• What Are Zoning Regulations?

    What Are Zoning Regulations?

    Zoning regulations are laws which outline which structures may be built on any given property and minimize any possible impacts to surrounding properties. As part of their responsibilities, local governments regulate building size, distance between structures and height restrictions; as well as what activities can take place on any specific parcel of land. Residential Residential…

  • What Is Land Use Planning?

    What Is Land Use Planning?

    Land use planning involves the practice of determining how a piece of land will be utilized. This ensures it will be utilized effectively and efficiently. Land use planning should always take economic development into account, including providing infrastructure that allows businesses to thrive. Zoning Zoning is the process by which local authorities determine what can…

  • The Importance of Digital Governance

    The Importance of Digital Governance

    Digital tools and platforms empower individuals by offering access to global information and global connections, yet governance designers must strike a balance between autonomy and accountability when designing for these tools in a digital context. The Biden administration has signaled its desire to restore multilateralism in global policymaking, and Congress should support this effort by…

  • What is Community Engagement?

    What is Community Engagement?

    Community engagement is the practice of mutual decision-making that puts community members first. It fosters trust between people and bolsters long-term resilience. Access and inclusion are at the core of our work. It ensures that local people have access to valued social settings and activities and feel empowered to shape those experiences for themselves. What…

  • Is an Electric Vehicle Cheaper Than a Gasoline Car?

    Is an Electric Vehicle Cheaper Than a Gasoline Car?

    An electric vehicle uses advanced batteries and motors to produce zero exhaust emissions – this is hugely important given that fossil fuels produce harmful pollutants which contribute to climate change and cause respiratory issues. Electric vehicles are quieter, reducing noise pollution. Furthermore, their reduced maintenance requirements help save on costs. Save Money As electric vehicle…

  • Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology which captures emissions of CO2, then stores them underground in geological formations such as deep saline reservoirs or coal beds. CCS may also include CO2 “utilisation”, where captured CO2 can be utilized to produce products such as fuels, building materials or improved oil recovery. What is CCS?…

  • Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate change mitigation requires all countries to work toward decreasing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere while improving carbon sinks that remove them. Individuals and businesses alike need to adopt sustainable behaviors while governments set targets, implement regulations and offer incentives. Paths that aim to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C require…

  • What Is Energy Policy?

    What Is Energy Policy?

    Energy policy refers to the set of decisions taken by governments to promote sustainable energy use. It may involve strategies like encouraging renewable energy production and energy efficiency measures, regulating markets or setting carbon pricing prices. Policy can also reduce environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels and nuclear energy sources by protecting iconic landscapes; redirecting…

  • The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development

    The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development

    Mixed-use development offers the promise of attracting diverse tenants, which may help bring down vacancy rates and ensure stable income streams. However, such an endeavor requires extensive market analysis and site selection processes. Building and construction professionals should expect added complexity with mixed use projects, especially as these endeavors often include multiple uses in one…

  • Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

    Green buildings aim to reduce environmental impacts associated with building construction, operation and maintenance. This contemporary building movement seeks to lessen these effects by better addressing issues of land use, energy conservation and indoor air quality. Green features include solar heat pumps that convert sunlight to electricity, graywater treatment systems that recycle clean H20 back…