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What is Transit-Oriented Development?
Transit-oriented development (TOD) refers to the creation of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods near public transit stations. TOD increases ridership on public transportation services while decreasing car traffic and pollution levels; providing more housing options; and supporting economic vitality. Local governments should include TOD goals, policies, and guidelines in their comprehensive plans and subarea plans. Click here…
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Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Sustainable urban infrastructure prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability through an integration of nature-based infrastructure with conventional infrastructure solutions. Green infrastructure encompasses natural vegetation such as parks, street trees and wetlands as well as hybrid grey-green-blue infrastructure such as permeable pavements and attenuation ponds that offer multiple ecosystem services that contribute to urban sustainability and…
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What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development refers to the practice of managing natural resources so as to ensure future generations can meet their needs. It involves efforts such as reducing waste, conserving water resources and other natural resources, protecting coastal regions against erosion and flooding and creating cities that are safe, healthy, and liveable places for all. Population management…
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The Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Businesses
Buildings can take measures to make their energy use more energy-efficient through measures such as appliance standards or renovation strategies, among others. These strategies aim to decrease how much electricity is required to heat, cool or power appliances or other needs in their spaces or powering devices. Energy efficiency measures can save homeowners money on…
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The Benefits of Smart Grids
Smart grid is an electricity system that utilizes cutting-edge technologies to optimize energy distribution and monitor power supplies, offering multiple advantages for consumers, utilities, and the environment. Advance sensors and communication networks can take 30-60 measurements every second to detect abnormal conditions, such as excess current that poses a fire risk, enabling automated control systems…
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How Smart Cities Are Changing the Way We Live
Smart cities employ cutting-edge technologies that turn data into alerts that improve every aspect of urban living for residents. Not everyone has access to digital technology or can participate in smart city projects. Promoting economic development that includes digital skills training and affordable broadband access may help fill this void. 1. Energy Efficiency Cities require…
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Energy Storage – The Key Enabler of Renewable Energy Production
Energy storage can help meet demand-supply imbalances while simultaneously supporting renewable wind and solar technologies into systems previously dependent on fossil fuels. Batteries are one of the most scalable energy storage technologies. Just like those found in cell phones, utility-scale battery energy storage systems are capable of storing electricity until necessary, then discharging it when…
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What is Urban Mobility?
Urban mobility refers to the movement of passengers and goods within cities using various modes of transportation such as trains, buses and private cars. Use of these modes can help alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution while simultaneously improving safety and increasing economic efficiency. Modes of transportation Urban mobility encompasses a range of transportation modes,…
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What Is Land Use Planning?
Land use planning encompasses many facets of human development. According to the Canadian Institute of Planners, land use planning involves scientific and aesthetic arrangements for land, resources, facilities and services in order to ensure the physical, economic, social, health and well-being of urban and rural communities. Residential, commercial and industrial land uses should be located…
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The Importance of Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations govern how land can be developed; however, these laws don’t reflect its actual use. Residential zoning laws usually regulate building size and density as well as parking and green space requirements, yet restrictive zoning hurts communities by making it harder for people to find housing that meets their individual needs and interests. Residential…
