Digital Energy Net

Green buildings aim to reduce their negative impacts on both the natural environment and human occupants, from planning and design through construction and operation. Their approach takes into account all stages of building’s life cycle from planning through operations and maintenance. Green buildings provide their occupants with enhanced health and productivity benefits. Their eco-friendly systems…

Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to urban neighborhoods built around quality public transportation service. TOD can reduce sprawl by decreasing dependence on cars and noxious fumes, making walking easier, and offering more affordable housing solutions. TOD communities, also referred to as Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD), are typically dense, mixed-use areas located within 1/4 to 1/2 miles of…

Sustainable urban infrastructure offers improved quality of life, economic activity, and environmental stability without degrading the natural world. By integrating environmental standards into planning and design processes, sustainable infrastructure reduces energy, water, and air pollution while improving human wellbeing. Attaining this goal requires an enlightened city leadership who embraces an innovative approach to urbanism; yet…

Energy efficiency refers to producing equivalent performance, services or goods using less energy – this applies to buildings, consumer electronics and products alike. Efficiency investments create local jobs: Efficiency investments generate nearly three times as many local jobs per dollar invested compared to fossil fuels and double that of solar, making a greater economic contribution…

Sustainable development can be defined as development that meets current needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to meet their own. It was first defined in 1987 by Brundtland Report and later further explained at United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 (also referred to as Earth Summit). Sustainability has evolved from being an…

Zoning regulations regulate how land and buildings can be utilized within an individual jurisdiction, providing essential guidance that protects residential neighborhoods while supporting community development and growth as well as encouraging responsible commercial, agricultural and industrial practices. Town Law SS 15.2-2287 requires petitions seeking zoning amendments to state whether any local officials involved have an…

Land use planning is the practice of organizing how land is developed in cities and surrounding environments. Without it, cities would quickly become disorganized and polluted with pollutants from development activities taking place on them. Land use planning refers to the allocation of space for various activities that guarantee their sustainability, such as urban, agricultural…

Digital governance refers to the establishment and application of shared principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that guide the evolution of the digital realm. It emphasizes transparency, accountability and the protection of human rights. Public-sector organisations need effective digital governance policies in place in order to use data and technologies ethically, securely, and for public…

Community engagement refers to any interaction between individuals or groups (local government agencies, organizations, businesses, residents) which shares information or opinions and collects data through surveys and interviews from the surrounding area. Thick community engagement is a long-term dialogue between communities and governing entities that leads to the exchange of aspirations, concerns and values between…

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer extremely low running costs, with no oil changes and reduced brake wear due to regenerative braking technology. Their drivers could save up to $1,000 annually on fuel expenses alone, and in cases where electricity prices drop they can even become cheaper than traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) typically cost more up…