Digital Energy Net

Green buildings are constructed and operated to maximize resource efficiency. This means minimizing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming; decreasing natural resource extraction and energy consumption; as well as limiting waste creation. Environmentally conscious building strategies offer numerous business advantages. Reduced operating costs, healthier environments for occupants and resilient construction that minimizes business interruption…

Sustainable urban infrastructure refers to an approach that integrates engineering, environmental management and socio/economic concerns. Research in this cluster explores an increasing awareness of the need for resilient infrastructure systems that adapt to weather-related risks or operational disruptions. Studies have identified key obstacles that impede the creation of sustainable technical urban infrastructure: social (such as…

TOD allows for more housing to be constructed on smaller lots, reduces car traffic and pollution levels, promotes healthier lifestyle choices and increases local economic activity. Valbridge provides accurate and reliable appraisals for TOD projects. TODs promote compact city growth that integrates land development and transit service, enabling people to live without owning cars while…

In 2015, world leaders made an unprecedented commitment to eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and protecting the planet through seventeen Sustainable Development Goals that must be accomplished by 2030. But an expanding economy and rapid increase in natural resource consumption threaten the SDGs’ realization. Meanwhile, COVID-19 pandemic, worsening climate change, and ongoing global conflicts all interfere…

Energy efficiency helps lower utility bills by decreasing the need to operate appliances such as heating and cooling systems. Installing windows and doors rated with the ENERGY STAR label as well as unplugging devices that draw energy when not in use can save money and help make energy efficiency the way to go. Efficiency-oriented homes…

Smart cities utilize technology to increase efficiency and sustainability within urban environments. This may involve creating more effective urban transport networks, improving water management systems and waste disposal systems, or developing smart lighting and heating solutions. Digital tools provide citizens with another means of engaging with the city and its administration, including collaboration tools, transparent…

Smart grids collect, process and analyze data to optimise electricity distribution. They allow utilities to reduce transmission losses and energy consumption while offering consumers real-time information and new options for how they use their electricity. Example applications could include notifying individual television sets to reduce demand during peak power usage periods or telling them when…

Urban mobility encompasses moving people, goods and services across urban environments with transportation systems. This affects numerous individuals’ quality of life. Pendulum movements, which require regular trips from residence to workplace during working hours, necessitate reliable and high capacity public transport systems. Population Growth At nearly 4 billion, half the global population – half the…

Energy storage uses electricity from the grid to charge and discharge back into it on demand, producing (generating) power at desired levels and quality levels on demand. Energy Storage Systems are often co-located with renewable energy facilities in order to avoid curtailments or other limitations in electricity generation. Electricity storage systems such as pumped hydro,…

Zoning regulations are laws that determine what kinds of buildings and properties can be built on any piece of land, preventing polluting factories from opening nearby for example. Zoning rules are usually justified by local governments’ police powers to limit property rights for the common good, which could include infringing upon private property rights for…