Stakeholders for corporate emissions reporting have traditionally focused on carbon footprints, which estimate the detrimental impact on the climate that is inherent to a product, service, or organ…
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Stakeholders for corporate emissions reporting have traditionally focused on carbon footprints, which estimate the detrimental impact on the climate that is inherent to a product, service, or organization over its lifetime. We argue that today’s businesses should expand their focus to carbon handprints, which estimate the potential decrease (or increase) in emissions that a product, service, or organization may enable in another process, business, or industry. We discuss carbon handprints as they pertain to information and communication technologies (ICT), focusing on network technologies as an example. Our analysis of approximately 6 million homes in Texas for the year 2028 demonstrates that the handprint of network-enabled smart thermostats could range from 0.52 to 1.35 million metric tons (6.5–17%) of emissions avoided in 2028, the equivalent of the emissions from electricity to power 100,000–260,000 homes in 2022. The ICT industry can be a key player in delivering smart solutions that help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Carbon handprinting will help motivate business decisions that prioritize products and services that avoid emissions, showcasing businesses’ ability to innovate and drive solutions for the benefit of all.
The commonwealth spends almost $11 billion a year buying energy from out of state. Mass Save lowers bills and keeps money at home.
This paper highlights a central lesson for policymakers: Industrial innovation requires alignment across government programs (grants, procurement), financing mechanisms (tax credits, loans), and institutional capacity. When these three are backed by sustained commitment from the public sector, private industry, and external stakeholders, the transition from demonstration to deployment becomes viable.
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.
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