Energy Efficiency Content

Mechanical Power by Linking Earth’s Warmth to Space

Andy Fell — November 12, 2025 - 11:31am

Engineers at the University of California, Davis, have invented a device that can generate mechanical power at night by linking the natural warmth around us to the cold depths of space. The invention could be used, for example, to ventilate greenhouses or other buildings. The work is described Nov. 12 in Science Advances.

Sunglasses for Plants, and Sustainable Agriculture

Andy Fell — September 08, 2025 - 1:42pm

A multilayer film that reflects heat while letting through light needed for photosynthesis could make greenhouse agriculture more energy- and water-efficient. Such a film has been developed by engineers at the University of California, Davis, and is described in a recent paper in Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research.

Using Waste Heat to Decarbonize Food Processing

Malia N Reiss — June 12, 2024 - 1:46pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis scientists are working to extract wasted heat from appliances and industrial emissions to help decarbonize food processing systems.

Heat Pumps for Hot Summers

Katherine E Kerlin — September 07, 2023 - 2:08pm

Theresa Pistochini of 51�ԹϺ�� Davis describes how home heat pumps work; and how switching to a heat pump reduces your home’s environmental impact.

How to Fund Roads and Ensure Electric Vehicles Pay Their Share

Katherine E Kerlin — January 03, 2019 - 12:00pm

Since electric vehicles use no gasoline, their drivers pay no gasoline tax. And as more people drive EVs, gas-tax revenue for road repairs is dwindling. So how can California and the rest of the country avoid road-funding shortfalls and ensure that EV drivers pay their share of needed repairs?

A research report submitted to the California Legislature this week by the University of California, Davis’ Institute of Transportation Studies proposes an innovative solution: Switch EVs to a mileage fee while continuing to have gasoline-powered cars pay gasoline taxes.

51�ԹϺ�� Davis West Village Tracks Its Progress Toward Zero Net Energy

IET WebDev — September 30, 2015 - 9:12am

51�ԹϺ�� Davis West Village, the nation’s largest planned zero net energy community, continues to work toward its goal of producing 100 percent of the energy it uses.

A report released today by 51�ԹϺ�� Davis and the West Village Community Partnership LLC said the community is 82 percent of its way toward reaching zero net energy, or ZNE. The analysis covers the time period between September 2013 and August 2014.

Honda Smart Home at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis West Village Offers Vision For Zero Carbon Living

IET WebDev — March 25, 2014 - 12:00am

Honda and the University of California, Davis, today marked the opening of Honda Smart Home US, showcasing technologies that enable zero net energy living and transportation. The home in 51�ԹϺ�� Davis West Village is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting.