in sustainability: the full transition to carbon-free energy systems. To determine the potential power of green bonds in the transition, an Institute for Sustainable Energy […]
Carbon Free Boston Technical Reports
A technical dive into Carbon Free Boston To supplement the Carbon Free Boston Summary, the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability) provides further technical detail and an in-depth analysis of the strategies in buildings, transportation, waste, energy, and carbon offsets that together point the way to a carbon-neutral Boston. […]
Carbon Free Boston Social Equity Report
Decarbonization offers great equity benefits to Boston The City of Boston’s goal of decarbonization by 2050 offers great potential to better serve the city’s socially vulnerable populations, who face higher utility bills, greater exposure to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and less access to public transportation. Research from the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston […]
Cities and Climate Change: Strategic Options for Philanthropic Support
Regionalized urban climate action is ripe for funding As city-based climate action increases, additional funding will play a critical role to help build capacity, networks, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To help urban climate policy planners identify areas where more investment can accelerate action, the Institute for Sustainable Energy (now the Boston […]