Digital Energy Net

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…

Smart grid is an electricity distribution network with numerous advantages, including reduced energy consumption and supporting renewable sources while remaining reliable and maintaining grid reliability. Smart grid technologies can detect and resolve issues quickly, and can also help reduce peak demand by encouraging consumers to conserve energy through incentives like real time pricing. Enhanced Efficiency…

Urban mobility refers to the movement of people, goods and services within cities. It plays a critical role in urban sustainability and economic growth of any given location. Trip generation is an integral component of urban mobility, and commuting is by far the most prevalent form of trip taken within cities. Many have made an…

Energy storage enables solar panel owners to save some of their output for use at nighttime use, supporting renewable energies in power grids. Energy storage technologies include batteries, flywheels, pumped hydro-storage, compressed air energy storage and thermal energy storage technologies. Some provide short-term energy storage while others can deliver long-duration storage capabilities. Boosting Renewables The…

Land use planning involves the process of deciding how land should be utilized. This typically entails studying zoning maps, forecasting infrastructure capacity needs and analyzing environmental impacts before creating a framework to ensure compliance with sustainability and risk management standards. Land-use planning offers several advantages, including reduced dependence on automobiles since homes, businesses, schools and…