Kaid Benfield presents the evidence that compact development can bring about a decrease in noxious emissions.
Benfield quotes a study in the Seattle area that indicates that:
"...each 25 percent increase in walkability is associated with a 5.6 percent reduction in NOx emissions and a 5.5 percent reduction in emissions of VOCs, due to reduction in vehicle trips These conclusions are consistent with those reached by Reid Ewing and Robert Cervero in their exhaustive "meta-analysis" of literature on travel and the built environment."
Benfield also cites a 2007 report from the EPA, which concluded that "strong support for infill development can be one of the most effective transportation and emission reduction investments regions can pursue."
FULL STORY: Cleaning the air with smart growth
Live Long and Prosper: Compact Development Increases Life Expectancy, Economic Development
The U.S. has lower average life expectancy than most peer countries. New research indicates that this results in part from sprawl. Life expectancy, economic mobility, mobility options, personal health and safety all improve in less sprawling areas.
An Accurate Answer to an Interesting Question: Are Compact Neighborhoods Really Most Affordable?
Contrary to recent claims, the evidence really does indicate that compact, multi-modal neighborhoods tend to be most affordable overall, considering both housing and transportation costs.
What's Your 'Elevator Pitch' for Greener, Healthier Cities?
Kaid Benfield shares his placemaking pitch.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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