Watch this amazing video … a poll on dozens of issues, and only small differences of opinion between educated and uneducated, male and female, religious or not, conservative or liberal ….
Maybe the press and politicians are misleading us into thinking there is great polarization in our community? I consider this poll to be some of the most encouraging news I’ve seen in a long while!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx1-TZ4O_1s
{ 0 comments }
Cities and developers across the globe recognize that they can increase asset value and attract business/people through sustainable development. Sustainable development includes improving esthetics, mobility, the environment, and energy systems. The US census determined that 80% of the population now lives in cites, up from 40% one hundred years ago. The Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program reports that approximately 50% of the buildings that will exist in 2030 have yet to be designed. This represents a tremendous opportunity to apply sustainable development concepts. Unless cities and developers are provided with alternatives to the current energy production, distribution, and supply system; fossil fuel energy consumption will surge by 34 quads while renewable sources increase by only 3 quads over the next 23 years . This continued emphasis on fossil fuels is expected to increase carbon emissions by over 2200 million metric tons over this same period. Through partnerships with private sector, universities, and governments; companies can finance, design, and build more efficient, smarter, and esthetically pleasing energy systems. Archimedes said “give me a lever long enough and I can move the world”. Cities and developers can provide this lever by integrating sustainable energy models and practices into community development and redevelopment projects. This includes efficient land use design, technology ready infrastructure, transit oriented development …
{ 8 comments }