Digital Energy Net

Electric vehicles (EVs) run on electricity rather than fossil fuels, eliminating tailpipe emissions and producing less air pollution that causes respiratory illness. Plus they’re quieter than their gasoline-fueled counterparts! EV drivers typically charge their vehicles overnight at home and can utilize workplace or public charging stations when necessary, giving them the added bonus of waking…

Energy policy refers to the rules and incentives implemented by governments to guide production, consumption, transfer of energy resources. This may involve setting targets, regulating prices or providing financial support in form of tax credits to encourage certain forms of energy development. Effective energy policies prioritize both short- and long-term goals relating to affordability and…

Climate change mitigation encompasses efforts to limit global warming to 1.5degC or lower. Climate mitigation must form part of any effort by nations worldwide to limit warming to that threshold. UNDP is helping countries address climate change through sustainable and low-carbon development pathways, supporting legislation, standards and regulations, capacity building efforts and financing solutions. Reducing…

Green buildings offer owners and occupants numerous benefits, including lower costs, greater building values, healthier environments and enhanced resilience to climate events. Furthermore, sustainable building practices also support compliance requirements as well as market differentiation strategies. Examples of green construction strategies include using recycled materials, limiting water use, and employing renewable energy sources such as…

Integrating real estate uses into communities allows them to become more tax-efficient and resilient, reduce automobile use, foster community engagement and enhance health of occupants and users. Local governments can encourage mixed-use development by offering incentives such as permitting fee reductions, tax abatements and density and building height bonuses in designated growth areas or downtown…

TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) is an emerging trend of sustainable communities centered around high quality public transportation systems, often called “transit villages.” Such communities provide residents and workers the option of living and working without needing automobiles. Studies demonstrate the advantages of TOD over traditional neighborhoods for both travel experiences and land values, with Hatch working…

Cities play an indispensable role in furthering environmental sustainability, often setting more ambitious climate change goals than national governments do. Furthermore, cities provide an ideal venue for piloting innovative multi-infrastructure solutions. Sustainable urban infrastructure refers to key city structures and processes designed, constructed, and operated with an eye toward long-term ecological and social needs. Academic…

Today’s inefficient energy systems waste two-thirds of all available energy, leading to serious climate, health, and economic effects as well as increasing inequities. Energy efficiency can make the transition towards renewables faster, cheaper, and more equitable. Market barriers impede efficiency progress, such as credit constraints and lack of awareness or access to energy-efficient products. Governments…

Sustainable development is a global objective that encompasses economic growth, social progress and environmental protection – with an aim of satisfying both today’s needs and those of tomorrow. These goals include combatting climate change, reducing inequality and protecting biodiversity. Achieve these targets requires significant transformation in education, health, energy use and land use as well…

As cities strive to become smarter, technological innovations have been at the forefront of incremental changes. From automated meter reading systems that save on energy costs and water usage to smart bins that monitor waste disposal, technological solutions provide multiple advantages that benefit cities. Cities can benefit greatly from digital conveniences; they can improve quality…