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Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
TODs, or transit-oriented developments (TODs), are typically dense, mixed-use environments centered on public transit stations that feature residential apartments, offices, shopping, and cultural institutions. According to studies, people living within these TODs report higher satisfaction with public transit use. TOD fosters compact city growth by limiting sprawl and providing residents with free movement without needing…
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What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development involves making decisions that fulfill the needs of both current and future generations while protecting planetary resources. To do this, one must balance economic, social, and environmental sustainability. In 2015, world leaders united behind 17 Sustainable Development Goals that seek peace and prosperity while combatting climate change, protecting oceans and forests, and decreasing…
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Energy Efficiency and Climate Goals
Energy efficiency can be defined as the artful combination, sequencing and timing of technologies to optimize whole systems rather than treating individual components separately. Energy efficiency is a downstream strategy that places efficiency before supply, passive before active components and simple before complex solutions. Shut off lights and unplug equipment you aren’t using to minimize…
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The Benefits of Smart Grids
Smart grids help improve energy efficiency by optimizing energy distribution and minimizing transmission losses, as well as by offering demand response capabilities and supporting renewable energy integration. These systems are being developed by the power industry and consist of various technologies. The first step involves upgrading physical infrastructure of electric grids; this may involve adding…
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How Digital Technologies Are Being Used in Smart Cities
Recently developed digital technologies are transforming environmental, social and economic aspects of city life. Smart city solutions enable residents to gain insight into real-time city data for improving mobility, connectivity and safety services. New York uses networked LED streetlights and automated meter reading systems to increase energy efficiency, as well as automated meter reading systems…
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Energy Storage and Resilience
Energy storage facilitates efficient use of renewable energy while improving grid stability. Used for excess generation from solar and wind projects as well as backup power during outages, energy storage systems (ESSs) provide electricity on either short or long term storage schedules; pump hydro storage units offer diurnal support while lithium ion batteries offer short…
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What Is Urban Mobility?
Urban mobility refers to the use of various transportation modes within urban settings for travel purposes, with commuting serving as its dominant purpose. Urban mobility challenges should be approached comprehensively, sustainably and according to each city’s specific circumstances. Successful solutions must prioritize proximity and quality of life while considering climate resilience and sustainability, inclusion and…
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The Importance of Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations play a vital role in community planning and real estate development. Property owners, developers and contractors must abide by zoning laws when making changes to their land. Zoning laws depend on your location. Gaining an understanding of how zoning maps for your specific property impact regulations will enable you to comply with local…
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The Importance of Land Use Planning
Land use planning ensures growth is managed responsibly, by allocating housing and infrastructure in ways that contribute to creating liveable communities. It balances economic development with environmental preservation. Plans come in all forms and shapes at all levels of government, so understanding both their types and purposes helps bridge policy vision with real development control.…
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What is Digital Governance?
Digital governance refers to a set of principles, norms and rules that guide the use and development of digital technology. It includes protecting personal information while upholding transparency and accountability while encouraging collaboration among parties involved in its usage. Digital governance does indeed enhance transparency of government organizations, reduce nepotism and corruption, and transfer political…
