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Smart Cities – Using Data and Connectivity to Optimise All Aspects of Urban Living
Smart cities rely on technologies that collect and analyze data in order to enhance almost every aspect of urban living, typically through sensor networks that facilitate seamless integration of smart city applications. New York, in the US, employs sensor networks to enhance traffic management, manage commuting times and promote more equitable access to technology by…
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The Benefits of Energy Storage
Energy storage helps balance renewables, making America’s power grid more efficient and reliable. It enables electricity to be consumed whenever needed rather than only during sunlight hours or winds gusts. ESSs can be designed for various durations, with fast-response (ramping) ESSs capable of supporting electric grid frequency second by second. Furthermore, these systems may improve…
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How Technology is Changing Urban Mobility
Urban mobility refers to the movement of people, goods and services within an urban area. This encompasses personal movements for work, shopping and leisure as well as commuter routes into and out of city centers as well as tourist and distribution movements to meet consumption or manufacturing requirements. Urban mobility demands significant adjustments in policy…
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The Importance of Understanding Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations determine how buildings and land can be utilized, having an effect on everything from new construction and renovation projects to business operations. Violation of zoning laws may result in fines or stop-work orders being issued. Local governing bodies create and enforce zoning laws, with regulations tailored specifically for their location to fit city…
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Land Use Planning in Clatsop County, North Carolina
Land use planning is an invaluable resource for governments looking to manage the development of their communities. Without it, communities would quickly disintegrate: transportation systems wouldn’t run efficiently, pollutant factories could pollute residences and the environment would suffer as a result. Land use planning’s central philosophy is to strike a balance between human needs and…
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What Is Digital Governance?
Digital governance refers to the systems, policies and practices implemented to ensure digital technologies, data and information are managed in an ethical, secure and transparent manner in the public interest. This involves safeguarding against data breaches while increasing transparency while encouraging digital skills development. As technology transforms public-purpose organizations, robust digital governance has become more…
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What is Community Engagement?
Community engagement provides opportunities for people to become actively involved in decisions that affect them, thus strengthening social cohesion. Community engagement promotes inclusion and equity by giving diverse voices an equal voice at decision-making tables. This article details best practices for conducting effective community engagement. It will guide you through identifying key stakeholders, using SNA…
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Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a suite of technologies which have been demonstrated to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial processes, with captured carbon dioxide stored permanently underground geologic formations. CO2 injection into basaltic rock formations creates stable carbonates by reacting with minerals found there, increasing production in mature oil fields…
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The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and significantly reduce greenhouse gasses — helping reduce smog pollution in your city now and for years to come. Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer the best of both worlds with their all-electric range suitable for daily commuting and gas engine as a backup on longer trips. Better for the environment…
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Energy Policy in the United States
Energy policy refers to laws and regulations pertaining to energy usage. This may include programs and policies intended to minimize climate impacts while helping communities adapt to the economic ramifications associated with its production. Energy policies affect every aspect of our society, from financial incentives (tax credits) to controlling pollutants in air, water and soil.…
