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Transit-Oriented Development
TOD refers to the development of compact, walkable communities centered on high quality public transit stations that make life possible without driving a car by providing housing, jobs and retail close by to transport options. TODs depend on high capacity, reliable and frequent transit service to attract and retain residents, while offering active transportation opportunities…
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Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Sustainable urban infrastructure refers to creating cities that balance economic development with natural resource conservation and environmental quality. This involves adopting eco-friendly initiatives such as efficient building standards, renewable energy sources, bike sharing programs and bike sharing services. Cities are well positioned to set ambitious sustainability and climate change goals that surpass those set by…
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Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Energy efficiency is a cost-effective, low-impact way of combatting climate pollution on a large scale, so accelerating its adoption is crucial for reaching net zero emissions and combatting climate change. Energy efficient buildings, appliances and public transit can save families hundreds of dollars each year in energy bills – but knowing where to begin can…
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The Goals of Sustainable Development
In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals were put in place with the intention of ending poverty, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet from climate change by 2030. Unfortunately, issues like COVID-19 pandemic, worsening climate change and mounting conflicts have halted progress on these goals. Countries track their progress using SDG indicators. Many also conduct voluntary…
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Smart Cities and Public Services
Data-driven insights that improve city services – from public transport and waste disposal, while decreasing crime rates – define smart cities. Partnerships between cities and private sector organizations can also assist cities in creating innovative solutions to address their needs and preferences, like when New York City replaced payphones with kiosks that charge mobile devices…
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What Are Smart Grids?
Smart grid is an electricity network that utilizes digital and other advanced technologies to coordinate the needs and capabilities of all generators, grid operators and end users in order to optimize efficiency across its entirety, thus minimizing costs and environmental impacts. This technology will also assist in meeting other energy challenges by enabling electric vehicles…
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Why Energy Storage Is Important to the Future of Renewables
Energy can be stored in many forms in nature and man-made systems, with storage periods that vary accordingly. Electricity storage helps balance the delicate equilibrium between electricity production and consumption, with energy storage systems (ESSs) growing increasingly popular due to carbon reduction goals and increasing renewable energy penetration. The most widely-used types of energy storage…
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What Is Urban Mobility?
Urban mobility refers to using various modes of transportation within cities for travel between destinations – walking, cycling, public transit and private vehicles can all play an integral part in urban mobility. Cities across the globe are adopting sustainable urban mobility plans that reduce journey times and distances in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions…
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The Importance of Zoning Regulations in Commercial Real Estate
Zoning laws regulate the types of activities that take place on any piece of land. By keeping incompatible uses separate, these regulations help avoid conflict while maintaining safety. Property owners must obtain permits when undertaking construction or land use changes on their properties, and regular inspections to ensure compliance with zoning laws. Residential Zones Zoning…
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What Is Land Use Planning?
Land use planning is an intricate endeavor with far-reaching implications, encompassing many facets of society and taking into account human behavior, goals and ambitions while considering environmental sustainability. Step one is gathering high-quality data and producing accurate interpretations, while step two involves collecting public feedback in abundance. Definition Land use planning involves the process of…
