Energy efficiency experts collaborating on sustainable projects.

News

Comparing gas furnace emissions and heat pump emissions over 15 years.
  • Press

Fighting Climate Change with Heat Pumps

Energy Institute at HAAS
Western Cooling Efficiency Center research featured in an article published by the Energy Institute at Haas. Replacing your home HVAC system with a new heat pump reduces carbon emissions significantly. But when should you make the change?
Researchers discuss innovative air conditioning tech to fight climate change at UC Davis.
  • Press

UC Davis Developing Tech Using Current Air Conditioning Systems to Combat Climate Change Effects

ABC 7 News: KGO
The Western Cooling Efficiency Center at UC Davis is trying to develop new air technology that addresses problems with the grid and the challenges of climate change using our current AC systems.
Close-up of a heat pump unit with metal grille for energy-efficient heating.
  • Press

Heat pumps: Coming to a home near you?

The Spokesman-Review
Washington building code proposal prompts debate as Inflation Reduction Act could spur heat pump use.
Air filter with particle measurement devices showing tiny particles and safety analysis.
  • Press

Do DIY air filters work against California wildfire smoke? What to know about cost and safety

Sacramento Bee
Do-it-yourself air filters are safe, effective and can be used to protect your lungs from California wildfire smoke.
close up of an EV being charged
  • News, Press

Ask a Scientist: In Search of a ‘Green’ Electric Car Battery

The Equation
Despite EVs’ considerable environmental benefits, it will be imperative to “green” the material sourcing process to ensure a more sustainable and ethical supply chain as the world transitions to an electrified transportation system.
Cover of Building Engineering journal focusing on ventilation and energy in classrooms.
  • Publication

Modeling Impacts of Ventilation and Filtration Methods on Energy Use and Airborne Disease Transmission in Classrooms

Journal of Building Engineering
This paper seeks to understand and analyze the trade-offs between airborne infection probability and energy consumption of ventilation systems for a simulated classroom in 13 cities across the US.
Researchers examining solar thermal power system components at UC Davis Energy Efficiency Institute.
  • News

Research Team Selected for $4.6 M Department of Energy Award to Advance Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power

Concentrating solar-thermal power technologies can help eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector.
Solar farm with renewable energy panels in arid land for sustainable power.
  • Press

Activists fear a new threat to biodiversity—renewable energy

National Geographic
To fight climate change, cleaner energy sources are desperately needed, but some experts say more should be done to keep untouched desert ecosystems intact.
Greenhouse Gas Analysis of Proposed HVAC Designs for Davis Campus.
  • Press

A District Energy System Design Could Cut More Emissions for Proposed Davis Innovation Sustainability Campus

Report analyzes greenhouse gas emissions of two heating and cooling systems
Homes and businesses use over 25 percent of California’s energy. With a number of different space heating and cooling technologies available to developers, it is important to understand and quantify potential greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts.
EV battery charging station with a woman expert discussing sustainability.
  • Press

How Eco-Friendly are Electric Vehicles? It All Depends on the Battery

ABC 7 News: KGO
The metals in the batteries are hazardous and could leach into the environment if they are not properly handled.
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