Environment
Scandinavian Cities Top European Green City Index
In a study released by Siemens AG and The Economist Intelligence Unit, Copenhagen tops the list of the greenest cities in Europe (out of a pool of 30 cities that were considered).
Let It Snow (But Not in Russia)!
Citing street sweeping costs, Moscow's mayor has said the city may start seeding the clouds to reduce snowfall.
Wind Woes
A North Dakota man says he'll fight his city to keep his wind turbine.
Global Op-Ed Pleads for Deal on Climate Change
In the lead-up to the Copenhagen Conference on climate change, 56 newspapers worldwide have jointly published the same, urgent editorial, warning that the developed and developing nations must reach a deal on climate change.
LEED's Energy Problem
Two recent studies on the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certifications have found that many of the building's with the green certification are actually energy hogs. This piece from The Atlantic offers an explanation.
Danish Government Pushes Electric Cars With Envious Perks
But will they be enough to entice Danes to buy them? It may hinge on the availability of charging points and battery switching stations promised by "Better Place" of Palo Alto, CA and the Danish utility, Dong Energy.
New CEQA Guidelines for Greenhouse Gases
The Bay Area's air pollution regulatory agency may approve in January the nation's first guidelines to limit greenhouse gas emissions for new developments, but it would be up to local governments to enforce them.
Distilling the Best Practices for Sustainable City Planning
Planner Alex Aylett discusses the challenges municipalities face when trying to create a successful sustainability plan, and how to overcome them with a new toolkit that takes cues from New York City's PlaNYC.
How Many British Cyclists Would it Take to Power Your House?
In this clip from the BBC, 80 cyclists struggle to power a British household for one day.
And the Winners Are...
Kaid Benfield offers an overview of the winners of the EPA's 2009 national awards for smart growth achievement.
Planners vs Climate Change
This article says that planners ought to take on a larger role in advocating for greener technology and strategizing to end climate change.
Climate Change Skeptic Wins Down Under
Australia's liberal party has just elected a climate change skeptic as its new leader, which could prove to be a challenge to its carbon reduction.
Roofers vs. Landscapers
In a battle over contracts to build green roofs for Chicago's public buildings, landscapers have come out on top.
Conservation Legislation to Expire
Conservation legislation, which could end this year, has proven to make it easier for moderate income landowners to resist the temptations of development.
The Urban Dimensions of Climate Change
In the battle against climate change, cities will be even more important than we think, says Michael Mehaffy, managing director of the Sustasis Foundation. Research presented in Copenhagen shows that Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMTs) are only part of the story, and should not be considered in isolation from other factors.
UK Weighs Environmental Costs of Harnessing Tidal Power
The UK government is hoping to achieve part of it's renewable energy production mandate by harnessing the tidal power of its largest river. Opponents say the plan could destroy the river's ecosystem.
The Forgotten River of Kolkata
The Hooghly River runs right through Kolkata, India, but it remains largely behind the scenes and caved in by factories and industrial uses. Some voices are calling for the city to embrace its river and reorient itself around the amenity.
The $28 Trillion Question
A new report prepared for the insurance industry says that the rise of sea levels could cost port cities $28 trillion by 2050.
Canada Increasing Investment in Carbon Capture
The Canadian government said that it will invest millions in the third carbon capture and storage project in Alberta.
'Getting Religion' in Water Conservation
Since dealing with drought in the 80s and 90s, San Luis Obispo offers some inspiration for water conservation in California as the state struggles to get individuals to cut down on their use.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
