Energy
Relating Peak Oil To Auto Dependency And Urban Planning
Daniel Lerch, author of "Post Carbon Cities" presents his thoughts for a new California Dream in a 'post carbon future' in which cars still exist but are used sparingly due to urban planning that reduces their necessity. He looks toward Portland.
BP's Chief Scientist Advocates Higher Gas Prices
BP's chief scientist provides his insight into solving the energy and climate crises, including the affect of higher gas prices and separating transportation from the heat and power sectors when dealing with strategies to reduce carbon emissions.
A Person the Next President Should Listen To
Wired Magazine calls Mitchell Joachim 'a Frederick Law Olmsted for the 21st Century'. Joachim is at the forefront of thinking about the ecological footprint of cities, and one of Wired's 'People the Next President Should Listen To.'
Bringing Energy Efficiency to Section 8 Housing
Seven very low-income housing complexes in New Mexico have been renovated to be more energy efficient. The work was made possible by a nonprofit partnership that works in part to put money back in low-income residents' pockets.
In Energy, It's 'All Of The Above' That's Necessary
An MIT professor testified before Congress for a broad policy to address energy and climate crises - including carbon pricing, carbon sequestration, expanded fossil fuel and nuclear production, and more research spending.
The Future Of The Car Is The Present
GM will soon unveil its SUV of the future – the 'plug-in' hybrid known as the Volt. Mitsubishi's new mini, all-electric car will soon go to market in Japan. The days of the gas-powered car are numbered- or are they?
Going Solar in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA has just launched a loan program for property owners who wish to install solar panels on their roofs. Despite a frail economy, the city council is optimistic about the program's success.
The Tiny House Movement
Michael Janzen built an 80 sq. ft. house out of stuff he got for free off of Craigslist. He's just one example of people moving into very small homes to reduce their energy use and housing costs.
Europe Retreats From Biofuels
A committee in the European Parliament endorsed a plan that calls for 10% of transportation fuels to come from sources such as plants and grains by 2020, but it also calls for a switch to other renewable sources over time.
Creating the Future in 'Transition Towns'
The "Transition Towns" movement -- a grassroots initiative to develop local energy and economic self-reliance -- is gathering momentum, especially in the UK.
Controversial Land Trade on Hold in Yukon Flats
A decision on whether or not to swap potentially oil-rich, protected land in the Yukon Flats with private wetlands will not be reached for another year. Appraisals will be underway to determine whether or not the controversial trade is fair.
Small Wind Turbines Become Popular, But Experts Question Their Value
Small wind turbines have been installed around the country, from Logan Airport in Boston to rooftops in New York and California. But many wonder if the turbines generate enough electricity to make economic sense, especially in urban areas.
Gas at 87-Cents a Gallon? Yes, But it's GAS!
Utah appears to be just what Texas oilman, T. Boone Pickens, had in mind with his new energy plan that calls for widespread use of natural gas to replace gasoline and diesel, even though only one vehicle is manufactured to run on it.
Bicycle Couriers Up, Motorized Couriers Down
In New York City, bicycle courier businesses are witnessing new growth, while motorized couriers struggle to turn profit in an age of rising full-costs.
Boston's Largest Property Owner Going Green
Equity Office Properties Trust is undertaking major green renovations for its Boston properties, citing fiscal benefits as the impetus. When complete, the work will likely serve as a model for the Company's holdings across the country.
Calculating Your 'Water Footprint'
Your morning cup of joe - all things considered - takes 140 liters of water to make. A new study reveals the true cost in water usage for crops and cultures.
Lasers May Make Nuclear Power More Efficient (and Bombs Easier to Make)
G.E. is currently experimenting with a new lased-based technology that could make nuclear enrichment much easier. This would be a boon to nuclear power, but would also make nuclear-based weapons easier to make.
Beyond LEED: Buildings That Give Back
A handful of thinkers and architects are pushing past LEED requirements to design buildings that generate more energy than they use.
Concentrating Solar
Concentrating solar, or 'solar thermal', is an old technology getting an update as solar power spreads across the Southwest.
Windmills for NYC?
In order to reduce New York City's dependence on natural gas, Mayor Bloomberg is proposing an offshore wind farm and skyscraper-mounted turbines.
Pagination
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service