As utilities and energy companies move towards distributed power, building owners, businesses, and developers are seeing the possibilities.
A recent Urban Land Institute panel brought utilities, energy technology firms and developers together to discuss. Gregg Ander, an architect with Southern California Edison, explained the shift in how the utilities are looking at energy efficiency:
"...we now have this endeavor we're calling Office of the Future. I wanted to look very specifically at this market segment Class A, double Class AB, etc. (...) The federal building on 1100 Wilshire: it's operated by the federal GSA and occupied by the FBI, but it's looking very specifically at advanced lighting, lamps, balance control systems, and plug loads. This particular one gained about a 53% savings grade, and the quality was way better."
Thanks to Kevin Madden
FULL STORY: Energy as Driver of Value: Energy Efficiency and Power Generation Increasingly Relevant to Developers
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Using Machine Learning to Optimize Utility Management
Discover how machine learning optimizes city utility management for enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Massachusetts Moves Toward Decarbonization
The state developed a framework for planning to phase out natural gas, denying industry calls to allow hydrogen and renewable natural gas.
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
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie