A thought experiment compares the carbon impact of three new single family homes with the same block if it contained a duplex, a triplex, and a fourplex.
If it were legal everywhere, Michael Anderson writes, gentle density would confer massive carbon savings and ease the transition away from fossil fuels.
To illustrate, Anderson poses a thought experiment where three large new homes are constructed on one block, while a duplex, triplex, and fourplex are built on a site of the same size. "If we compare these two blocks after all the new homes are complete, the housing-related carbon emissions per household of the Plex Block will be about 20 percent lower," he writes.
It makes sense that smaller living spaces cost less carbon (and dollars) to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. And in the case of the McMansion, most of that space isn't even lived in.
Anderson also notes that when "missing middle" housing is permitted, the positive environmental effects extend to transportation. "This density effect is probably strongest if it's creating new options for living in a transit-rich, walkable area specifically for people who want to live a low-car life but couldn't previously afford that sort of neighborhood."
FULL STORY: A DUPLEX, A TRIPLEX AND A FOURPLEX CAN CUT A BLOCK’S CARBON IMPACT 20%
Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide
Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.
Texas Law Could Limit Local Control Over Zoning
If upheld, a Texas law would likely prevent cities from enacting zoning reform that would increase density or eliminate single-family-only zoning.
Decatur Moves Closer to Legalizing Duplexes, ‘Missing Middle Housing’
A proposal to permit multifamily housing units in areas previously zoned for single-family homes passed its first hurdle, but requires a second vote to go into effect.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
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Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.
Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.
Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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