Natural gas utilities in Massachusetts are facing an existential crisis: they could be out of business by mid-century. That's because the state's 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act requires emissions from burning fossil fuels — like natural gas — be cut by 80% economy-wide by 2050.

An empty nester couple found everything they needed and more in this custom home built to the exacting standards of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program in Westminster, Md.

In recent years, green energy has only grown more appealing and desirable. Solar power and wind power remain the most high profile forms of green energy, but they are far from the only options – geothermal technology has increased by leaps and bounds in terms of viability, and GeoTility has been at the forefront for decades.

East Austin’s Whisper Valley, a zero-energy capable master-planned community by developer Taurus of Texas, was named Best New Community by The Homebuilder Association of Greater Austin.