Homebuilders are driving the momentum for green-certified homes.
It's getting easier to be green.
The U.S. Green Building Council has been certifying new construction commercial buildings under its rigorous "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" criteria, a.k.a. LEED, since 2000. The next frontier: a national certification standard for houses, called LEED for Homes. While only a handful of houses have received certification so far, about 700 homes are now awaiting LEED review, and another 700 are applying. Typical considerations in an environmentally-sensitive home are energy efficiency, indoor air quality, durability, and site impact. As the trend mounts for individual custom homes, larger builders are taking notice. Who knows? Entire neighborhoods could be next.
FULL STORY: Keeping It 'Green' With Panels and More
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions