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.

September 30, 2008 - The Sacramento Bee

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.

September 29, 2008 - Technology Review (MIT)

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.'

September 25, 2008 - Wired

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.

September 24, 2008 - Albuquerque Journal

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.

September 19, 2008 - MIT News

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?

September 18, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

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.

September 18, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

September 16, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

September 15, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

September 11, 2008 - Guardian (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.

September 10, 2008 - Anchorage Daily News

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.

September 5, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

September 3, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

September 3, 2008 - The New York Times

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.

August 30, 2008 - The Boston Globe

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.

August 29, 2008 - WorldChanging

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.

August 28, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

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.

August 25, 2008 - PLENTY

Concentrating Solar

Concentrating solar, or 'solar thermal', is an old technology getting an update as solar power spreads across the Southwest.

August 24, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

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.

August 22, 2008 - The Globe and Mail

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.