Environment: Page 2

Opinion

The case for C-suite engagement on climate risk

Climate change is recognized as a potential threat to the bottom line. Your company's response to it could be a strategic driver of value.

By Peter Schultz, Brad Hurley and Andrew Eil • July 23, 2020

Construction begins on Pittsburgh International Airport microgrid

The microgrid will completely power PIT by next summer, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative among major U.S. airports.

By Chris Teale • July 23, 2020

Architecture firm reimagines NYC without cars

The Practice for Architecture and Urbanism unveiled a proposal for Manhattan to re-purpose its roadways, which make up 30% of the borough. 

By Cailin Crowe • July 22, 2020

High-income homes responsible for 25% more GHG: study

The carbon footprint of wealthy neighborhoods can be up to 15 times higher than lower-income areas, according to a new University of Michigan study.

By Jason Plautz • July 21, 2020

Biden outlines $2T plan to invest in renewables, electrification

Joe Biden said now is an "incredible opportunity" to recover from COVID-19 in a way that tackles climate change and creates jobs.

By Emma Penrod • July 15, 2020

15 states, DC collaborate on 100% electric truck sales by 2050

A memorandum of understanding gives states the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the California Air Resources Board's electric-truck sales rule. 

By S.L. Fuller • July 14, 2020

Deep Dive

Algal blooms to data boons: How 'smart lakes' improve water quality

New York's Lake George and Ohio's Lake Erie are among those to deploy sensors and IoT tech in an effort to monitor pollution, toxins and weather.

By Chris Teale • July 13, 2020

Boston residents of color more likely to live by high-polluting roads

Fifty-four percent of Latino residents, 45% of Black residents and 47% of Asian residents live in high-polluted areas, exacerbating health issues that can increase COVID-19 vulnerability.

By Cailin Crowe • July 10, 2020

House Dems propose net-zero emissions by 2050

The climate proposal urges building, transportation and industrial electrification, and notably does not call for an end to natural gas fracking.

By Catherine Morehouse • July 01, 2020

Opinion

3 ways smart cities can improve air quality

With urbanites expressing a renewed interest in air quality improvement amid the coronavirus, cities may find themselves in need of better data to base policy decisions.

By Grant Samms • June 25, 2020

10 examples of building performance standards: ACEEE

A white paper from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calls on jurisdictions globally to explore mandatory building performance standards to effectively meet long-term climate goals.

By Kristin Musulin • June 23, 2020

Opinion

5 focal points needed to develop a smart city

Given the pace at which new technology is overtaking social infrastructure, cities must "up their game" with a greater sense of focus and urgency. 

By Clint Vince and Jennifer Morrissey • June 18, 2020

Lyft pledges all-EV fleet by 2030

The ride-hailing company said it would work with drivers to transition their cars to electric vehicles, a move it called a "radical shift in strategy."

By Chris Teale • June 18, 2020

Santa Monica, CA to pilot zero emissions delivery zone

Local leaders said the pilot program in the city's downtown commercial core will help them achieve ambitious emissions goals by 2028.

By Chris Teale • June 17, 2020

Cleantech incubator Greentown Labs expands to Houston

The incubator will offer testing space to early stage, climate-focused companies in an effort to make Houston the "energy transition capital of the world." 

By Chris Teale • June 17, 2020

California crafts pilot program to reduce building emissions

The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development program will be rolled out in the second quarter of 2021, with the first two years of incentives reserved for developers of low-income residential housing. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 16, 2020

Chicago sustainability officer to marry racial equity, climate goals

Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Angela Tovar to help the city reach its 2025 climate goals through the prioritization of racial equity, environmental justice and economic inclusivity.

By Cailin Crowe • June 15, 2020

10% drop in cities' VMT could reap major climate benefits: report

COVID-19 presents a "window of opportunity" for cities to mitigate transportation's impact on climate, StreetLight Data's Martin Morzynski said. A small reduction in VMT is one place to start.

By Chris Teale • June 11, 2020

Bank of America issues $250K tree-planting grant to 4 cities

The funding will support green infrastructure projects across low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in St. Louis; Durham, NC; Cleveland; and Nashville, TN.

By Chris Teale • June 10, 2020

Trump orders federal agencies to waive environmental regulations

The order does away with agencies' responsibility to abide by regulations established under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act to speed up public works projects that will create jobs.

By Kim Slowey • June 09, 2020

Opinion

Missouri cities shine on the national climate action stage

While coastal cities typically drive climate action, Kansas City and St. Louis are demonstrating what Heartland cities are capable of in the fight against climate change.

By Ashok Gupta • June 08, 2020

Water associations urge EPA to expedite PFAS regulation

The National Groundwater Association and eight other water groups sent a letter to the EPA with recommendations to efficiently regulate contaminants, including PFOA and PFOS.

By Kristin Musulin • June 05, 2020

Groups urge $22B in federal clean energy investment as sector job losses top 600K

In a letter to Congressional leaders, dozens of companies and advocacy groups proposed $22 billion in spending over five years to improve the safety, energy efficiency and resilience of critical public facilities.

By Robert Walton • June 03, 2020

Montreal tree inventory project adapts to COVID-19 limitations

With field work suspended, researchers at Concordia University are asking residents of the surrounding neighborhood to survey their own private trees. 

By Chris Teale • June 03, 2020

Massachusetts hopes 'localized approach' to GHG inventory can spread

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council rolled out tools for local communities to collect and track emissions data, something officials believe could be replicated in other regions.

By Chris Teale • June 02, 2020