Policy: What policy innovations can help cities and communities build for the future and adapt to a changing planet?

Ideas answering this question

Farming in the City

Minnesota 2020

You might easily confuse the sound of a farm-tiller with that of a lawn-mower this spring season. That’s because ... more ...

Agriculture, Business, Green Communities, Green Living, Policy, Smart Cities

Where are the (Green) Jobs?

Planet Forward

This is a full panel recording from the GW Moving the Planet Forward Conference. See highlights from this panel here. ... more ...

Business, Education, Green Communities, Innovation Summit

Shining Cities: Sustainability Starts at Home

Planet Forward

Full panel recording from the GW Moving the Planet Forward Conference. See highlights from this panel here. As ... more ...

Green Cities, Green Communities, Innovation Summit, Smart Cities

Three City Mayors Discuss Sustainability

Planet Forward

As international treaties and federal policy-making stall, cities are taking the initiative, fostering innovation and ... more ...

No Child Left Inside

Minnesota 2020

Some Minnesota K-12 schools emphasize environmental education on their own, yet shrinking state aid has made field trips ... more ...

Climate Change, Education, Green Communities, Policy

How Biomass Crops Will Benefit Conservation Practices, Job Creation and Energy Security

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Using biomass fuels in place of oil and gasoline will help us reduce our dependence on oil and improve our own energy ... more ...

Biofuels, Policy, Renewable Energy

Urban Agriculture: Growing Food in Expanding Cities

UNSW Australia

How we use urban land is shaping up as one of the biggest dilemmas of the 21st Century. A booming population needs to be ... more ...

Agriculture, Green Cities, Green Communities, Policy, Smart Cities

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Budget for FY 2013

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Strong policies put in place to help spur investments in clean and renewable energy will help the United States lower ... more ...

Policy, Renewable Energy

Living Green Expo

Minnesota 2020

The Living Green Expo seeks to turn values into actions to achieve the highest quality natural environment for ... more ...

Electric Cars, Green Living, GreenGov, Policy, Public Transportation

Free Standing Solar Air Heater

Non Encrypted

The cost of solar home heaters is equal, if not cheaper, than traditional central furnaces that run on natural gas, ... more ...

Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Living, Renewable Energy, Solar

Property Owners At The Energy Savings Forefront

Cisco DeVries, President of Renewable Funding, states that the company’s goal which is to help property owners, ... more ...

Business, Efficiency, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Solar

Seven Billion and Counting

UNSW Australia

With 7 billion mouths to feed–and many more to come–how will our cities, economies, health systems and ... more ...

Adaptation, Agriculture, Climate Change, Health, Policy, Renewable Energy, Solar, Water

New York University: The “Silver Buckshot” Approach

Jeremy Friedman

New York University's high-efficiency cogeneration power plant and free bike-sharing program are both part of their ... more ...

Activism, Biking, Campus Sustainability, Climate Leadership Awards, Education, Efficiency, Green Communities, Solar, Transportation

The University of California: A Living Laboratory for Climate Action and Sustainability Solutions

Matt St.Clair

The University of California system has already earned 87 LEED certifications and is saving $32 million annually on its ... more ...

Climate Change, Climate Leadership Awards, Efficiency, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Renewable Energy, Solar

Streets Light Up in Minneapolis‬

Minnesota 2020

Streetlights cost millions of dollars every year in energy bills and equipment upkeep. A new neighborhood initiative in ... more ...

Clean Tech, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Communities

‪Efficient Home Energy‬

Minnesota 2020

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, there's a team hard at work retrofitting homes with the latest in energy efficient solutions. ... more ...

Efficiency, Green Communities, Green Living, Policy, Water

Infill Development: A Smarter Way to Growth

Meea Kang, President of the California Infill Builders Association and Principal at Domus Development discusses best ... more ...

Business, Climate Change, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Policy

Danny Kennedy: How Local Governments can Help Rooftop Solar

Danny Kennedy of Sungevity says that his company spends as much time working through the permitting process as they do ... more ...

Clean Tech, Climate Change, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Policy, Renewable Energy, Solar

Susquehanna Sourcewater Early Warning System

Better communication is helping communities become more resilient to disasters. The Susquehanna River Basin provides ... more ...

Adaptation, Green Communities, Policy, Water

Controlling Light Pollution

National Science Foundation

New measurements of the NSF-funded Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Ariz., show that sky brightness has ... more ...

Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Science

Toward a Low Energy Computer: Efficient Caches

National Science Foundation

In an NSF-sponsored project, computer scientists at the University of Utah have developed techniques to reduce the ... more ...

Adaptation, Business, Clean Tech, Colleges and Universities, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Communities, Green Living, Science

Polymers for Stronger, More Efficient Solar Cells

National Science Foundation

Science at work! NSF-funded engineers have found a way to make solar cells with plastics in a cheaper, more ... more ...

Clean Tech, Engineering, Science, Solar

The Evolution of American Oil Dependency

United States Energy and Security Council

Who better to discuss the evolution of American oil prices than the former president of Shell Oil? John Hofmeister ... more ...

Adaptation, Efficiency, Green Living, Natural Gas, Renewable Energy

Former CIA Director James Woolsey on Refueling our Vehicles

United States Energy and Security Council

Are flex-fuel cars the future? Former CIA Director James Woolsey proposes that we "do like the Brazilians do." See why ... more ...

Adaptation, Biofuels, Efficiency, Green Living, Natural Gas, Renewable Energy

Green Roofs: Reflecting Light and Radiating Cool

National Science Foundation

A new study indicates that painting building roofs white could significantly cool cities and mitigate some of the ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Science

A Human’s Place

William Wheeler

If we did not have human beings, we would not have any problems. Nature will keep itself in balance at all times. The ... more ...

Activism, Green Living

A Brisk Bike Commute Through DC

Will you be seeing these bikes on your streets soon? DC's Bikeshare program has added 1100 bicycles to DC's streets. ... more ...

Adaptation, Biking, Green Living, Solar, Transportation

Avon: Making Beauty Sustainable

Can beauty save the rainforest? Susan Arnot of Avon talks about their programs to stop deforestation using less paper ... more ...

Adaptation, Business, Education, Green Communities

Using Insulation for Greater Energy Efficiency

Paul Bertram of Kingspan discusses their work in the area of insulation and how it can improve the energy efficiency of ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Business, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living

US Department of Labor Rep: Green Jobs are Everywhere

Jane Oates from Department of Labor is working to create jobs for Americans all over the country. Where are they ... more ...

Adaptation, Clean Tech, Climate Change, Economics, Green Living

Cameroonian Farmers Model Effective Resource Management

National Science Foundation

Counter to conventional wisdom, rural communities demonstrate that self-regulated, community-based resource management ... more ...

Adaptation, Agriculture, Green Communities, Green Living, Science

Making Businesses More Aware of their Carbon Footprint

If consumers are more aware of the carbon footprint of their products, will they make better choices? Mike Bellamente of ... more ...

Adaptation, Business, Climate Change

Crab Shells Clean Acid Mine Drainage

National Science Foundation

Engineers at the Pennsylvania State University have found crab-shell chitin effectively raises acidity (pH) levels and ... more ...

Adaptation, Campus Sustainability, Colleges and Universities, Education, Engineering, Green Communities, Science

Greening Our Cities with Building Materials

American Society of Landscape Architects

What should we do with that old building? Turn it into a park! Traditional ways of constructing buildings create ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, GreenGov, Policy

Using Natural Landscapes to Manage Stormwater

TheWildernessSociety

Climate change is happening all around us – see how we can prepare our communities and wild places like forests ... more ...

Adaptation, Climate Change, Economics, Green Communities, Green Living

The CCNY Roofpod: An Eco-Conscious Investment Opportunity

Team New York Solar Decathlon

The Roofpod is more than just a house, more than an energy source or a garden; it is a piece of urban infrastructure, ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Clean Tech, Economics, Education, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Decathlon, Water

Bohemian Roof City: Team New York Builds for the Solar Decathlon

Team New York Solar Decathlon

The Solar Roofpod is a “penthouse with a purpose,” designed to respond to the market for economical new housing in ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Clean Tech, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Renewable Energy, Solar, Solar Decathlon

Community Farms Foster Food Security and Tap Public Space

If each community is self-sufficient in one staple – oil (e.g. avocado, macadamia, olive, canola, non-pungent ... more ...

Adaptation, Agriculture, Climate Change, Green Communities, Green Living

Michigan Engineering Builds Hand-Woven Wind Turbines in Guatemala

University of Michigan College of Engineering

University of Michigan BLUElab engineering students develop a wind turbine in a Guatemalan village using only locally ... more ...

Activism, Adaptation, Clean Tech, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Renewable Energy, Science, Wind

C40 Special Advisor: Data Key to Fighting Climate Change

C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

The C40 Cities Climate Leadership group recently held its global Mayors Summit in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event hosts ... more ...

Business, Climate Change, Green Communities, GreenGov, Policy

From Industrial Wasteland to Community Park

American Society of Landscape Architects

What should we do with that old building? Turn it into a park! From the American Society of Landscape Architects ... more ...

Architecture, Climate Change, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Health

The Climate-Friendly Gardener: Today the Backyard, Tomorrow the Nation

Union of Concerned Scientists

Smart gardening practices can reduce global warming emissions. The Union of Concerned Scientists visits Eden Place in ... more ...

Adaptation, Agriculture, Climate Change, Education, Efficiency, Green Communities, Green Living

Revitalizing City Communities with Parks

American Society of Landscape Architects

Here's a simple idea to create more parks: retrofit a parking lot. Check out this latest animation from the American ... more ...

Architecture, Art, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Health, Music

The Climate-Friendly Gardener: Urban Trees

Union of Concerned Scientists

Trees and shrubs help combat global warming by storing carbon and reducing energy use. The Union of Concerned Scientists ... more ...

Adaptation, Agriculture, Climate Change, Education, Efficiency, Green Communities, Green Living

LED Technology Set to Enlighten Home Energy Consumers

In “The Light Bulb Ban,” energyNOW! correspondent Lee Patrick Sullivan visits the Lightfair International trade show in ... more ...

Business, Clean Tech, Efficiency, Policy

Despite Health Concerns, Bisphenol-A Unregulated in U.S.

Assignment Earth

The Centers for Disease Control says 93% of us have Bisphenol-A in our bodies. From the linings of food and soda cans to ... more ...

Activism, Green Communities, Green Living, Health, Policy

Greensburg: A Model to Rebuild From Catastrophes

In the wake of the Joplin, Missouri tornado, Greensburg provides hope for rebuilding not just successfully, but ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Clean Tech, Climate Change, Economics, Efficiency, Engineering, Geothermal, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living, Natural Disasters, Renewable Energy, Science, Solar, Wind

Bike to Work!

Susanna, PF Web Maven

Bike to Work Day is a nation-wide cycling event that attracted one million people in cities across the country last ... more ...

Biking, Green Living, Transportation

Thomashow: Schools Head Climate Change Discussion

Second Nature

Unity College president Mitch Thomashow promotes the use of higher education and social networks in calling attention to ... more ...

Campus Sustainability, Climate Change, Education, Policy

Greening the Academy: Making Higher Education More Sustainable

Second Nature

Question: Who do university presidents turn to for thoughts on sustainability? Frank Sesno of course. Our host will ... more ...

Adaptation, Campus Sustainability, Climate Change, Education, Policy

A Little Friendly Competition

Laura DiMugno

http://keepitgreenblog.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/a-little-friendly-competition/ For years, renewable energy advocates in ... more ...

Clean Tech, Climate Change, GreenGov, International Climate Negotiations, Policy, Renewable Energy

Ending the Environment Vs. Economy Match-Up

Laura DiMugno

http://keepitgreenblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/money-over-matter-poll-finds-americans-value-economy-over-environment/ A ... more ...

Clean Tech, Economics, GreenGov, Policy, Renewable Energy

Efficiency Blueprint

Gerard D. Manogin

Homeowners in the Oxford/University community in Mississippi are making a change in their lives by building green.
more

Efficiency, Green Building, Green Living, Renewable Energy

Building Co. Buries Energy Consumption

Larry Williamson

The EarthCo Megablock process maximizes energy and resource efficiency to turn local earth into strong, affordable, ... more ...

Adaptation, Architecture, Business, Climate Change, Efficiency, Green Building, Green Communities, Green Living

Sustainable Transport in Oxford, Miss.

This video looks at the sustainability issues that the city of Oxford, Miss., Pathway’s Commission are trying to ... more ...

Activism, Adaptation, Biking, Clean Tech, Education, Efficiency, Electric Cars, Green Communities, Green Living, GreenGov, Policy, Public Transportation, Science, Transportation

Alternative: Don’t Fuel the Oil Fire

I suggest that we as a nation move away from our current oil mind-set, and not fight the enemy, as your article on ... more ...

Adaptation, Clean Tech, Economics, Policy, Renewable Energy

Painting Their Faces Green

Hannah Chalker

More recycling bins in the Grove – there is actually a major demand for recycling in the Grove. Director of ... more ...

Green Communities, Green Living, Policy

Ole Miss Energy Grids Get Smart

Sarah Cummings

SmartSynch SmartMeters wireless monitor energy usage data, allowing Ole Miss to track its energy usage in real-time and ... more ...

Adaptation, Business, Campus Sustainability, Clean Tech, Education, Efficiency, Engineering, Green Building, Green Communities, Science

Every city can involve the existing resources of their community to implement the most appropriate changes for their unique community.

Julie McQuade

Every city and community is unique. It is unique in environmental conditions, culture and heritage, and in its people. ... more ...

Activism, Adaptation, Climate Change, Green Communities, Policy

“Readiness Matrix” to Develop Better Adaptation Strategies

Planet Forward

Ken Hersh, CEO of NGP Energy Capital Management, discusses the “Readiness Matrix,” a metric that can be used ... more ...

Adaptation, Climate Change

We Need to Take Action Now to Address Climate Change

Everyone has a stake in this problem, and there are already many solutions addressing climate change. We need to make ... more ...

Adaptation, Climate Change

Green Roofs – Science Nation

National Science Foundation

Ingenuity sprouting from the rooftops. The rooftops of Manhattan are as varied as the city itself. A glance at the city ... more ...

Agriculture, Science

Wet and Dry in Mauritius

A short documentary addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources in Mauritius, an island in the Western ... more ...

Adaptation, Climate Change, Water

Promote Community-Focused Sustainability Efforts to Bring People Together

Imagine if every city, county, state, nation, stepped back and took another look at what was important. What if we ... more ...

Activism, Adaptation, Education, Green Communities, Green Living, Solar

Hardest hit: Survival strategies from the frontlines of climate change

Oxfam America

According to a new report from Oxfam, the deadly combination of our broken food system and climate change are now ... more ...

Activism, Agriculture, Architecture, Green Building

Sea Walls

Assignment Earth

Jack Ekstorm as been surfing California Beaches for over 60 years. He’s lived on a beautiful ocean bluff since he bought ... more ...

Activism, Clean Tech