A region known more for carbon emissions strives to create a carbon-neutral city powered by renewable energy and designed to reduce overall energy demand.
"Construction is under way on what is being called the world's first carbon-neutral city, rising from a featureless sandy expanse near the Abu Dhabi airport. Green as the city is intended to be, some environmentalists have criticized the project for deflecting attention from ongoing unsustainable development in a region with few natural resources aside from oil.
The city called Masdar, Arabic for "source," will have 40,000 residents and be powered exclusively by the sun, wind and heat stored in the earth.
Project leaders are relying on future "green" innovations -- what project manager Amer Battikhi calls "jumps in technologies" -- to make the goal possible. For that reason, many of the solar fields planned for the city will be built near the end of the eight-year project.
A 10-megawatt solar farm was built first, however, to generate power for the first phase of construction. Planners are also using recycled steel and recycled concrete and hope to recycle and reuse all construction waste. Waste that can't be recycled is being collected in hopes that future technologies will allow it to be recycled.
Much of the city is being constructed on a platform, or pedestal. Above the pedestal will be pedestrian streets and a dense mix of businesses and homes. Below the pedestal, a fleet of nearly 3,000 electric vehicles called "personal rapid transit" pods will carry residents and visitors through the city.
Traditional cars will be barred from entering Masdar. Light rail will connect the city with the carbon-emitting world.
Water will be produced by solar-powered desalination and will be reused for irrigation. Even the dew will be collected for use."
FULL STORY: Oil-rich, high-living gulf nation creating first carbon-neutral city

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds
A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.
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 Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
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