The Global 100% Renewable Energy campaign is one voice encouraging cities to adopt entirely renewable sources of energy. It recommends decentralized energy systems like rooftop solar.
Despite federal inaction on climate in the United States, the global movement to rally cities toward renewable energy continues. David Hatch writes: "A compelling reason for cities to act is that urban environments generate an estimated 70 percent of the fossil-fuel-related emissions that contribute to climate change, the toolkit explains."
Global 100% Renewable Energy is one group pushing for an end to fossil fuels in cities. Its recent report compiles some relevant strategies. "For more than 300 cities worldwide, the elimination of fossil fuels already is a policy objective, the authors emphasize. Municipalities that have made the commitment include Frankfurt, Vancouver, Sydney, San Francisco and Copenhagen."
"The authors recommend policies that encourage 'decentralized' and 'inclusive' energy systems that allow households and neighbourhoods to generate small amounts of fuel for personal consumption and sell any excess for profit," according to Hatch. The report also emphasizes energy efficiency and waste reduction.
FULL STORY: Cities can go completely renewable — and here’s how
California Leads in Solar Rooftops
A combination of state and local incentives and building code mandates has helped California far outpace other states in residential rooftop solar permits.
Commercial Buildings, Parking Lots Offer Significant Potential for Solar Energy
Massive swaths of flat rooftops, garages, and surface parking lots go underutilized. They could be producing renewable energy.
Rooftop Solar Hampered by New York City Fire Code
Requirements in the NYFD fire code make it costly and difficult to achieve the city’s solar installation goals.
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‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
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The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
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Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research