WorldChanging argues that more leadership from architects, landscape architects and planners is needed in a review of progress on Ed Mazria's 2030 Challenge, which calls for all buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030.
"As Ed Mazria and others have noted, the building sector accounts for some 50 percent of global C02 emissions (see earlier post on his plan). Mazria provided a vision for green building development. World Changing argues: "his message became a rallying cry that professional groups, politicians, designers and journalists could stand behind: If we want to fight emissions, we must fundamentally change the building sector, the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide." World Changing argues that the technology and tools already exist for making this vision happen, it's really just a matter of implementing on a wider scale.
World Changing argues for the importance of: new energy policies to encourage the inclusion of renewable energy components in buildings (so buildings can generate their own energy); greater involvement by designers in policy making through letter-writing, running for office, and working with local chapters of major design organizations; new continuing education focused on sustainability to dramatically change current practices among the design professions; and the active involvement of local designers in local zoning boards and government."
FULL STORY: Leadership Needed from Architects and Designers
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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.