Digital Energy Net

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) occurs when a relatively pure stream of CO2 from industrial point sources is captured, treated, transported to long-term storage locations and utilized with fossil fuels to produce low carbon energy sources. CCS technologies involve extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and depositing it in deep geological formations such as basalts for…

Energy policy provides governments with a framework to promote responsible energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure reliable supply. Implementation can involve anything from developing new technologies to regulating markets or offering subsidies or incentives. Behavioral economics insights–loss aversion, cognitive effort and rational inattention, environmental attitudes, status quo bias and other elements–are essential in…

Climate change mitigation efforts aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen carbon sinks to lessen future warming, protecting vulnerable people and lessening future damage. Policies related to renewable energy may range from national strategies aiming at decreasing coal, oil, and natural gas use all the way down to encouraging local communities to support renewable…

Green buildings are structures constructed with nontoxic and ethical materials while protecting their surrounding environment, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming. Green buildings employ sustainable strategies to conserve natural resources while improving occupant mental and physical wellbeing. Furthermore, they’re highly efficient – often saving their owners both energy and water bills!…

Mixed-use development has become an increasingly popular trend in urban planning. By incorporating commercial, cultural, and residential elements into one project, mixed-use development creates an engaging community atmosphere. Additionally, this approach can increase access to destinations by encouraging walkability. Furthermore, multiple income streams can provide diversity and reduce reliance on one market sector. Vertical Vertical…

Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to neighborhoods built around public transit stations or to incremental changes made within existing suburban communities that access such transit networks. TOD fosters compact, mixed-use development that prioritizes pedestrian-friendliness. TODs generate significantly fewer auto trips than conventional, automobile-oriented developments (Cervero et al 2004), thus decreasing consumer transportation costs and externalities while…

Sustainable urban infrastructure encompasses a diverse set of policies and practices designed to optimize city services while decreasing their environmental footprint. Such infrastructure can also contribute to economic development, support more environmentally-friendly practices and aid efforts to combat poverty. Cities all around the globe are adopting green infrastructure projects like Paris Breathes or New York’s…

Energy efficiency (EE) saves money, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, nonrenewable resource demands and environmental impacts – while ensuring reliable electricity supplies. NRDC has long championed energy efficiency standards at both state and federal levels, worked alongside cities to curb waste in larger buildings, and supported residents’ efforts towards becoming more energy-efficient homes. We do so…

Sustainable development refers to society’s expansion in such a manner that future generations are considered when making decisions today. It encompasses environmental, social and economic considerations. Sustainable use of natural resources involves making decisions that ensure consumption remains below regenerative rates, and waste does not exceed nature’s absorption capacity. Definition Sustainable development encompasses environmental, social…

Residents in many cities prioritize improving their quality of life as a top priority. Smart technologies have proven effective at increasing key indicators by 10-30 percent; these improvements could save lives, reduce crime incidents and shorten commute times significantly. But critics of Sidewalk Labs’ plan argue it shows how smart cities may become “data driven”,…