• Electric Vehicles – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    Electric Vehicles – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    Electric vehicles (EVs) offer several advantages over gasoline-powered cars: lower noise levels, no harmful emissions and reduced fuel costs; yet range anxiety and the high initial investment can often prevent prospective EV buyers from making a purchase decision. Now more than ever before there is an impressive variety of electric vehicles to choose from that…

  • Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate Change Mitigation

    Climate change mitigation refers to practices designed to prevent, limit, reduce or postpone environmental changes caused by greenhouse gas emissions and related activities; such as activities which increase natural carbon sinks. Stopping climate change requires plugging the leaks, which means limiting our use of fossil fuels and investing in renewables; protecting forests that act as…

  • Energy Policy – What Are the Goals and Objectives of Energy Policy?

    Energy Policy – What Are the Goals and Objectives of Energy Policy?

    Policies govern decisions regarding energy production and consumption. They may address matters such as decarbonization, system reliability, resource diversification, technology export potential, economic costs or electricity access. Americans continue to express a preference for prioritizing renewable energy over fossil fuel expansion; however, partisan differences exist about how best to promote this shift. Renewable Energy Renewable…

  • Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

    Green buildings are designed to conserve energy and resources, leading to lower operating costs, less environmental impact and improved occupant efficiency. Water-conserving fixtures such as toilets and faucets help reduce building water consumption without compromising performance, while greywater recycling systems decrease dependence on municipal sources while alleviating strain on sewage treatment plants. 1. Energy Efficiency…

  • Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

    Benefits of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

    Development around high-quality public transit creates vibrant communities. Concentrating housing and jobs near public transport helps reduce commuting distances, make public transport financially sustainable, and stimulate economic activity. Equitable TOD can be achieved using various strategies, including setting explicit affordable housing goals and requirements, engaging the community, and offering discounted land for affordable development projects…

  • Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

    Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

    Sustainable urban infrastructure refers to an integrated approach for planning, designing and building resilient cities and communities. It focuses on quality growth while mitigating risks such as greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, sustainable infrastructure works toward conserving natural resources. Utilizing circularity practices – such as decreasing impervious surfaces and providing plentiful, accessible green space; expanding public…

  • The Importance of Energy Efficiency in the Clean Energy Transition

    The Importance of Energy Efficiency in the Clean Energy Transition

    Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the clean energy transition, helping households and businesses save on energy costs while increasing competitiveness and protecting human health by decreasing harmful air emissions. Unfortunately, energy retail faces many barriers. For instance, energy suppliers can access lower interest rates than customers when borrowing money to finance operations, creating a…

  • Sustainable Development and Economic Growth

    Sustainable Development and Economic Growth

    Even in spite of pandemic, rising global debt levels, and worsening climate change, countries remain committed to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They must find ways to engage private business so as to transform unsustainable consumption and production patterns. Sustainable development is an approach to driving economic growth while taking into account both human…

  • Smart Cities

    Smart Cities

    Smart cities seek to address this global phenomenon of urban population growth by improving infrastructure and services while simultaneously increasing efficiency, sustainability and public safety. But privacy concerns, inequality, environmental impacts and social implications remain significant hurdles that need to be resolved. Singapore Singapore has emerged as a global leader in smart city technology. Utilising…

  • The Benefits of Smart Grids

    The Benefits of Smart Grids

    Smart grid technology enables bi-directional energy and information exchange. It includes advanced metering infrastructure, sensors and automated controls which monitor, diagnose and solve issues automatically. Smart grid technology enables utilities to more efficiently manage peak demand while cutting electricity losses during long distance transmission. Furthermore, electric vehicles public infrastructure are integrated into this network to…