The city of Toronto has approved design guidelines for future development of parking lots within the city. The guidelines call for more trees and better drainage, but as of now are not included in any mandatory city policies.
"A new set of city guidelines aims to improve environmental standards in all future private and municipal parking lots, with more trees, clear walkways and better drainage."
"The design guidelines, which were agreed on yesterday, would help officials determine which construction plans are worthy of being approved."
"They won't be applied retroactively to existing parking but are meant to 'encourage' the owners to implement the standards when upgrading their lots."
"None of the improvements is mandatory, but some may be integrated into city policies as the project evolves, said Robert J. Freedman, director of urban design for the city planning department."
FULL STORY: City approves new guidelines for eco-friendly parking lots
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Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
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Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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