Energy and Efficiency Institute Content

Would You Let Your Utility Control When You Charge Your EV?

Katherine E Kerlin — April 20, 2026 - 9:15am

Electric vehicles are one important way for America to use less fossil fuels — driving down emissions that cause climate change and reducing exposure to oil price shocks that threaten economic growth. But as more households buy electric cars, they must also charge those cars, which typically happens at night. So many EVs charging at once can put a strain on local electric grids. Some utilities are trying to lessen this burden by scheduling EV charging themselves, spreading charging out so that fewer vehicles need power all at once.

A Clean Energy Boost for Multitasking Lands

Katherine E Kerlin — December 02, 2024 - 9:00am

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Wild Energy Center report defines multi-use solar energy projects and the challenges and opportunities they present for California landscapes.

Mapping the Future’s Sweet Spot for Clean Energy and Biodiversity

Katherine E Kerlin — March 08, 2024 - 2:00am

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study of Joshua trees, kit foxes and solar energy developments highlights the need to consider climate-induced range shifts for species as we expand clean energy.

Smart Home Lab Aims for a Cooler, Low-Energy Future

Katherine E Kerlin — September 14, 2023 - 2:17pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis and partners demonstrate a smart home lab to help save energy now and in the near future.

Balancing a Battery-Powered Future With Energy Justice

Katherine E Kerlin — February 03, 2023 - 3:12pm

A Q&A with 51�ԹϺ�� Davis grad student Meg Slattery about lithium extraction, the Salton Sea and inclusive science.

Student-Built Air Purifiers Tackle Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19

Katherine E Kerlin — September 20, 2021 - 4:42pm

Schools are facing many challenges this fall, including minimizing risks to students and staff from COVID-19 and wildfire smoke exposure. Air purifiers are one tool that can help.

Saving Water Saves Energy and Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Katherine E Kerlin — February 04, 2021 - 11:30am

Conserving water goes beyond just saving water; it plays a vital role in conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). This is one of the main conclusions of a study conducted by 51�ԹϺ�� Davis in collaboration with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).

Unfold Podcast, Episode 7: Decarbonizing Energy

Katherine E Kerlin — November 03, 2020 - 2:30am

A quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions comes from heating and electricity. In the latest episode of Unfold, we talk with Alissa Kendall, professor in the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering about our energy use. We’ll discuss renewable energy and other decarbonizing technologies and the importance of life-cycle analysis when discussing climate change solutions.

In this episode:

The Distance Local Energy Goes to Bring Power to the People

Katherine E Kerlin — October 12, 2020 - 6:06am

When you go to the grocery store, you can look at an apple and know if it was grown in Chile, Washington or somewhere closer to you by a quick glance at its sticker. But consumers have largely been in the dark when it comes to energy, and how far it has traveled to reach them.

A study published today in the journal Frontiers in Sustainability by the University of California, Davis, sheds light on the lengths alternative energy providers go to bring electrical power to customers.

Focus on Solutions for Global Climate Action

Katherine E Kerlin — September 10, 2018 - 11:51am

As California gears up for the Global Climate Action Summit held in San Francisco this week, the University of California, Davis, participates in several solutions-based efforts to help sound science inform global climate actions.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis at the summit

51�ԹϺ�� Davis has organized five official affiliate events of the summit, one on campus in Davis and four in San Francisco.