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Mixed-Use Development
Residents in mixed-use developments enjoy close access to shops, restaurants, and services that make daily tasks simpler. By eliminating the need for driving altogether and making things more manageable. Establishing a mixed-use project requires meticulous planning to comply with local zoning, building, and environmental regulations as well as spreading financial risk by creating revenue from…
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Green Buildings
Green buildings employ advanced insulation, windows and energy-saving appliances to lower energy costs while taking advantage of renewable sources to decrease fossil fuel dependency. Low-flow fixtures, graywater systems and xeriscaping are key strategies for water reduction, while green builders strive to build near transit lines and amenities in order to minimize driving distance. Energy Efficiency…
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Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Sustainable urban infrastructure is an emerging and expanding field that encompasses engineering, economic, and social sciences. Leading research themes include governance, engineered facilities and utilities management, climate change adaptation/mitigation strategies and municipal waste disposal. Urban nature should be fully integrated into city planning, project evaluation and financing strategies to maximize societal impacts and the delivery…
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Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
TOD usually involves areas surrounding transit stations or corridors, and it has proven most successful in dense, mixed-use neighborhoods within walking distance from high capacity transit services. TOD can be applied to large cities with extensive networks as well as smaller communities with single stations. All of these communities share the goal of creating vibrant…
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Sustainable Development – The Importance of Global Partnership
Sustainable development encompasses three interlinked pillars of economic growth, environmental protection and social development. To meet these goals, global partnership is vital. Committing to reduce emissions and pollution; shifting away from energy intensive economies towards renewable energies are all elements that must come together for sustainability to take hold. Brundtland Report’s definition of sustainable development…
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Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Goals
Energy efficiency is one of the fastest, cost-effective strategies to lower costs and emissions and move towards Net Zero. Not only can energy efficiency lower individual bills while lessening climate change impact, it can also provide economic growth and job creation benefits to society at large. NRDC works on multiple fronts to promote energy efficiency,…
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How Smart Grids Enhance the Reliability and Sustainability of Electricity Supply
Smart grid technology consists of various technologies designed to increase reliability, efficiency and sustainability of electricity supply. Automatic response capabilities enable utilities and consumers to respond swiftly and cost-effectively when power surges occur, thus minimizing outages and saving both parties money in costs. Smart grid technology uses communication networks to automatically respond to fluctuations in…
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Smart Cities in Southeast Tennessee
Smart cities leverage digital technology to maximize efficiency, sustainability and quality of life for their residents. Such solutions include real-time traffic monitoring systems, energy grids and automated waste management systems – just to name a few! However, these initiatives must involve residents to be successful. This involves informing them about smart city initiatives and giving…
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What Is Urban Mobility?
Urban mobility refers to the ability to move easily around a city. This encompasses all forms of movement – walking and cycling to public transit and driving – as well as how transportation modes are organized within its built environment. This model provides new insight into the dynamics of urban mobility patterns. Furthermore, it confirms…
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What Is Energy Storage?
Energy storage enables renewables to be utilized when they’re most needed by the electricity system and can help mitigate demand spikes that increase electricity rates for all, including marginalized communities. Energy storage technologies range from lithium batteries (the same rechargeable technology found in cell phones and electric vehicles) to pumped hydro and thermal energy systems.…
