New York regulators recommend charging infrastructure plan expected to deliver $2.6B in net benefits

The program will also cover up to 90% of costs for "make-ready" charging stations to lower cost barriers for developers.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2020

3 market shifts for intelligent buildings in 2020

This year will be the inflection point for decarbonization of buildings charioted by the business-relevant intelligent building solutions market.

By Casey Talon • Jan. 17, 2020

StreetLight Data ranks 100 metros in first climate impact index

The metro areas were ranked as the most low-impact based on vehicle miles traveled, bike and pedestrian commuting, and population density, among other metrics.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 16, 2020

Reps introduce TREES Act to expand urban canopies

The bill would create a grant program for free or reduced-cost tree planting services to lower energy costs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 16, 2020

Rising temperatures could increase injury deaths by 2,000 a year: study

If temperatures were to rise 1.5 °C above long-term averages​, the U.S. would see an uptick in traffic accidents and suicides, among other injury deaths, according to a new study.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 15, 2020

The US can still lead the race to make cities smarter and more sustainable

Through software, AI and Big Data, cities are transforming the way they generate electricity, deliver drinking water and build the clean transportation systems of the future.

By Maryrose Sylvester • Jan. 15, 2020

Seattle to transition city-owned buildings away from fossil fuels

The first round of building electrification plans are due this summer after an executive order from Mayor Jenny Durkan advancing a Green New Deal.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 10, 2020

4 startups accepted to NYC’s Circular City program

Aclima, Algramo, RanMarine USA and Sapient Industries will pilot products to map air quality, promote zero-waste products and drive energy efficiency.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 2, 2020

Sidewalk Labs pilot aims to improve recycling habits

The Clean Recycling Pilot in Toronto will identify and sort waste, then provide feedback to the public in a report on how they can do it better.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 8, 2020

California to enforce light bulb efficiency standards despite Trump reversal

The state's efficiency rules are a direct response to the Trump administration's rollbacks, which could cost $12 billion a year in lost energy savings by 2025. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 3, 2020

7 trends that will define smart cities in 2020

Cities are primed for big transformation, including scooter company consolidation, car-free zone planning and increased flying car investments.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 2, 2020

Automation makes it possible for cities to go green

Cities everywhere are embracing their role in the fight against climate change, and many are finding that technology is a powerful ally. 

By Srini Murali • Jan. 2, 2020

Kansas City, MO innovation officer to leave after 8 months on the job

The city's decision to close its innovation office for a new smart city strategy may raise concerns, though former CIO Bob Bennett assures "the sky is not falling."

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2019

Transportation & Climate Initiative sees 'overwhelming support' of cap-and-invest plan

More than 8,300 public comments regarding the plan were submitted from mid-December through February, with 91% of comments expressing support.

By Katie Pyzyk , Kristin Musulin • Updated March 2, 2020

48 mayors ask Congress for affordable housing support

The bipartisan group wrote a letter requesting that affordable housing legislation be included in any tax packages before 2020, which could spur 550,000 additional housing units. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 17, 2019

New York MTA to invest $1.1B for zero-emission bus fleet

The agency plans to eventually have a fleet of 500 electric buses, representing the largest procurement of EVs in North America. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 17, 2019

NYC passes bill requiring bird-friendly glass on buildings

The measure aims to reduce the 90,000 to 230,000 bird strike deaths in New York each year, with the country's bird population reaching a 29% decline since 1970. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 16, 2019

Google creates $4M fund for data-driven climate projects

The tech giant is also expanding its Environmental Insights Explorer tool to help more than 100 cities use data to plan and measure the impact of climate change. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 13, 2019

ASCE, mayors group create resilient infrastructure coalition

The partnership aims to break down barriers to action with practical action plans, sustainable infrastructure and untapped investments. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 13, 2019

Philly mayor signs laws to boost big building efficiency, phase out dirty fuel

Mayor Jim Kenney also updated the city's Energy Benchmarking Program, designed to understand energy use and "opportunities for change," according to a senior program manager.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 12, 2019

California governor encourages ‘100-day challenges’ to fight homelessness

Gov. Gavin Newsom said cities can access funding for homeless aid by setting and achieving short-term mitigation goals that could develop sustainable program models.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 9, 2019

Federal climate leadership could cut emissions 49%: report

America's Pledge said cities, states and businesses have led the way on climate action, but further emissions cuts need national leadership, too.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 9, 2019

Climate Leader of the Year: Calgary, Alberta

Over 100 oil and gas companies reside in the "energy city." Calgary welcomes these energy sources, but it's also driving prosperity with an in-depth Climate Resilience Strategy.

By Kristin Musulin • Dec. 9, 2019

City of the Year: Honolulu

On top of forging a path to aggressive emission reductions, Honolulu is infusing resilience in its housing, transportation and food sectors.

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 9, 2019

Disruptor of the Year: Sidewalk Labs

Alphabet-owned Sidewalk Labs is disrupting today's urban pain points with innovative, controversial solutions for its proposed futuristic smart city. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 9, 2019