• How Smart Cities Can Improve the Quality of Life of Citizens

    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…

  • Community Resilience and Energy Storage

    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)…

  • The Importance of Urban Mobility

    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…

  • The Importance of Land Use Planning

    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…

  • Understanding Zoning Regulations

    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…

  • The Importance of Digital Governance

    The Importance of Digital Governance

    Digital governance encompasses systems, policies and practices designed to ensure digital technologies, data and information are managed ethically and securely, while fostering openness, efficiency and transparency in operations. With cyber threats, data breaches and ethical implications of new technologies on the rise, boards must play an instrumental role in developing robust digital governance frameworks. Transparency…

  • What is Community Engagement?

    What is Community Engagement?

    Community engagement entails listening and responding to the aspirations, concerns and values of local communities in decision making processes by governing entities; ultimately resulting in policies that meet actual needs more efficiently. Implementing the right combination of methods is crucial. Statutory consultation may get your project approved, but does not create trust for delivery. It…

  • Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon Capture and Storage

    Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology aims to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes, helping us meet climate change goals of limiting global temperature rises. CO2 captured from power plants and other sources is compressed into dense liquid form called supercritical CO2, then transported deep underground for geologic storage sites…

  • The Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles

    The Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles

    Electric vehicles offer many advantages over gas-powered cars, such as being quieter, emitting no tailpipe emissions and needing less maintenance. But there can be tradeoffs including higher upfront costs and limited charging stations. Kia EV9 is our go-to electric seven-seater vehicle and has an outstanding range. Additionally, this vehicle includes an efficient DC fast charger…

  • Energy Policy and Energy Security

    Energy Policy and Energy Security

    Energy policies provide the framework that guides decisions regarding the production and use of energy. Topics covered by energy policies may include efficiency measures, renewable energies and climate change mitigation. Governments worldwide are adopting policies to lower carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change, including electrification initiatives and low carbon charging technologies as well as…