The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians recently got advice from a sustainability consultant on ways the tribe could cut their energy use be more sustainable.
Erin Evans, a Climate Corps Fellows with the Environmental Defense Fund, is performing energy audits on tribal buildings:
Scott McKie B.P. talked with Evans about the outcome:
"At the end of these audits, recommendations are given on how to help improve the energy consumption and what the payback period for making these improvements would be as well as the overall energy and monetary savings that can achieved," said Evans. "These include anything from lighting upgrades, adding light sensors to rooms to ensure lights are turned off when unoccupied, and it also works with the HVAC units to put them on a timer and reduce the amount of energy and electricity expenses at these buildings."
FULL STORY: Tribe saving Energy, cutting Costs with Lights
Extraction on Tribal Lands Contributes to State Coffers
A recent investigation reveals that profits from oil, grazing, and other uses on state-managed tribal lands are funding off-reservation public institutions.
Last Dam in Klamath River Removal Project Comes Down
Salmon can now move freely along the river and its tributaries for the first time in over a century.
Federal Affordable Housing Grants Awarded to Native Communities
The Indian Housing Block Grant program supports affordable housing efforts in Native American and Native Alaskan communities, which face some of the nation’s highest poverty rates and housing shortages.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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