• Transit-Oriented Development

    Transit-Oriented Development

    Well-planned high density housing and business development near frequent transit is key to sustainable growth, revitalizes communities and increases regional economic competitiveness. Develop vibrant communities where both residents and non-residents have access to work, stores, cultural institutions, and entertainment without depending on personal automobiles for transportation. It promotes an interdependent relationship between compact urban development…

  • Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

    Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

    Sustainable urban infrastructure integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations to create a better future for people and the planet. Shifting away from fossil-fueled infrastructure may result in more effective, affordable, and eco-friendly results in cities. The City of Chicago Sustainability Guidelines help promote projects that incorporate cutting-edge sustainability practices into public right-of-ways – such as…

  • The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

    The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

    Energy efficiency saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, demand for non-renewable resources and electricity costs – while contributing to healthier living conditions and more sustainable lifestyles. Homeowners can make simple adjustments to their homes to improve energy efficiency and insulate themselves against price increases for utilities such as electricity and natural gas. It’s Good for…

  • What Is Sustainable Development?

    What Is Sustainable Development?

    Sustainable development refers to an integrated approach that balances economic, environmental and social aspects of development in an effort to meet present needs without jeopardizing future ones. These goals include alleviating poverty, improving gender equality, fostering sustainable energy use and providing enhanced educational services – as well as creating a sustainable global economy. Import Substitution…

  • The Benefits of Smart Grids

    The Benefits of Smart Grids

    Smart Grid technology represents the future electricity network equipped with high-speed bi-directional infrastructure communication, advanced metering and intelligent control technologies to facilitate real-time power system operation and management at higher resolutions in time and space. Smart grids give utilities insight that enables them to better align energy production with consumer demand in real-time, eliminate excess…

  • Types of Energy Storage

    Types of Energy Storage

    Energy storage enables us to store electricity produced from renewable sources for use at later dates. There are various forms of electricity storage, from lead-acid and lithium rechargeable batteries through flow battery technology and supercapacitors. Energy storage also allows customers to avoid peak pricing by smoothing out demand, making it a key component of our…

  • What is Urban Mobility?

    What is Urban Mobility?

    Urban mobility refers to the effect of human travel patterns on city environments. This encompasses transportation, commuting and work flows as well as public or private transport services. Automobiles have become symbols of status and autonomy, yet they also contribute to air and noise pollution and congestion. Individuals are turning increasingly toward more eco-friendly transport…

  • What Are Zoning Regulations?

    What Are Zoning Regulations?

    Zoning regulations are local laws that dictate which activities may take place on any piece of property in a certain district, along with rules for how those activities should take place, including height limits and design considerations such as setbacks. New York City was the first municipality in America to adopt zoning laws back in…

  • The Importance of Land Use Planning

    The Importance of Land Use Planning

    Land use planning is the practice of organizing people and resources to realize community development goals, such as economic expansion, pollution control, or sustainable living. It serves to foster economic development while simultaneously protecting the environment. There are various ways you can become involved with land use planning processes. Attending public meetings, responding to surveys…

  • What is Digital Governance?

    What is Digital Governance?

    Digital Governance refers to technologies that are pervasive, affect everyday online experiences for many people, and require systems and structures that constantly address them. It may also refer to emerging technologies which are still relatively unfamiliar but rapidly gaining ground, such as wearable medical technology or artificial intelligence (AI). A digital governance framework details who…