Environment
Technology Helping to Encourage Sustainable Design
Three-dimensional "intelligent models" are helping to build high-profile projects around the world that embrace sustainable design.
Boston Adds Solar Powered Trash Cans
The City of Boston is in the process of adding solar powered trash cans in its downtown. Despite early confusion from pedestrians, Mayor Tom Menino praises them for their cleanliness and ability to save on labor costs.
Top-Down Greening In The Urban Core
Can cities get back in touch with nature? Planners, developers, architects, and policy makers convened in Los Angeles June 7 to face the challenge and develop a plan of action to help bring life onto the rooftops of L.A.'s downtown.
Hot L.A. Nights Caused By Urban Heat Island Effect
Climatologists blame the urban 'heat island' effect for a rise in Southern California's average evening temperatures, which have hit record highs in recent days.
The Experimental Home
A new, sustainably-built home seeks produce as much energy as it consumes.
Understanding the Scientific Consensus on Global Warming
Naomi Oreskes, history of science professor at UC San Diego, on why there are a "handful of scientists" that reject the evidence that humans contribute to global warming.
The Case For Municipal Solid Waste Management
Altoona, Pennsylvania, is proposing to replace its current private trash collection system with a municipal single-hauler contract to help combat blight, but opponents say that the city is removing consumer choice.
Duany In Edinburgh
While working on plans for a new town in Inverness, Scotland, famed architect and town planner Andres Duany has assured critics and supporters alike that whatever is planned for Moray Estates will not resemble Seaside.
Free-Transit On 'Bad Air Days" Popular, But Funds Exhausted
"Spare the Air" is a program operated by the Bay Area's air district to encourage use of public transit on 'bad air' days. They funded 3 "free transit" days to accompany the warnings. Ridership increased greatly but funding is exhausted too soon.
Bay Area Ends Free Transit Experiment
A popular and successful experiment to boost ridership on 26 Bay Area transit systems on designated "Spare the Air" days ends due to lack of funding, while some believe the plan may have been good for the local economy.
Protecting Wildlife, One Yard At A Time
Some homeowners are using their backyards as habitat for wildlife, providing food, water, shelter and a place to rear offspring for a variety of creatures.
U.S. Vehicle Emit Half Of World Fleet's Carbon Dioxide
The U.S. has 30% of the world's motor vehicle fleet but accounts for almost half of the world's greenhouse gases emitted from motor vehicles. Small cars, not SUVs, are the greatest source. GM vehicles are responsible for 1/3 of these emissions.
The Greening Of Wal-Mart
A recent environmental strategy meeting at Wal-Mart headquarters was attended by a host of eco-celebrities, including Al Gore, and serves as another signal that the company is serious about improving its green credentials.
Housing That's Green And Affordable
AIA "Show You're Green" Award Honors Innovators in Affordable Green Housing
Brad Pitt Engages In New Orleans Rebuilding Effort
Brad Pitt, known mostly for his acting, has recently taken on the challenge of rebuilding an environmentally sustainable New Orleans.
Museum Exhibit Provides Green Building Advice
Ethan Goffman profiles the "Green House" exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Green Building Technologies Becoming More Affordable
The availability of green building technologies has been steadily increasing to the point of affordability. Some high-profile projects are setting the stage for broader acceptance and use.
New York City's Water Quality Threatened
After a century of enjoying clean water from the tap, the city's may need to start filtering its water supply.
Green Roofs Taking Root In The U.S.
Vegetation covered roofs, which help save energy and reduce runoff, are sprouting up in major cities across North America.
The Most Polluted Places In America – National Parks?
California's Central Valley is known to be one of the most polluted areas in U.S., but few know that the two national parks above the Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, actually have higher ozone concentrations than the flatlands below.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
