Digital Energy Net

Community engagement is the practice of creating trust between organizations and communities by forging collaboration and ownership relationships. Engaged citizens bring valuable perspectives, knowledge and expertise to planning processes that contribute towards more practical, effective, and long-term solutions. Doing it right requires engagement that targets specific groups, rather than being simply mandatory; otherwise people could…

Digital governance refers to the legal and policy framework created by governments to oversee technology use within society. This may involve regulating its use, encouraging adoption and deployment, responding to unanticipated uses which harm individuals, supporting private sector investments or managing disruptive innovations. As public organizations rely increasingly on data for innovation and service delivery,…

Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce climate pollution by up to 65% and are significantly cheaper to run than gasoline cars. Recharge overnight at home or public charging stations. With impressive range and fast charging networks, there is an electric car to meet everyone’s needs today. Ranging from sporty hatchbacks and SUVs, to family SUVs and luxury…

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is designed to mitigate emissions from power plants that use coal, oil or gas as well as industrial sources by collecting CO2 gas and transporting it underground for permanent storage. At present, there are currently 77 CCS projects operating globally and capturing around 64 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Additionally,…

Climate change mitigation strategies seek to lower or prevent greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resilience to climate impacts. Effective mitigation techniques include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, adopting regenerative agricultural practices and restoring forests and other essential ecosystems. Such efforts require a societal shift and structural transformation for maximum effectiveness. 1. Renewable…

Energy access is critical to America’s economy and national security as well as combatting climate change. Energy policies play a vital role in shaping greenhouse gas emissions and fulfilling international climate commitments. Energy development should be undertaken while taking into account new and expanded protections for iconic landscapes; reinvested revenues into conservation, restoration and mitigation…

Green buildings reduce operational costs, provide healthier environments with reduced sick days, and create value for owners, investors and occupants. Furthermore, they foster resilient communities while meeting evolving environmental standards. PNNL researchers are at the forefront of green building design, construction and operation research. This article highlights just some of our work. Energy Buildings consume…

Mixed-use developments usually consist of retail or entertainment facilities on the ground floor and housing on upper floors, or whole neighborhoods that combine commercial, residential and cultural or entertainment uses. Local government policies should support and facilitate mixed-use development by auditing zoning regulations to remove obstacles that inhibit market-ready projects. Residential Residential mixed-use development can…

TODs provide communities that foster sustainable lifestyles by offering convenient access to high-quality public transit at an affordable cost, creating communities where residents can live, work, shop, play and study all within walking distance of their transit stop. TOD principles such as WALK, CYCLE, CONNECT MIX DENSIFY COMPACT all help achieve this aim. TODs create…

Sustainable urban infrastructure ranges from green buildings and smart energy solutions, such as green energy technologies and coliving options, to the recycling programs supporting community initiatives like composting programs. By using eco-friendly materials that minimize waste production, sustainable urban infrastructure supports circular economies while simultaneously supporting community initiatives like composting programs or coliving arrangements. A…