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Green Buildings
Green buildings are designed to maximize natural lighting and outdoor views while using renewable energy sources. Furthermore, these buildings prioritize environmental impact reduction through eco-friendly materials and mindful construction site selection. These structures also incorporate innovative ventilation systems and rainwater harvesting strategies, while prioritizing indoor air quality and comfort to promote health, productivity, and satisfaction…
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The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-use developments designed well allow residents to shop, dine and work within walking distance of their homes. Furthermore, these multifunctional spaces create an additional revenue source for developers while mitigating risk on complex projects. Community interviews and visioning processes should help mixed-use developments adhere to local land use regulations by identifying destinations that promote activity…
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Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Sustainable urban infrastructure can have a profound effect on reducing a city’s environmental footprint, such as major ring roads (also referred to as orbitals, beltways or perifico roads) that alleviate congestion and air pollution by encouraging non-motorized transportation modes such as bicycles. Examples include adopting energy-efficient building standards, installing electric vehicle charging stations, and supporting…
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The Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development
TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) is an urban planning strategy which centers housing and work near transit stations to minimize car use while simultaneously providing opportunities for healthier lifestyles and economic advancement. TOD neighborhoods are typically constructed within one-quarter mile (10 minutes walking) from public transportation stops, and provide high-quality pedestrian infrastructure. Accessibility An effective network of…
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How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Increased energy efficiency is the most cost-effective and rapid route to carbon neutrality and beyond. Energy efficiency benefits consumers in several ways. Utility bills are reduced, household disposable income increases and operating costs for businesses and governments are decreased – all while improving health by reducing pollution levels and making homes and workplaces more comfortable.…
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What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development refers to any approach that allows future generations to meet their own needs, without endangering economic, social or environmental sustainability. This encompasses economic, social and environmental aspects. Environmental sustainability involves ensuring that resource extraction does not surpass resource recoupment rates and that waste generation falls within the capacity of the environment. Population control…
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Smart Cities and the Collective Intelligence of Cities
Cities and citizens want to maximize services and enhance their quality of life, but collective intelligence in cities is an untapped source. Smart technology puts intelligence to work, helping cities to be more efficient behind-the-scenes while responding more rapidly to changing demands and improving quality of life for residents. 1. Smart grids Smart grids form…
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The Benefits of Smart Grids
Smart Grid technology provides a modern electricity supply system utilizing information and communication technologies that can significantly increase efficiency of both electricity production and distribution. Consumers can utilize this data to reduce energy usage during periods of peak demand and to lower blackout risk by instantly detecting and isolating areas affected by infrastructure failure or…
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Energy Storage – A Key Technology For Renewable Energy Expansion
Energy storage is an indispensable technology for expanding renewable energy sources, offering grid operators increased flexibility and providing numerous advantages to both businesses and communities alike. Electricity storage systems include pumped hydroelectric storage (like that found at Llyn Stwlan dam), batteries, flywheels and compressed air energy storage as well as other forms such as molten…
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What is Urban Mobility?
Urban mobility refers to how people move within a city. This can include both trips for work and recreational pursuits such as shopping or visiting cultural landmarks. Citizen lifestyle changes, technological disruption and environmental conservation efforts have created opportunities for more eco-friendly forms of mobility such as carpooling/carsharing arrangements as well as smart traffic management…
