remote
Newsletter
EV infrastructure challenges for rural and Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities face significant challenges in adopting electric vehicles due to inadequate infrastructure, but advocates see potential solutions to bridge the gap.
In short:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity, but rural and remote areas lack charging infrastructure.
- Indigenous communities are particularly impacted by infrastructure deficits, including poor roads and unreliable electricity.
- Advocates like Kent Heinrich and Jessica Tait push for improved EV infrastructure to support these areas.
Key quote:
“If the charging infrastructure is not there, if it’s not reliable, that will impact businesses, job opportunities, people connecting with family, food; it will impact just about anything you use your vehicle for.”
— Jessica Tait, sustainable transportation manager, Indigenous Clean Energy
Why this matters:
Bridging the EV infrastructure gap in rural and remote communities can help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development. Enhanced infrastructure also addresses broader issues of access and equity for Indigenous populations.
Related EHN coverage:
Keep reading...Show less
Are half-empty offices wasting energy?
Are half-empty offices wasting energy powering all of their mechanical systems? Data shows that the answer is no.
In a nutshell:
As office buildings slowly emerge from the pandemic, occupancy rates are gradually rising as companies require workers to return, even if only part-time. Surprisingly, data from real estate data management company Measurabl reveals that despite this increase in usage, office energy consumption is on a downward trend. Comparing data from multiple cities over different years, energy intensity per square foot is decreasing over time, indicating better energy management. This shift is attributed to proactive energy management strategies driven by environmental concerns, ESG standards, and energy regulations, though a significant portion of commercial real estate is yet to adopt such practices, potentially skewing overall energy usage statistics.
Key quote:
"The single largest controllable expense in most office buildings, and in most buildings period, is energy expenditure," says Measurabl CEO Matt Ellis.
The big picture:
Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants has been linked to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Efficient energy practices within office spaces lead to a healthier indoor environment, as optimized ventilation and lighting systems reduce pollutants and enhance overall well-being. These combined effects underscore the significant role that energy conservation in workplaces plays in promoting public health.
Keep reading...Show less
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
