Building green isn't just a matter of construction and design -- we must change our entire way of thinking.
"Green building is no different, except most of us don't realize that we need to start doing the right thing now. Like the Chinese proverb says, 'If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed'...And at the current rate we design, build and operate our buildings, we are headed for unknown territory that could very well mean big changes for all of us.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has done studies on the impacts of buildings in our environment. Its Buildings Energy Data Book states that buildings use: 39 percent of total energy in the United States; 72 percent of all electricity; 12 percent of all potable water, which accounts for 15 trillion gallons per year; and 40 percent of raw materials globally."
FULL STORY: The value of green
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie