{"query_echo":{"q":"","filters":{"organization":["RMI"]},"warnings":[]},"total":{"value":1110,"relation":"eq"},"page":36,"page_size":20,"self":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?organization=rmi&page=36","next":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/api/v1/search?organization=rmi&page=37","stability":"beta","ai_marking":{"digital_source_type":{"uri":"http://cv.iptc.org/newscodes/digitalsourcetype/trainedAlgorithmicMedia","name":"Created using Generative AI"},"notice":"Summary and key insights are generated using artificial intelligence."},"results":[{"id":"rmi-000316","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000316","title":"Reliable and Affordable Electricity for Nigeria: Growing the Minigrid Market","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"executive summary","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-28","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/reliable-and-affordable-electricity-for-nigeria-growing-the-minigrid-market/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document argues that Nigeria is becoming a global hub for minigrid development and outlines four key recommendations to accelerate market growth: improving finance affordability, providing partial grants and operational subsidies, establishing a finance consortium to spread risk, and coordinating demand stimulation through development programs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000316#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"To accelerate the growth of the minigrid market in Nigeria, the document recommends that investors and donor partners support the affordability and viability of finance, provide partial grants and operational subsidies that allow developers to retain ownership, create a finance consortium to distribute investment risk, and coordinate demand stimulation via agricultural and other development programs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000316#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Nigeria is currently emerging as a global center for minigrid development due to the testing of innovative models and a demonstrated strong business case.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000316#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Mini-grids","climate finance","renewable energy","energy access"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy recommendation"]},{"id":"rmi-000352","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000352","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Finance","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-27","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/carbon-free-regions-handbook-finance/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines four primary categories of financial interventions for regional governments to accelerate the energy transition: increasing capital availability, implementing first-cost solutions, creating market incentives, and reducing procurement costs. It details specific mechanisms such as green investment banks, energy savings performance contracts, carbon pricing, and reverse auctions, providing examples of legislation and programs from various global jurisdictions to illustrate their application.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000352#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Regional governments can increase capital availability for low-carbon projects through public-private partnerships, specifically green investment banks (GIBs), which are designed to \"facilitate private investment in local low-carbon, climate-resilient projects by focusing on gaps in the market.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000352#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To overcome the high up-front costs of carbon-reduction, the guide suggests 'first-cost solutions' such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. These allow building owners to fund energy-efficiency upgrades and repay them via property tax assessments, meaning \"financing stays with the building rather than moving with the individual or company.\"","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000352#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Procurement costs for assets like electric vehicles and solar installations can be lowered through scale-based strategies, such as reverse auctions where \"sellers are competing to provide the lowest price\" and aggregate purchasing programs.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000352#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["climate finance","climate bond","carbon tax","emission trading","renewable energy","energy efficiency","electric vehicle","sustainable procurement"],"geography_discussed":["Bulgaria","Connecticut","Rhode Island","Armenia","Queensland","New York","Africa","Scotland","Massachusetts","New South Wales","United Kingdom","United States","People's Republic of China","Europe","Australia","British Columbia","Alberta","Madhya Pradesh","Santa Cruz","North Rhine-Westphalia","Gujarat"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000500","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000500","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Land Use","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-27","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/carbon-free-regions-handbook-land-use/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines four key actions for state, provincial, and regional governments to address land use's role in climate change: sustainable land management, open space conservation, agricultural methane capture, and regenerative agriculture. It emphasizes that land use is best managed at the subnational level to capture rural impacts and cross-jurisdictional effects, noting that while agriculture, forestry, and other land use account for 24% of global emissions, the sector can offset this by 20% through carbon removal.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000500#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Agriculture, forestry, and other land use contribute approximately 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the sector possesses the potential to offset this impact by 20% by removing carbon from the atmosphere.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000500#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Land use strategies are most effective when implemented at the state, provincial, and regional government levels because cities often overlook rural impacts and land use issues frequently span multiple subnational jurisdictions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000500#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The guide recommends four primary actions for land use decarbonization: promoting the conservation and expansion of high-carbon landscapes (such as peatlands and mangroves) and combating deforestation; preserving open spaces and forests through local ordinances and land acquisition; using financial incentives and biogas infrastructure to capture methane from livestock waste; and providing training and incentives for farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000500#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["agriculture","forestry","land use","carbon sequestration","deforestation","biodiversity","biogas","regenerative agriculture","Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation"],"geography_discussed":["Punjab","Oregon","Yucatan Peninsula","Mato Grosso","Pakistan","Colombia","Peru","Caquetá Department","Acre","New Jersey","San Martin Department","New York","California","Yucatán","Kerala"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000192","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000192","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Mobility","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-26","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/carbon-free-regions-handbook-mobility/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines six key actions for regional governments to decarbonize mobility: expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, electrifying commercial and government fleets, implementing clean vehicle manufacturing standards, improving freight delivery efficiency, investing in public transit, and promoting non-motorized travel alternatives.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Regional governments can reduce transportation's 14% contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions by focusing on city-level investments in mobility and integrating services across municipal boundaries.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption requires a multi-pronged approach including funding, updated building codes, public-private partnerships for infrastructure ownership, and public engagement on charger placement.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Fleet electrification can be accelerated through targeted public policies, tax credits, emissions reduction requirements, and a specific focus on electrifying police, carsharing, and taxi fleets.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Decarbonizing freight involves setting efficiency standards, creating efficient links between national and urban logistics networks, using zoning to address logistics sprawl, and applying carbon taxes or fiscal incentives for electric trucks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Sustainable mobility is supported by investing in public transit infrastructure—such as new bus routes and transit-oriented development—and promoting non-motorized travel through bicycle and pedestrian funding and safety laws.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000192#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["electric vehicle charging network","vehicle electrification","public transport","greenhouse gas emissions"],"geography_discussed":["Guangdong","Ontario","Gifu Prefecture","Seattle","Europe","Oregon","Catalonia","Spain","Quebec","Queensland","Scotland","British Columbia","California","Vermont","Chicago","New York City","Seoul","Denmark","Copenhagen","South Africa"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy framework","best practices guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000455","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000455","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Buildings","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-26","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/carbon-free-regions-handbook-buildings/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document identifies buildings as contributing almost one-third of global emissions and proposes three primary actions for regional governments: implementing net-zero building codes for new constructions, requiring energy efficiency upgrades for existing buildings, and establishing energy efficiency resource standards (EERS) for utilities.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000455#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Buildings are a critical sector for climate action because they account for nearly one-third of global emissions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000455#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regional governments should establish building codes that either immediately require or phase in net-zero carbon or energy performance for new buildings, prioritizing deep energy efficiency and on-site solar.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000455#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To address existing buildings, governments should mandate energy efficiency standards based on building-equipment efficiency or energy consumption metrics specific to the building's use type.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000455#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regional authorities should implement energy efficiency resource standards (EERS) that require utilities and energy supply chain administrators to create energy-savings programs for customers, ideally coordinated with a renewable portfolio standard (RPS).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000455#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy efficiency","renewable energy","Renewable portfolio standard","carbon neutrality"],"geography_discussed":["California","Lombardy Region","Italy","Rhode Island","Washington","European Union","Queensland","Minnesota","Flemish Region","New South Wales"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000222","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000222","title":"The Carbon-Free Region Handbook: Waste","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-23","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/the-carbon-free-region-handbook-waste/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines three primary actions for regional governments to mitigate the climate impact of waste: diverting organic waste from landfills, banning the open burning of municipal and agricultural waste, and implementing gas collection and energy recovery systems at landfills.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000222#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Regional governments are encouraged to implement organic waste diversion through separate collection, education, financial incentives for food redistribution, and disincentives for food waste generation to reduce greenhouse gases.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000222#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The guide recommends banning the open burning of both municipal and agricultural waste, suggesting that such bans be supported by education, upgraded waste treatment, and financing for sustainable farming.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000222#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To capture waste energy, the document advises requiring gas collection and control systems at active, inactive, and closed municipal solid waste landfills, while promoting the recovery of gas to produce electricity or steam.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000222#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["waste management","open burning of waste","greenhouse gas emissions","waste-to-energy"],"geography_discussed":["Wales","Vermont","South Australia","Massachusetts","Colima","Hong Kong","Malaysia","Navajo Nation","Ontario","California"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000155","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000155","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Industry","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-22","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/the-carbon-free-regions-handbook-industry/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines five specific actions to decarbonize regional industry: methane containment, transitioning to clean industrial processes, implementing shared industrial flows (such as eco-industrial parks), decarbonizing ports and airports, and transitioning to clean industrial vehicles. It provides a framework for regional authorities to eliminate waste, electrify processes, and implement regulatory penalties for emissions, supported by references to policies from jurisdictions such as California, Brazil, and Hong Kong.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The industrial sector is a significant driver of climate change, accounting for 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with an impact that is increasing faster than in other sectors.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To address methane leaks from natural gas, crude oil production, and waste management, the guide recommends measuring leaks and applying financial and regulatory penalties.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Decarbonizing industrial processes involves converting to fuels that minimize emissions and prioritizing the electrification of processes using renewable electricity sources.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regional industrial efficiency can be improved through 'Shared Industrial Flows,' which include the use of microgrids, district-level heating and cooling, and the development of eco-industrial parks (EIPs) or circular economy districts to reduce waste.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Decarbonization of transport hubs and industrial machinery requires providing low-carbon fuels for vessels and aircraft, electrifying loads at ports and airports, and requiring cleaner fuels for field vehicles, particularly in transport-heavy industries like open-pit mining.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000155#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Industrial decarbonization","renewable electricity","circular economy","district heating","microgrid","greenhouse gas emissions"],"geography_discussed":["California","Brazil","People's Republic of China","Italy","Catalonia","Hong Kong","London","Seattle","San Diego"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000621","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000621","title":"The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Electricity","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-22","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/the-carbon-free-regions-handbook-electricity/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document outlines five specific actions for achieving carbon-free electricity: implementing Renewable Portfolio Standards, phasing out coal plants, modernizing rate designs, integrating distributed energy resources into grid planning, and expanding community solar access.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Regional authorities are encouraged to implement Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that mandate electric utilities to obtain a minimum percentage of electricity from renewable sources, with a preference for \"reach\" targets or a total of 100% renewable energy.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The guide recommends phasing out coal-fired electricity generation using a variety of mechanisms, including emissions caps, carbon taxes, accelerated retirement of existing plants, and moratoria or financing prohibitions on new coal-fired power plant construction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To better reflect modern grid realities, the document suggests transitioning from legacy \"block\" rates to technology-agnostic designs, such as real-time dynamic pricing and granular time-of-use pricing, to properly value flexible demand, energy efficiency, and distributed energy resources.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The guide advocates for responsive grid planning that integrates distributed energy resources (DERs)—such as behind-the-meter storage, customer-sited renewables, and flexible demand—as central components, moving away from legacy processes that rely solely on centralized bulk generation.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To increase the accessibility of solar photovoltaics (PV) for those unable to install rooftop systems, the document recommends community-scale solar PV projects utilizing virtual metering, subscriptions, or fractional ownership.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000621#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Renewable portfolio standard","Coal phase-out","distributed generation","Community solar farm","photovoltaics","energy efficiency","carbon price"],"geography_discussed":["Hawaii","Australian Capital Territory","Negros Oriental","Alberta","Ontario","Oregon","Illinois","European Union","New York","Rhode Island","Telangana","Minnesota","United States","Canada"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy guide"]},{"id":"rmi-000265","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000265","title":"Mining for Emissions Reductions: Strike while the Earth Is Cool","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-20","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/mining-for-emissions-reductions-strike-while-the-earth-is-cool/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The briefing highlights the dual role of the mining industry in the energy transition, noting its necessity in providing raw materials for low-carbon technologies while remaining a significant source of global emissions. It advocates for the adoption of science-based targets, the use of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, and the cocreation of a comprehensive decarbonization pathway to mitigate physical and financial climate risks.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Mining companies are essential for the energy transition as they provide raw materials for industries such as electric vehicles, batteries, and solar photovoltaics, specifically requiring metals like copper, silver, aluminum (bauxite), nickel, zinc, neodymium, and indium.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The mining industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions; a CDP report from 2015 found that mining companies, especially those in coal extraction, held 20 of the top 50 spots for companies responsible for half of worldwide industrial emissions (scope 1 and 3).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Mining firms face physical risks from climate change, such as stressed water resources and damaged supply chains due to extreme natural disasters, as well as financial risks including carbon pricing and shifting product demand.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Despite the availability of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to help businesses align with the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, no mining company has yet achieved an SBTi-approved target, likely due to difficulties with scope 3 emissions and target-setting methodologies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Several mining companies, including ICMM members Barrick Gold, BHP, Glencore, and Vale, have signed on to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations for voluntary climate-related financial risk disclosure.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000265#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["mining","decarbonization","electric vehicle","battery","photovoltaics","greenhouse gas emissions","Scope 3","Paris Agreement","renewable energy","climate risk","carbon price"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis","corporate strategy assessment"]},{"id":"rmi-000591","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000591","title":"Policies for Better Buildings","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2018-08-13","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/policies-for-better-buildings/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report highlights the necessity for cities to target existing buildings to meet zero-carbon goals, suggesting that packaging policy elements can drive job creation and tax revenue. It cites a case study with a tier 1 city where a cost-optimized point-of-sale policy is projected to save over $4 billion in lifetime energy costs and reduce building sector CO2e emissions by 67 percent, supporting a broader 2050 goal of an 80 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000591#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Packaging various policy elements can lead to significant carbon emission reductions, job growth, increased tax revenue, and the creation of new markets for energy efficiency and renewable energy.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000591#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A cost-optimized point-of-sale policy implemented in a tier 1 city is estimated to generate more than $4 billion in lifetime energy cost savings and, alongside other policies, cut building sector CO2e emissions by 67 percent to help meet a 2050 target of 80 percent total greenhouse gas reduction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000591#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy efficiency","carbon dioxide emissions","greenhouse gas emissions"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis","case study"]},{"id":"rmi-000380","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000380","title":"How Mining Can Help Bring Clean Energy Access to the Developing World","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2018-06-26","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/how-mining-can-help-bring-clean-energy-access-to-the-developing-world/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"Mining operations, particularly in developing countries, suffer from extreme energy inefficiencies, with diesel power often converting only 12 percent of energy into measurable work. Transitioning to renewable energy like solar and wind can reduce costs—which can account for up to 30 percent of total expenditures—and help companies secure a \"social license to operate\" by providing energy access to remote communities. Examples include Rio Tinto's solar plant in Australia and Windiga Energy's project in Burkina Faso. RMI and the Development Partner Institute are facilitating the creation of innovative business models to coordinate the complex interests of mining companies, communities, and multilaterals.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Mining operations are characterized by significant energy inefficiencies, specifically regarding diesel power, where only 12 percent of energy is converted to measurable work after accounting for mechanical losses and friction.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Energy costs can represent up to 30 percent of total expenditures for mining companies, making energy efficiency a critical factor for financial and climate resilience.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"There is a significant gap and growing demand for energy in sub-Saharan Africa; as of 2014, 625 million people lacked energy access, while mining's power demand in the region was projected to triple between 2000 and 2020 to over 23,000 megawatts (MW).","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Case studies demonstrate the viability of renewable energy integration: Rio Tinto's 1.7 MW solar plant in Cape York, Australia, supports up to 20 percent of a township's daytime electricity demand and saves 600,000 liters of diesel annually; Windiga Energy's 20 MW solar plant near its Mana mine in Burkina Faso provides power to the local grid and the mine.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Scaling these projects requires business model innovation and third-party facilitation to manage the complex interests of mining companies, communities, multilaterals, and development organizations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000380#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["renewable energy","solar energy","wind power","energy efficiency","energy access","greenhouse gas emissions","Sustainable Development Goals","mining"],"geography_discussed":["sub-Saharan Africa","Australia","Burkina Faso"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy briefing"]},{"id":"rmi-000062","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000062","title":"RMI and Uber Team Up to Expand Shared and Electric Mobility","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"case study","language":"en","date_published":"2018-06-19","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/rmi-and-uber-team-up-to-expand-shared-and-electric-mobility/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"RMI and Uber collaborated on an EV Pilot in Austin, Texas, to transition high-mileage rideshare drivers to electric vehicles. Through driver focus groups and education sessions, the project identified key barriers to adoption—including insufficient DC fast charging, range anxiety, and lack of awareness regarding cost savings—and developed strategies to address them, such as in-app notifications for riders and strategic charging infrastructure deployment by Austin Energy.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000062#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"High-mileage rideshare drivers are ideal candidates for EV transition because the cost difference between gasoline and electricity is significant; in Austin, gasoline drivers estimated spending $800–$1,000 per month on fuel, while EV drivers spent $30–$50 per month on charging.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000062#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Drivers identified several barriers to EV adoption, specifically the lack of DC fast chargers (DCFCs), unreliable charging apps, and 'range anxiety' caused by the uncertainty of trip lengths, which sometimes led drivers to cancel rides.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000062#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To support the transition, Uber is implementing in-app changes, including notifying riders when they are matched with an EV and adjusting the threshold for notifying EV drivers when they accept long trips.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000062#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Austin Energy is utilizing focus group data to strategically deploy DCFC stations, supported by $1.6 million from the State of Texas Alternative Fueling Facilities Program.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000062#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["electric vehicle","shared transport","electric vehicle charging network","carbon dioxide emissions","air quality","autonomous vehicle","mobility as a service"],"geography_discussed":["United States","Canada"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study"]},{"id":"rmi-000441","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000441","title":"Energy and Affordability in Housing Finance","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2018-06-13","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/energy-and-affordability-in-housing-finance/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The document discusses the role of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in addressing the high energy costs faced by 35 million low- to moderate-income (LMI) households in the US. Under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, these GSEs have a 'Duty to Serve' underserved markets. With advocacy from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the GSEs have incorporated energy and water conservation into their 2018-2020 action plans. Key initiatives include Freddie Mac's study on the impact of energy efficiency on loan performance and home valuations, and Fannie Mae's updates to its HomeStyle® Energy product to allow for energy improvements and disaster resilience upgrades.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000441#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Low-income households in the United States face a severe energy burden, spending an average of three times more on heating and cooling than the average household, with costs reaching 20 percent to 50 percent of monthly earnings in some regions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000441#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which control over 70 percent of the $6.4 trillion residential mortgage-backed securities market, are using their 'Duty to Serve' mandates to improve financing for energy efficiency in affordable single-family housing.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000441#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Freddie Mac is conducting a comprehensive study to analyze how energy efficiency affects home valuations and the performance of loans.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000441#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Fannie Mae has updated its HomeStyle® Energy loan product to increase flexibility for energy improvements and to cover repairs that enhance a home's resilience against environmental disasters like earthquakes, storms, and floods.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000441#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["energy efficiency","climate risk","residential building","climate resilience","affordable housing"],"geography_discussed":[],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis","briefing"]},{"id":"rmi-001092","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-001092","title":"THE ECONOMICS OF ELECTRIFYING BUILDINGS","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2018-06","source_url":"https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2018/06/RMI_Economics_of_Electrifying_Buildings_2018.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report finds that building electrification is generally cost-effective for new construction and for customers switching from propane or heating oil, but often more expensive for existing natural gas customers at current prices. It argues that electrification reduces carbon emissions in most US regions, except those heavily dependent on coal, though this is expected to change as coal plants retire. The authors emphasize that demand flexibility—shifting energy use to low-cost or high-renewable periods—can further improve economics and grid integration. Key recommendations include prioritizing the electrification of oil and propane homes, stopping the expansion of natural gas infrastructure, and updating energy efficiency standards to account for total energy reduction across fuels.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Electrification is generally cost-effective for customers switching from propane or heating oil, for most new home construction, and for gas customers replacing both a furnace and air conditioner simultaneously.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"For most existing homes currently using natural gas, switching to electric space and water heating is more expensive than replacing existing gas devices with new gas ones at current prices.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Electrification reduces carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels in most US regions, except in coal-heavy areas like Chicago where it may increase emissions in the short term.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Demand flexibility, such as preheating water or space, can reduce lifetime costs for customers, particularly under time-of-use rates with significant price differentials.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Bundling rooftop solar with electrification can make the transition more cost-effective than either natural gas retrofits or electrification alone.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Electrifying homes that do not currently have gas service is typically more cost-effective than extending the natural gas distribution system.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Accounting for methane leakage increases the emissions impact of natural gas systems, making heat pumps more competitive in carbon terms even in coal-heavy regions like Chicago.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Water heaters are more effective for load shifting than space heating because they can be superheated to high temperatures without impacting user comfort.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001092#insight-8","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Building electrification","heat pump","decarbonization","Demand flexibility","methane leak","rooftop photovoltaic system","carbon price","wide area synchronous grid"],"geography_discussed":["World","Oakland","Houston","Providence","Chicago","California","Texas","Rhode Island","Illinois"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["economic analysis","carbon emissions modeling","policy recommendation"]},{"id":"rmi-001105","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-001105","title":"SOLAR UNDER STORM","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2018-06","source_url":"https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2026/05/Solar_Under_Storm_Part_One.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report analyzes the failure and survival of solar PV systems during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean to establish design and specification standards for high-wind environments. It identifies root causes of failure—such as undersized racking, inadequate bolting, and the use of T-clamps—and recommends high-load modules, through-bolting, and dual-post foundations. The authors advise against using trackers in Category 4 or higher wind zones and emphasize the need for site-specific structural engineering and collaboration between stakeholders and suppliers to develop Category 5-resistant hardware.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Analysis of the 2017 hurricane season revealed that while some solar PV systems in the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and St. Eustatius survived winds over 180 miles per hour, others in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Barbuda suffered complete failure.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Common root causes for the failure of solar PV systems during Hurricanes Irma and Maria included the use of top-down or T-clamps, undersized or poorly designed racking (particularly regarding lateral support), undersized or under-torqued bolts, and the use of self-tapping screws instead of through-bolting.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Surviving ground-mount systems typically shared specific attributes, including the use of dual post piers, through-bolting of modules (avoiding T-clamps), lateral racking supports, vibration-resistant connections like Nylocs, and the presence of an owner's engineer of record with a QA/QC program.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The report recommends specific technical specifications for resilient plants, including the use of high-load PV modules (up to 5,400 Pa uplift), structural engineering according to ASCE 7, and the avoidance of trackers in Category 4 or higher wind zones.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To prevent foundation failure and overturning moments, the authors recommend specifying dual post fixed tilt ground mounts and low tilt angles to reduce peak module pressures.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The report identifies critical weaknesses in electrical balance of systems, noting that lateral loads from hardware like combiner boxes attached to end posts can lead to failure, and recommends NEMA 4X to 6P (or IP56 to IP67) enclosures to prevent rain intrusion during sideways hurricane winds.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The authors call for industry-wide collaboration to develop and test hardware capable of withstanding Category 5 hurricane winds, including static and dynamic load tests for modules and full-scale connection tests for racking.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001105#insight-7","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["photovoltaics","climate change adaptation"],"geography_discussed":["Puerto Rico","United States Virgin Islands","Barbuda","British Virgin Islands","Turks and Caicos Islands","Sint Eustatius"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["failure analysis","failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)","root cause analysis"]},{"id":"rmi-000276","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000276","title":"China’s Move Away from Voluntary Green Certificates: Implications for Corporate Renewable Procurement","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2018-05-07","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/chinas-move-away-from-voluntary-green-certificates-implications-for-corporate-renewable-procurement/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The briefing analyzes a draft policy from China's National Energy Administration (NEA) that introduces a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and a corresponding REC system. While the policy aims to reduce curtailment and create a market-based mechanism for renewable energy procurement, the document identifies significant uncertainties regarding whether RECs will be bundled with electricity, the extent of interprovincial trading for corporate users, and the pricing of replacement certificates used for compliance shortfalls.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000276#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The draft policy introduces a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) across all provinces and a new REC system to track renewable energy generation used to meet these targets. The RPS is designed to reduce the curtailment of existing renewable energy facilities by basing formulas on existing and planned capacity, including interprovincial transmission.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000276#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Regulated entities under the RPS include provincial grid companies, distribution and retail electricity companies, industrial users with captive power plants, and corporate/industrial users engaged in bilateral electricity trading. Non-compliance can lead to penalties such as reduced electricity procurement limits or loss of market qualification, though buyers can use replacement certificates issued by provincial grid companies to cover shortfalls.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000276#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The proposed REC system differs from the existing Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) system because RECs do not interfere with a project owner's ability to receive government subsidy payments. In contrast, selling GECs replaces the government subsidy payment.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000276#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Three primary uncertainties remain in the draft policy: whether RECs are bundled or unbundled from electricity, whether the interprovincial market will be open to corporate and industrial (C&I) users or limited to grid companies, and the specific pricing mechanisms for replacement certificates set by provincial grid companies.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000276#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["Renewable portfolio standard"],"geography_discussed":["Beijing","Guangzhou"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["policy analysis"]},{"id":"rmi-000730","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000730","title":"BETTER RENTALS, BETTER CITY","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"report","language":"en","date_published":"2018-05","source_url":"https://rmi.org/app/uploads/2018/05/Better-Rentals-Better-City_Final3.pdf","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The report argues that targeting rental properties for energy efficiency is a high-impact strategy for cities to meet climate goals, as rentals often suffer from a 'split incentive' where owners do not pay utility bills. Using Boulder's 'SmartRegs' program as a model, the document outlines a seven-step roadmap for other cities: determining fit, analyzing impact, consulting stakeholders, developing financing, implementing measurement tools, establishing compliance, and creating disclosure frameworks. RMI's analysis of five US cities suggests that MESR policies could significantly reduce carbon emissions at a relatively low cost to municipal governments.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Existing residential properties are typically 30 percent less efficient than new constructions and contribute significantly to citywide emissions, with nearly 70 percent of the stock built before energy codes existed.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Rental properties are particularly prone to inefficiency due to the 'split incentive' barrier, where property owners lack financial motivation to invest in upgrades because they do not pay the energy bills.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The City of Boulder's 'SmartRegs' policy, adopted in 2010, requires long-term licensed rentals to meet minimum efficiency standards. By the end of 2018, it was expected to save 4.2 million kWh and 940,000 therms annually, avoiding 8,300 metric tons of carbon emissions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Boulder's program offered two compliance paths: a prescriptive path using a custom checklist (used 98 percent of the time) and a performance path using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 120 or below.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A high-level analysis of five US cities (Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Oakland, Washington, D.C., and Boston) indicates that an MESR policy would cost cities an average of $13 per rental unit or $3 per capita over three years.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Energy insecurity disproportionately affects renters, with 43 percent reporting energy insecurity compared to 24 percent of homeowners, making efficiency upgrades a tool for protecting vulnerable households.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000730#insight-6","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["building performance","greenhouse gas emissions","Climate Action Plan","green job","energy poverty"],"geography_discussed":["Ann Arbor","Minneapolis","Philadelphia","Oakland","Washington, D.C.","Boston","San Francisco","Berkeley","Burlington","Austin","Portland","Chicago","Kansas City","Atlanta","Orlando"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study","policy roadmap","impact analysis"]},{"id":"rmi-000085","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000085","title":"Driving Industrial Revitalization with Net-Zero Energy","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"briefing","language":"en","date_published":"2018-04-16","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/driving-industrial-revitalization-with-net-zero-energy/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The briefing outlines the advantages of transforming former industrial sites into net-zero energy (NZE) districts, highlighting benefits such as lower energy costs, access to specialized financing like PACE, and the ability to implement district-scale efficiencies. It provides examples of such projects in St. Paul, Denver, and Pittsburgh, emphasizing that NZE development can be achieved without first-cost premiums through innovative business models.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Redeveloping old industrial sites for net-zero energy (NZE) provides strategic advantages including proximity to city centers and residential areas, lower land costs, and potential waterfront access. These projects can attract diverse tenants such as research facilities, technology companies, and new industry while offering residents improved air quality and reduced energy bills.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Developing NZE projects at a \"district scale\" allows for greater efficiency and cost reduction through bulk procurement, common use areas, and district heating and cooling systems. Planners can further reduce costs by optimizing urban forms for natural ventilation, daylight, and rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"NZE redevelopment enables access to funding sources that are typically unavailable for standard construction, specifically property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing and various grants for advanced energy projects.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Several US cities are implementing NZE industrial revitalization: St. Paul, MN, is developing the 135-acre former Ford Motor Company plant with a goal of 20 percent affordable housing; Denver, CO, is redeveloping the 250-acre National Western Center; and Pittsburgh, PA, is transforming the 180-acre Hazelwood Green steel mill site into a net positive energy model.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The Hazelwood Green project in Pittsburgh demonstrates that district-scale NZE development can be achieved with no first-cost premium for owners, tenants, or developers by utilizing a business model developed by RMI.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000085#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["sustainable energy","district heating","urban planning","energy efficiency","affordable housing"],"geography_discussed":["Saint Paul","Denver","Pittsburgh","Buffalo","Chicago"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study","policy briefing"]},{"id":"rmi-000171","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-000171","title":"An Existing Building Portfolio on a Path to Net-Zero Energy","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"case study","language":"en","date_published":"2018-04-16","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/an-existing-building-portfolio-on-a-path-to-net-zero-energy/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The John Madden Company (JMC) implemented a $7.1 million energy efficiency project for two buildings in Greenwood Village, Colorado, achieving 30 percent energy savings. By utilizing Commercial PACE (C-PACE) financing, JMC overcame the 'split incentive' problem common in leased buildings, as the loan is repaid as a property tax assessment rather than an operating expense. The project bundled high-efficiency rooftop units with shorter-payback measures like advanced submetering and controls to ensure the investment remained cost-neutral for tenants from day one. The C-PACE mechanism allowed for an 18-year simple payback period, reducing risk for the owner because the loan remains attached to the property regardless of ownership changes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000171#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"The John Madden Company (JMC) completed a C-PACE project costing $7.1 million that is projected to generate $385,000 in annual energy and maintenance savings, resulting in a 30 percent energy reduction across two buildings.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000171#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Commercial PACE (C-PACE) financing allows building owners to pursue projects with longer payback periods—such as the 18-year simple payback in this case—because the loan is a special assessment on the property tax bill and remains with the property if ownership changes.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000171#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"C-PACE financing resolves the 'split incentive' issue in leased buildings by allowing landlords to pass the full cost of efficient equipment upgrades to tenants as a tax assessment rather than an operating expense, avoiding rent increases.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000171#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"To maintain cost-neutrality for tenants, JMC bundled long-payback items, such as rooftop unit replacements, with shorter-payback efficiency measures including advanced submetering, new controls, evaporative condensers, and lighting improvements.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-000171#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["sustainable energy","energy efficiency","climate finance","Building retrofit","heating, ventilation, and air conditioning"],"geography_discussed":["United States"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["case study"]},{"id":"rmi-001115","url":"https://climateinsightsdirectory.org/document/rmi-001115","title":"How Corporations Can Maximize the Environmental Benefits of Their Renewable Energy Purchasing","publisher":{"name":"RMI","organization":"rmi"},"document_type":"guide","language":"en","date_published":"2018-04-12","source_url":"https://rmi.org/resources/how-corporations-can-maximize-the-environmental-benefits-of-their-renewable-energy-purchasing/","generator":"Climate Insights Directory","generated_fields":["summary","key_insights","climate_tags","geography_discussed","analysis_type"],"summary":{"text":"The guide explains that the carbon-reduction impact of renewable energy projects varies by location because different projects displace different types of power plants. It argues that relying on proximity to operations as a proxy for quality may limit environmental benefits, suggesting instead that buyers target the most carbon-intensive areas to maximize avoided emissions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#summary","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},"key_insights":[{"text":"Corporate renewable energy procurement reached a record in 2017, with 5.4 GW of contracts signed via power purchase agreements, including 3.1 GW in North America.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#insight-1","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"The environmental impact of new renewable energy is determined by 'avoided emissions,' which depends on which specific power plants the new capacity displaces. This impact varies significantly based on the project's location.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#insight-2","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Using proximity to company facilities as a proxy for project quality may result in lower real-world carbon reductions compared to targeting the most carbon-intensive areas.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#insight-3","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"Data from WattTime indicates that location significantly affects CO2 displacement; some North American solar projects displace up to three times as much CO2 as similar projects in other locations.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#insight-4","date_modified":"2026-10-23"},{"text":"A study of seven potential sites for a 3 MW off-site solar project involving Boston-area institutions found that one site performed 176 percent better than a baseline site regarding avoided emissions.","ai_generated":true,"unit":"rmi-001115#insight-5","date_modified":"2026-10-23"}],"climate_tags":["power purchase agreement","solar energy","wind power","carbon dioxide emissions"],"geography_discussed":["North America","Iowa","New Mexico","Boston"],"frame_perspective":[],"analysis_type":["guide"]}]}