The Global 100% Renewable Energy campaign is one voice encouraging cities to adopt entirely renewable sources of energy. It recommends decentralized energy systems like rooftop solar.
Despite federal inaction on climate in the United States, the global movement to rally cities toward renewable energy continues. David Hatch writes: "A compelling reason for cities to act is that urban environments generate an estimated 70 percent of the fossil-fuel-related emissions that contribute to climate change, the toolkit explains."
Global 100% Renewable Energy is one group pushing for an end to fossil fuels in cities. Its recent report compiles some relevant strategies. "For more than 300 cities worldwide, the elimination of fossil fuels already is a policy objective, the authors emphasize. Municipalities that have made the commitment include Frankfurt, Vancouver, Sydney, San Francisco and Copenhagen."
"The authors recommend policies that encourage 'decentralized' and 'inclusive' energy systems that allow households and neighbourhoods to generate small amounts of fuel for personal consumption and sell any excess for profit," according to Hatch. The report also emphasizes energy efficiency and waste reduction.
FULL STORY: Cities can go completely renewable — and here’s how
Rooftop Solar Hampered by New York City Fire Code
Requirements in the NYFD fire code make it costly and difficult to achieve the city’s solar installation goals.
California Could Drastically Cut Solar Incentives
Rooftop solar customers in California could face higher costs and reduced incentives if a proposed overhaul of the state's solar program is approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
Offshore Wind Zone Proposed for the East Coast
A "priority offshore wind zone" between Long Island and New Jersey could accelerate permits and help the industry gain a foothold in the United States.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
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
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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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.
