Digital Energy Net

Community engagement involves working collaboratively with groups of people (whether geographically adjacent or united by special interest) to identify and address issues affecting their lives, while gathering feedback to inform public policy decisions. Data-driven practices and programs hold great promise in solving seemingly intractable social problems; however, their success relies upon communities having control of…

Digital governance represents the intersection of our increasingly digital world with government administration, including overseeing technological use across society, encouraging its adoption and deployment, responding to unanticipated harms that may arise, supporting private sector investments, and managing disruptive innovations. Digital governance involves increasing citizen participation and efficiency. To do this, a strong governance structure that…

Electric Vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions and have lower maintenance requirements than their conventional counterparts, with zero tailpipe emissions produced at their tailpipes and running on renewable electricity sources, helping reduce fossil fuel usage as well as other pollutants. An effective EV market can bring many social and environmental advantages, including reduced pollution in…

Carbon capture and storage technologies offer us an effective means of reducing CO2 emissions from power plants. They involve collecting CO2 at its source, transporting it safely, and injecting it into geologic formations for permanent storage. CO2 is injected into basaltic rock formations where it reacts with minerals to form stable minerals that can be…

Energy policy defines how nations utilize their energy resources for economic growth, market competitiveness, and environmental protection. Prioritize renewable energy resources to lower fossil fuel usage and emissions. Create effective rate systems to protect consumers. Promote energy-saving appliances and buildings as well as rural electrification programs. The United States Explore the regulations, initiatives and struggles…

Climate change mitigation refers to actions designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions into Earth’s atmosphere and boost carbon sinks that remove them. This includes switching to low-carbon electricity, changing land use practices and speeding up the transition towards EVs. Addressing short-lived climate pollutants like methane, hydrofluorocarbons and tropospheric ozone. Also, adaptation projects must account for…

Mixed-use development encompasses buildings or neighborhoods with mixed uses that include housing, shops, offices and other facilities in one building or neighborhood. Such mixed use developments support health and resilience – one answer to city decline or sprawl issues. Local governments should develop or update existing comprehensive plans with an eye towards mixed-use development, and…

Green buildings are designed, constructed, renovated and operated with environmental sustainability in mind. Their aim is to have as little of an effect as possible on their surrounding community – from construction waste disposal through water usage and pollution issues to energy consumption. Modern buildings also provide cost efficiency and occupant productivity benefits, future-proof against…

TOD communities help reduce traffic congestion, protect natural areas and promote a healthy lifestyle while increasing employment opportunities and property values. TODs tend to focus on high-density mixed-use development within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of their nearest Metro station on both public and private land – these areas are known as transit villages. TOD principles…

Sustainable urban infrastructure facilitates progress towards ecological, economical and social sustainability in cities. This involves localizing energy sources, reducing resource use and waste generation and creating the conditions necessary for shifting to lifestyles with lower impacts. Research in this cluster explores key obstacles to urban infrastructure planning and examines possible solutions. It provides a means…