Energy
Biggest Environmental News of the Year
Grist runs down the ten most important environmental news stories of the year.
Could Terrorists Take Down the Power Grid?
Reports to Congress have suggested a terrorist attack on a minor substation could knock out the whole grid. An infrastructure expert says, "That's a bunch of hooey."
China Enters U.S. Wind Market, Drawing Criticism
Chinese wind-turbine manufacturers are making a push into the U.S. market. Some say the move will create green jobs and foster growth, while others worry it threatens America's still-developing industry.
India Plans 24 'Green' Cities
India, in partnership with Japan, is planning to build 24 "green" cities along a corridor between the major urban areas of Delhi and Mumbai.
Who's That Delivering Your Package?
A student idea brought to life, bring.BUDDY is a smartphone app that connects packages that need to be delivered with people who are already headed in that direction. The volunteer deliverers earn points for transit and other goodies.
New LEED Draft Singles Out 'Location and Transportation'
A draft of new LEED requirements has been released for public comment, and it includes a new category that accounts for location and accessibility.
Long Topped By AC, DC is Key to Renewable Energy
Alternating current (AC) beat out direct current (DC) because it worked well over short distances. But direct current is significantly easier to control on a smart grid and travels better, says Herman J. Trabish.
Renewable Energy A'Plenty On New Ellis Island Ferry
Billed as the world's first hybrid ferry, the new ships will run on a combination of wind, solar and hydrogen power (and diesel in a pinch). Service begins in April 2011.
'Urbanism Is the Most Cost-Effective Solution to Climate Change,' says Calthorpe
Phil Langdon reviews Peter Calthorpe's latest, called 'Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change'. Langdon says it is "a densely packed, yet concise overview of the troubling situation we all find ourselves in."
Could China Set New Standards for Coal Mining?
The Atlantic's James Fallows and Alexis Madrigal fly over Virginia & Kentucky to see first hand how mining effects the land, both in the U.S. and more importantly in China, where they're developing greener techniques for mining.
Top 10 Books - 2011
Planetizen is pleased to release its ninth annual list of the ten best books in urban planning, design and development published in 2010. This year's selection includes some big names, some big ideas -- and a book called "Toilet."
Making Space for Solar Power in Davis
The California city spent years cultivating an urban forest for shade and cooling benefits, which now presents a unique challenge to tapping the area's solar potential. A new company has a solution.
Unconventional Oil To Play Increasing Important Role
Conventional oil supplies peaked at about 70 million barrels a day in 2006 according to the IEA, and will hold steady until 2035. However demand, primarily from China, will require an increase of 20% in oil to be filled by 'unconventional' supplies.
Will California Be The Saudi Arabia Of Solar Power?
Federal incentives have set off a rush to get solar power plants permitted for the California deserts. Plants approved before January could cover a combined 53 square square miles. Clean energy fans are happy. Desert tortoises, not so much.
Peak Oil Coming Soon, Says Energy Exec
Charles Maxwell, a former energy executive who is now an analyst at Weeden & Co., says "peak oil" will drive oil prices to US$300 a barrel over the next decade.
The Miracle of Gas From Algae Isn't Panning Out
Last year, the idea that diesel fuel could be created using algae was all over the news. Unfortunately, the effort can only work on a very small scale that makes no sense, says Jonathan Marshall of PG&E.
Will Big Business Go Green On Its Own?
Peter Mithin asks if government should lead be creating and enforcing green building standards, or leading by example instead?
Environment and Clean Energy Not Behind GOP Surge
U.S. Environmentalists say that despite a Republican rout in the recent election, the rejection by voters of California's Prop. 23 (which would have suspended enviro regulation if unemployment was over 5.5%) shows that wasn't the issue.
Trouble in Masdar City
Kiran Stacy looks at some of the challenges facing what is intended to be the world's first carbon-neutral city.
Atlanta Goes Green
Mayor Kasim Reed unveiled a plan on Mondayto make Atlanta one of the "greenest" cities in the U.S.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
