Energy Efficiency
U.S. Economy Ranks 13th in Energy Efficiency—Transportation Blamed
Energy is the key to the economy, so it should be used wisely. A new report shows that the United States performs very poorly in making the most of its resources.
Bi-Partisan Energy Efficiency Bill Stalls while Obama Pushes Initiative
A bi-partisan Senate bill to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by increasing energy efficiency got caught-up in Keystone XL pipeline politics, while President Barak Obama pursued his own energy efficiency agenda at a Walmart in Mtn. View, Calif.
Amid Battle for Scarce State Dollars, Costly CA Energy Program Gets Scrutinized
In case you haven't noticed, California is big into alternative energy. Just how big? $1.6 billion was spent last year and $15 billion over the last decade as education and public services fought for scraps. The spending is attracting new scrutiny.
Architects of Green Dorm Ban Mini-Fridges, Microwaves
Perkins + Will, the architecture firm behind a new residence hall at Bridgewater State University, have attached an unusual provision to their green design: no mini-fridges or personal microwaves allowed.
Chicago Program a Model for Preserving Affordable Housing and Cutting Pollution
A Chicago-based community development financial institution (CDFI) and efficiency group help apartment building owners tame high utility costs, preserve affordable housing, and cut global warming emissions.
Green Carrot Incentivizes More Efficient Buildings; Will Owners and Utilities Bite?
Felicity Barringer looks at an innovative program being tested in Seattle to incentivize commercial property owners to undertake major energy efficiency retrofits. A partnership between skeptical building owners, investors, and utilities is key.
Oil Independence or Independence from Oil?
With booming shale oil production in North Dakota and Texas and possibly Canada's vast oil sands, there is talk of energy independence as the U.S. reduces its oil imports. But why not be less dependent on oil - domestic or imported?
Philadelphia Pioneers Energy Efficiency Innovation
In last month's State of the Union address, President Obama described his desire to increasing the efficiency of homes and businesses throughout the country. Philadelphia is already ahead of the game, reports Laurie Actman.
State of the Union Recap: Energy, Economy, Infrastructure and Environment
In an address heavy on President Obama's domestic agenda for the first year of his second term, issues of importance to planners and urbanists got plenty of play, including: the environment, energy, infrastructure, and the economy.
Peak Oil? 'Far Too Much' Oil to Prevent Severe Climate Change
Confirming an earlier Dept. of Energy report, the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook indicates not only that U.S. oil production will surpass Saudi Arabia's by 2020, but that it will be a net exporter by 2030 - thanks to fracking.
Retrofitting Buildings in Bulk
Emily Badger looks at how a simple idea in energy retrofitting can be tailored to work for the largely untapped market of small to mid-size commercial properties.
What Are People Saying About Your Building Online?
Andrew Michler gives an overview of a brand new social networking platform that could reshape how we evaluate and compare buildings.
What's Wrong with the "Green" Design Revolution
In an interview with the British inventor James Dyson, Ben Schiller discusses the future of engineering and design in America and the fallacies behind much "green" design.
Study Confirms Environmental Benefits of Adaptive Reuse
Sarah Laskow reports on a new study from the National Trust for Historic Preservation that confirms and quantifies the adage that reuse of a historic building is more sustainable than LEED certified new construction.
Is Energy Efficiency the New Granite Countertop?
John McIlwain explores the market for energy efficient housing, and finds growth across the country.
Your Prius Won't Save You
In his new book, The Conundrum, David Owen pierces the magical thinking that has repackaged high-end luxury goods, such as hybrid cars, as virtuous and the idea that we can consume our way out of trouble.
First Look at Cornell's Winning $2 Billion Tech Campus
New details and a visualization from Cornell University's winning proposal to create a "game-changing" applied sciences and technology campus on New York's Roosevelt Island.
Why Developers are Getting Into Energy Efficiency and Power Generation
As utilities and energy companies move towards distributed power, building owners, businesses, and developers are seeing the possibilities.
How Energy Efficient are the World's Tallest Buildings?
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai has one of the world's largest condensate recovery systems that diverts and reuses water from air conditioning. One World Trade Center in New York will use 30% less water and 20% less energy.
Are Americans Ready to Live in Smaller Homes?
As the world population reaches 7 billion some U.S. builders are working on smaller, compact homes.
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.
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
