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Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Sustainable urban infrastructure integrates natural systems and vegetation into urban environments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate urban heat islands, improve air quality and biodiversity and serve as water management systems. These sustainable systems also offer water storage facilities. Communities can promote green infrastructure through form-based codes and public awareness campaigns. Such efforts can foster…
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Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
TOD promotes compact city growth by integrating land development and transit service, encouraging walking, decreasing dependence on cars, improving health and safety, as well as supporting affordable housing options and local activities for people of all income levels. When carried out equitably, TOD can support affordable housing as well as activities for all. TOD allows…
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The Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a people-centric way of cutting power bills and emissions, yet its effect may be limited without widespread adoption of highly efficient technologies. Energy efficiency helps us reduce wasteful consumption by decreasing our need for primary sources like coal, oil and natural gas. It also reduces utilities’ costs associated with meeting environmental regulations…
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The Importance of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development refers to meeting current needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to do the same. It considers economic, social and environmental considerations in public policy making decisions. Governments play an essential role in sustainable development by taking steps that reduce unemployment, control population growth, conserve biodiversity and set policy frameworks to invest in sustainable…
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The Benefits of Smart Grids
Smart grids enable utilities to more effectively balance energy supply and demand, leading to improved efficiencies as well as the integration of renewable energies such as solar or wind power, thus reducing emissions and creating a cleaner environment. Smart grids use digital technology to monitor, automate and optimise electric systems to reduce costs while providing…
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How Smart Cities Can Improve the Quality of Life of Citizens
Smart cities use data and technology to provide services that improve efficiency and the quality of life for residents, while simultaneously encouraging inclusion and sustainable practices. New York City, for instance, has implemented sensors to gather information on traffic congestions and emissions, while also retrofitting old phone booths into smart hubs with contactless technology, WiFi…
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Community Resilience and Energy Storage
Energy storage allows electricity to be stored and then released at specific times for consumption, helping reduce demand from inefficient fossil fuel power plants located near low-income and marginalized communities. Current Energy Storage Solutions (ESSs) tend to rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries (lithium-ion being the predominant option). Other technologies used in energy storage systems (ESS)…
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The Importance of Urban Mobility
Urban mobility refers to residents’ ability to travel within cities. This can be accomplished via public transit, bicycles or private vehicles. Traffic congestion, air pollution and obsolete infrastructure are just a few of the issues cities around the world face today. To combat them effectively we require innovative solutions that make city life more accessible…
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The Importance of Land Use Planning
Land use planning brings people, resources and services together to shape daily environments. Good plans balance community needs with development pressures while protecting natural, cultural and agricultural assets. Residential, commercial, and transportation land uses are in close proximity, decreasing car dependency while offering opportunities for social engagement and physical activity. Housing Land use planning seeks…
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Understanding Zoning Regulations
Understanding zoning regulations is critical to your success as a homeowner, real estate agent or business owner. Zoning laws govern what can or cannot be built on your property; what size buildings can be; as well as activities allowed within specific zones. Zoning regulations exist to preserve aesthetics and culture while encouraging economic vitality within…
