Digital Energy Net

Community engagement involves the exchange of aspirations, concerns and values between community members and governing entities. To be effective, this requires open dialogue, honest interaction and genuine dedication to improving lives within an area. Successful mediation aims to build trust, foster cooperation and create solutions that benefit both parties involved. Mediation is a continuous process;…

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) refers to an array of technologies designed to reduce emissions from industrial point sources such as power plants. CCS involves collecting CO2 before it enters the atmosphere, then permanently storing it deep underground geologic formations. Scientists are exploring five options to permanently store Earth’s excess carbon dioxide emissions that are…

Governments and businesses are offering various incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles (EV), including tax credits that help offset costs as well as charging stations that provide consistent consumer experiences. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer lower fuel costs and don’t produce emissions that have been linked to respiratory conditions and other adverse health issues. Zero…

Energy policy involves designing and implementing government programs related to energy. Examples of such include: Energy policies range from research funding to energy efficiency regulations; all are intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging technological innovation and spurring socially equitable measures that help spread costs and benefits more equitably. Policy Instruments Instruments are tools…

Climate change mitigation requires either decreasing heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, or expanding carbon sinks that absorb them from the atmosphere, or both, as well as taking adaptive measures. Restoring or conserving forests, wetlands and other natural areas not only sequesters carbon, but can also improve water quality, wildlife habitat and resilience to wildfire and flooding…

Green buildings are structures designed to minimize their environmental impacts by employing eco-friendly materials and renewable energy sources, and by limiting waste during construction. Green buildings also serve as protectors of local ecosystems. Organizations promote Green building practices with standards, ratings and certifications. For manufacturers, sustainability can bring cost savings and productivity benefits. Energy Efficiency…

Mixed-use development encompasses projects which integrate residential, commercial, cultural and/or industrial functions within one neighborhood. This can be accomplished either through new redevelopment of existing urban centers, traditional suburban/urban neighborhoods or through town center districts. Municipalities can encourage mixed-use development by encouraging compact development within designated growth areas, innovative land use management strategies and efficient…

TODs (Transit-Oriented Developments) are an emerging trend in urban planning that creates walkable neighborhoods centered on high quality public transit systems. Such developments reduce reliance on cars while providing healthier lifestyle options that connect residents to jobs and city services with less driving required for accessing them. DVRPC maintains an Active TOD Database which tracks…

Sustainable urban infrastructure seeks to reduce cities’ ecological footprint through energy and resource efficiency and environmental friendliness. Cities often set sustainability and CO2 reduction goals which go further than national targets. Academic research in this field encompasses a range of areas. Of particular note are behavioral interventions designed to enable residents in reducing energy consumption.…

Energy efficiency is an influential economic driver. It cuts costs while protecting the environment. Furthermore, its implementation leads to technological breakthroughs. Since 2000, efficiency improvements in buildings and cars have seen rapid gains; however, due to pandemic outbreak, progress has slowed considerably. Therefore, energy-efficiency upgrades must continue for us to reach 2020 targets. It is…