Digital Energy Net

Sustainable urban infrastructure refers to equipment, buildings and systems that enable people to live a high quality of life while conserving natural resources. This encompasses energy utilities, water utilities, waste collection services, data networks and public transport networks. Green solutions include transforming cement and tarmac constructed areas into multifunctional rain gardens, while offering environmentally sustainable…

TOD (Transit-Oriented Development), is an increasingly popular trend in urban and suburban development that centers housing and businesses around high quality transit stations, increasing ridership while simultaneously creating vibrant, connected communities. TODs are guided by smart growth principles rooted in the belief that dense urban forms and high-quality public transit work together in harmony, making…

Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective and eco-friendly measures to reduce greenhouse emissions, helping people use less energy overall while shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources which are better for the planet. Global energy intensity improved by approximately 2% last year after stagnating during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, in order to reach…

Sustainable development (SD) is the promise between people and planet, which includes ending poverty and hunger globally while guaranteeing healthy lives with dignity for all, conserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and conserving natural resources for future generations. Brundtland Report (1987), from which is taken the most widely accepted definition, defines Sustainable Development (SD) as development that…

Smart cities utilize digital technology to make better decisions regarding traffic management, waste collection, housing and public services. Furthermore, these cities utilize cost-benefit analysis in prioritizing projects. Two-way communication with residents/citizens is key. As smart technologies enter their lives, they must be informed and comfortable with how they’ll be utilized. 1. Improved Quality of Life…

Smart grids utilize digital technology to monitor and optimize power distribution. They feature sensors, communication systems, and control systems that facilitate bi-directional exchange of energy and information. System isolation helps manage system failures locally, limiting them from spreading across vast regions. By keeping demand and supply in close proximity, electricity losses are further decreased. Real-time…

Energy storage systems capture power at one time for use at another, from capacitors that store energy briefly to flow batteries that store electricity over longer durations. Energy storage can reduce the need for polluting fossil fuel peaker plants that often serve low-income communities, as well as facilitate renewables integration into the grid. Resilience Energy…

Urban mobility refers to the ease with which citizens can reach destinations, services and activities within a city. It plays an integral part of city planning by meeting accessibility needs of vulnerable groups in society. Urban mobility has been shown to be positively associated with various neighborhood characteristics and measures of social capital such as…

Land use planning is the practice of deciding how land will be utilized in the future, including establishing guidelines to foster quality development and placemaking. Furthermore, this type of planning aims at conserving natural areas, cultural resources and open space as much as possible. Transport-related land uses include highways, railways and bus stations; this category…

Zoning regulations are municipal laws that outline the permitted uses for different sections of land. They typically regulate size, density and placement of structures within an individual parcel. These laws prevent incompatible uses, like having a home next to an industrial facility, from happening and promote businesses and transportation options that enhance livability in communities.…