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What Is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development was introduced into mainstream conversation in 1987 through Brundtland Report (also referred to as Our Common Future). This document served as the basis for Sustainable Development Goals that were approved in 2015. These goals aim to end poverty, reduce inequality and stop climate change by 2030; however, COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing climate disruptions, and…
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How Smart Cities Use Technology to Optimize Infrastructure
Smart cities utilize technology to optimize infrastructure and engage citizens in managing city services. Their foundation consists of sensors, data analytics and creative urban planning strategies. Singapore utilizes smart traffic management systems that monitor street levels, parking availability and congestion to optimize routes for vehicles while making data accessible to citizens via open-source systems. Improved…
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Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Technologies
Contrary to traditional grids that only transmit electricity in one direction, smart grids allow two-way energy flow allowing renewable sources such as solar or wind power to be integrated while also giving consumers access to demand response programs. This helps relieve strain on the grid during periods of peak demand, keeping it reliable and cost-effective…
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Energy Storage – What Is It?
Energy storage captures energy at one time for later use. It allows renewables to more closely match supply with demand, and helps level out electricity price fluctuations for consumers. Energy storage technologies include rechargeable battery technology, pumped hydro and thermal energy storage systems that can store energy for days or weeks to provide frequency regulation…
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Urban Mobility As a Service (MaaS)
Urban mobility refers to the movement of people within cities, from daily commutes for work or pleasure to touristic excursions. Sustainable urban mobility is essential for both economic development and quality of life in cities, and involves taking measures such as encouraging the use of low-carbon, renewable fuels while simultaneously improving public transport systems. Mobility…
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The Importance of Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations define which activities and uses are permitted on a piece of property, while also setting standards such as building size, location and parking requirements. Zoning serves to balance the needs of property owners with those of a greater community, with examples including residential, commercial and agricultural zoning. Residential Residential zoning rules establish what…
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The Importance of Land Use Planning
Land use plans are essential components of any community. By helping promote economic development and protect natural resources, as well as prevent sprawling and other problems which threaten its future development, they play a critical role. Even as sustainable rural systems become more important, few studies have addressed them thoroughly. This study seeks to fill…
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What is Community Engagement?
Community engagement is a strategy designed to give communities an active part in decisions that affect them, through various strategies and tools. For maximum effect, community engagement must take place gradually over time. Transparency and an openness to criticism are also required for success in network analysis, including SNA metrics like centrality or betweenness which…
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The Importance of Digital Governance
Digital governance can help public organisations earn public trust with the way they collect, store and use data. A solid framework and leadership can also ensure they remain responsive and flexible enough to change with changing market conditions. Implementation is just the first step; enforcement and risk monitoring must also take place consistently and continuously.…
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Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCUS) is an expensive yet vital technology that helps bring down power prices. Renewable technologies are quickly progressing but reaching net zero would be much harder without CCUS technology. CO2 captured is compressed and delivered via pipelines or ships directly to storage sites, including depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep…
