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The Importance of Land Use Planning
Land use planning seeks to ensure the sustainable and responsible development of land areas, which includes determining where people will reside, work and play. Before any plan is put into action, it is vital to consult the people affected by it in order to prevent conflict and ensure its success. This step will also help…
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What Are Zoning Regulations?
Zoning regulations provide local governments with a powerful tool for creating uniform neighborhoods, controlling traffic patterns and providing room for growth. Zoning laws also help preserve historic districts while safeguarding property values. Many cities provide websites where you can locate information on local regulations that pertain specifically to your neighborhood. Zoning Maps Zoning maps are…
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The Promise of Digital Governance
Digital governance refers to the practice of overseeing information technology infrastructure, data, and digital policies securely. It involves striking a balance between openness and security while encouraging collaboration among public bodies. Innovation can also be fostered by giving public organisations confidence that their initiatives are safe and ethical – including transparency surrounding algorithms, the prevention…
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What is Community Engagement?
Community engagement is an approach rooted in democratic values that facilitates dialogue between members of a community and its governing entities, sharing aspirations, concerns, and values to inform decision making processes. Once feedback has been collected, it must be analysed to identify key lessons learned – this is key for any successful community engagement initiative.…
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Carbon Capture and Storage
CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at their source, such as power plants, industrial facilities or saline aquifers. CO2 can be compressed into a supercritical fluid form and injected into porous rock formations for structural trapping purposes, with rock layers acting as seals to stop it migrating outward. Capturing CO2…
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Why Buy an Electric Vehicle?
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…
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The Importance of Energy Policy
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…
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Climate Change Mitigation
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…
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Green Buildings Benefit Owners and Occupants
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…
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The Benefits of Mixed-Use Development
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…
