Green

Are Electric Cars Any Greener Than Conventional Ones?

As substantial state and federal subsidies for electric cars continue, and the number of vehicles on America's roads climbs, a new article is raising questions about their environmental benefits over conventional cars.

July 3, 2013 - DC.Streetsblog

An 'Earth Friendly' Parking Garage in Chicago Begs the Question: What is 'Green'?

With wind turbines, a "daylighting" system, and charging stations for electric cars, Chicago's Greenway Self-Park bills itself as the city's first "earth friendly parking garage." John Greenfield asks, can a downtown garage truly be eco-friendly?

October 25, 2012 - Grid Chicago

Best Smart Growth Projects in America

This year, the Environmental Protection Agency looked at "articulate" city plans that aimed for a more sustainable future. There were five plans across that nation that were awarded for "achievement in smart growth."

December 1, 2011 - The Atlantic Cities

Sustainability and Affordability Don't Always Go Hand in Hand

Op-ed columnist Andrew Ross notes that while some progressive cities are being lauded for sustainable, green design, most American cities struggle to achieve sustainable results that are available to all residents.

November 8, 2011 - The New York Times

Stadiums Get Sustainable

Many sport agencies are realizing the benefits of going green. John McHale Jr., executive vice president at M.L.B. said “just because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean you can’t do something.” Many others are doing their part to help as well.

October 27, 2011 - The New York Times

Illinois Pairs With Zipcar

Zipcar is a car sharing service based in Cambridge, Mass. The program allows you access to a car for either several hours or the whole day. Illinois contracted with the company giving its state employees access to nearly 500 vehicles.

October 26, 2011 - Chicago Tribune

'Mythbusters' Solve Car vs. Motorcycle Myth

In a recent episode of The Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters," hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman concluded that cars are a greener mode of transportation than motorcycles.

October 14, 2011 - The New York Times

U.S. Solar Industry Fights to Keep Alive a Federal Incentive Program

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is fighting with Congress to extend a popular federal incentive program. Set to end on December 31 this year, the group states that the program could create 37,400 more jobs and add nearly 500 megawatt.

October 14, 2011 - Forbes

Masdar City Promotes Its Green Cred to Businesses

At the European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) 2011, Masdar City displayed business opportunities to companies in renewable energy and clean technology as well as service providers in that industry.

October 11, 2011 - AME Info

First Community To Offer Government-Sponsored Bike Sharing System

In Washington, D.C., Capital Bikeshare just celebrated its "1st Birthday Bash" according to Coleen Gentles.

October 5, 2011 - City Parks Blog

Five State Capitals Chosen by EPA for Greening Efforts

The Environmental Protection Agency has named five state capitals as its first group of cities in a new effort called Greening America's Capitals.

September 12, 2010 - Reuters

Stealth Solar is Slowly Transforming Downtown Portland

In Portland, two examples of how stealthy implementation of solar-powered technology is changing the rhythm of daily life.

September 2, 2010 - EnzymePDX.com

Can This Desert Oasis Project Actually Be Green?

This piece from Fast Company Design looks at plans for an eco-conscious-yet-inappropriately lush desert development being planned in Oman, and wonders whether a project so out of place will actually work.

August 27, 2010 - Fast Company Design

Sustainable Sites Initiative: A New Stand-alone Rating System

The National Building Museum recently held a session on Sustainable Sites Initiative, which outlines voluntary guidelines for sustainable practices.

June 20, 2009 - THE DIRT

Neighbors Team Up To Build Community Garden

Residents in an Oxnard neighborhood install a community garden which will provide them with fruits and vegetables.

June 16, 2009 - Ventura County Star

The "Greenest" Consumers

Consumers in India, Brazil, and China scored the highest (and those in the U.S. the lowest) in a survey conducted by National Geographic and Globescan for green behavior.

June 2, 2009 - THE DIRT

The Greenest City Mayors

Grist lists the top 15 green-leaning mayors in America.

May 5, 2009 - Grist

Canada's Top Green Cities

Green Living magazine gives kudos to Canada's leading cities in terms of energy, water, density and bike-friendliness.

April 18, 2009 - Green Living

Top 10 Trends in Green Transportation

Inhabitat selects their top 10, ranging from DIY bicycles to the fall of the S.U.V. Notably, transit is barely mentioned.

January 2, 2009 - Inhabitat

Beyond the Backyard Garden: Urban Agriculture

Thanks to industrialized agriculture, there’s a wide gulf between those who produce food and those who consume it. Too many city-dwellers lack access to nutritious, non-processed foods. Dave Steel thinks that urban agriculture is the key.

June 11, 2008 - The Next American City

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.