Urban and Environmental Planning Final Exam Tim Beatley

RoCa3 Power Station (Netherlands)

A combined heat and power plant that uses efficient energy generation and industrial symbiosis. They produce heat and electricity for residential and industrial use. It reduces greenhouse emissions, is energy efficient, and has economic benefits.

Pier Into the Night (Gig Harbor, WA)

A community-focused event that brings attention to the fascinating underwater ecosystems of Puget Sound. Divers use an underwater video camera to live stream what they encounter below the surface in Gig Harbor—an example of connecting communities with ocean life. Raises awareness about protecting marine habitats and educates people.

Sponge Cities

A concept designed to address the urban challenges of water management, stormwater management, reducing flood risks, and providing environmental benefits. It includes the integration of green spaces, permeable surfaces, stormwater management systems, urban wetlands, and bodies of water.

Sewer Mining

A concept where municipal wastewater is pumped from a sewer and treated on-site to accommodate a range of local, non-potable water needs. It is a strategy for combating water scarcity. It combines decentralized wastewater management and methods to reuse the water.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

A device that converts wind energy into electrical energy. Do not require as much wind to generate power as horizontal, turbines. Closer to the ground, easier to maintain. Can be placed closer together and installed on rooftops. Less dangerous for birds and aircrafts.

P-22 Mountain Lion (Los Angeles)

A famous mountain lion who became well known for living in the mountains in Los Angeles. He was tracked using a GPS collar and was seen moving across long highways and around green spaces. His existence showed the need for urban wildlife crossings and green corridors to allow animals to move through cities safely.

Slow Money

A financial movement focused on aligning investments with sustainability, community development, and local food systems. The movement advocates for using money as a tool to support small-scale, sustainable, and local enterprises rather than prioritizing short-term financial gains. This movement promotes the idea of using money to preserve and restore.

Marion Fire Station (Marion, Iowa)

A fire station that is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy (solar panels on the roof), also water efficient and has water management systems using green infrastructure, and is built using sustainable materials to decrease carbon footprint. Located strategically to access main road quicker in case of emergency. Air quality systems are put in place, and windows to allow for natural light. Serves as a public space for people to learn about the fire department and engage with workers.

MOSE Project (Venice, Italy)

A flood defense system designed to protect Venice, Italy, and its lagoon from high tides, storm surges, and rising sea levels. Gates filled with air create a barrier against water to prevent flooding.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

A food distribution model that directly connects farmers with consumers through a partnership. Allows consumers to get fresh and high-quality food upfront from farmers. Emphasizes community engagement. CSAs operate using sustainable and regenerative farming practices, which benefit the environment. It helps promote urban agriculture and green spaces, reduce waste, and food security.

The 100-Mile Diet

A food movement and concept that emphasizes consuming food that is grown, raised, or produced within a 100-mile radius of where you live. This helps promote community engagement with local farmers. Promotes fresher foods and food security. It can help to reduce carbon footprints by minimizing food transportation.

Industrial Symbiosis

A framework in which industries within a network collaborate to use each other's byproducts, energy, water, and resources, creating mutual benefits while reducing waste and environmental impacts. It is efficient and has many economic benefits.

Slow Cities

A global movement that promotes a slower, more sustainable, supports local economies, has walkable cities, and a higher-quality way of life in urban areas. Traditions and traditional ways of doing things are valued. These cities stand up against the fast cities. Slow cities have less traffic, less noise, and fewer crowds.

Import Substitution/ Replacement

A government strategy that uses tariffs and other barriers on imports to stimulate domestic industries encourages local production for local consumption rather than production for export markets. Import substitutions are meant to generate employment, reduce foreign exchange demand, stimulate innovation, and make the country self-reliant in critical areas such as food, defense, and advanced technology.

Populus Hotel (Denver, CO)

A hotel that is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy (solar panels on the roof), also water efficient and has water management systems using green infrastructure, and is built using sustainable materials to decrease carbon footprint. Many windows to allow for natural lighting and green spaces. Has good indoor air quality. Is located near many bus lines and light rails. It is located in a busy area, so it's easy to walk to.

Jacob Javits Center (NYC)

A large convention center that holds public events. It uses bird-friendly glass and participates in lights out program, which has reduced the number of bird fatalities due to this building. It also uses green infrastructure, making them environmentally sustainable by being energy efficient (solar power), managing rainwater, and providing animal habitats.

Munger Hall, UCSD (mega-dorm)

A massive building living space that was in development could hold thousands of students but had almost no windows, so it was eventually abandoned due to criticism it faced about its lack of natural light and potential social isolation for students.

Community-Supported Art

A model that connects local artists directly with their communities. People purchase shares upfront, and in return, they receive a curated selection of original artworks created by local artists. Promotes local artist economies and encourages creativity.

Evergreen Cooperatives (Cleveland)

A network of worker-owned cooperatives established to promote economic inclusion, community wealth building, and sustainable business practices. They aim to revitalize economically distressed neighborhoods by creating stable, living-wage jobs and empowering workers through cooperative ownership. Keeps money flowing in communities that need it.

Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), Toronto

A non-profit organization dedicated to preventing bird deaths due to collisions with buildings in urban areas. They do this by educating the public, promoting safe building design, and influencing the government to create bird-friendly and safe building policies. They also help rescue and heal birds injured by windows and other building designs.

The Intervale (Burlington, VT)

A nonprofit organization and agricultural hub are dedicated to promoting sustainable farming, food security, and community engagement, strengthening community food systems. It focuses on soil health, water conservation, and carbon sequestration while promoting urban farms, green spaces, and biodiversity.

Dark Sky International

A nonprofit organization that aims to combat light pollution and protect the night skies. They help promote sustainable lighting practices like shielding, low-intensity lighting, controlled use, etc.

American Copper Buildings

A pair of residential skyscrapers is located in a Manhattan, New York City neighborhood. They have built-in methods to help against flooding, including elevated mechanical systems to prevent them from getting flood damage and backup generators. A sustainable building energy efficient to reduce environmental footprint and use of copper (recyclable and durable material).

San Francisco's Slow Streets

A program introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to create safer, lower-traffic corridors for pedestrians, cyclists, and residents. By restricting through traffic and reducing vehicle speeds on designated streets, the initiative encouraged outdoor activity, alternative transportation, and social distancing.

New York Harbor School

A public high school in New York City with a unique focus on maritime education and environmental management (promotes blue urbanism). The school offers a hands-on curriculum integrating academic learning with practical marine and environmental sciences training. Partner of the Billion Oyster Project.

Atlanta Coyote Project

A research initiative focused on the study and management of the coyote population in and around Atlanta. Researchers use GPS collars and cameras to help them manage coyotes and understand their movements and behavior. This project also educates the public about coyotes and how to co-exist with them.

Regenerative Agriculture

A set of farming practices that aim to restore and enhance the health and biodiversity of agricultural ecosystems. Some methods include Reducing tillage, moving livestock between pastures, integrating trees, and more, all of which help regenerative agriculture. Benefits include better soil health, better eater efficiency, enhanced biodiversity, and more.

Healey Family Student Center Georgetown University

An student center that is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy, has water management systems using green infrastructure, and was built using sustainable materials to reduce its ecological and carbon footprint. It is a space of many uses for the community, including study rooms, lounges, dining areas, and more. It is inclusive and assemble to everyone with disabilities or certain needs. Has many green spaces for students to relax and enjoy nature.

Water Plazas (Rotterdam)

An urban solution that integrates flood management with multifunctional public spaces. Help prevent flooding and runoff through greenery and permeable surfaces. Incorporates green and public spaces that benefit the environment and communities.

Circular Metabolism (v. Linear Metabolism)

Circular metabolism emphasizes resource efficiency, recycling, and waste recovery, where materials are continuously reused and waste is minimized. Linear Metabolism is where resources are gathered, used, and then thrown out as waste. This damages the environment and is not sustainable.

Ocean Sister Cities

Cities adopting and embracing one or more specific spots in the ocean, getting to know it, and visiting and studying it, and building bonds of caring and friendship in ways similar to conventional sister cities. Cities collaborate with one another to promote marine sustainability and help marine systems face challenges.

BioBlitzes

Community-based, rapid biodiversity surveys that aim to identify and document as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms in a specific location within a short time frame. These surveys help urban planners see how wildlife can impact our environment and how we can help conserve wildlife through urban forms.

Ocean Sprawl

Describing the impact of human activities and infrastructure on the ocean. Map showing how far into the ocean the consumption/pollution of humans is impacting. It is negative and leads to a loss in biodiversity, increased carbon footprint, decreased water quality from runoff and pollution, and damages the environment.

Biophilic Design

Designing cities where people and nature can connect. Designing the places where we live, work, and learn by using natural materials and light, vegetation, natural views, and more. It has many environmental benefits and can improve people's well-being and decrease stress. Incorporating large vegetated land areas, green features, flora, natural images in cities, nature conservation, emphasizing walkability, parks, and time spent outside.

The Vertical Farm (and Dickson Despommier)

Dickson Despommier popularized the idea of vertical farming, which involves growing food in large, multi-story buildings using controlled environments like LED lighting, climate control technology, and systems to deliver water to crops. It promotes sustainable farming and uses less soil and less water techniques to grow food. Promotes food security.

Oyster-Tecture (Kate Orff)

Envisions using oyster reefs as a natural infrastructure to protect coastlines against storm surges and rising sea levels. Made from materials like woven rope and recycled shells, which serve as a place for oysters to live. The reefs serve as natural breakwaters, and oysters filter water, improving its quality. Promoting biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

Amphibious Houses

Houses that offer a sustainable alternative for living in flood-prone areas. Unlike traditional homes, these structures can float temporarily when water levels rise and return to their original position as water recedes. It helps reduce the risk of home damage due to floods

Deep Lake Water Cooling (DLWC) as in Toronto

Instead of relying on energy-intensive systems and machines to cool buildings, they use cold water from deep lakes, specifically Lake Ontario. This method is energy-sufficient and helps lower their carbon footprint (sustainable).

Light Pollution

Is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial light in the environment that disrupts natural darkness, negatively impacts ecosystems, human health, and astronomical observation, and contributes to energy waste.

Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes

It generates all of its own energy through things like solar panels and collects rainwater, filters it, and reuses it. The building uses green roofs to help absorb rainwater, prevent flooding, and keep the roof cool. Has natural ventilated spaces and many windows for natural light. It educates us on the importance of creating sustainable buildings in the environment to reduce the ecological and carbon footprint and improve people's well-being through nature.

Blackwater Reuse (Membrane Bioreactors, or MBR)

It involves treating and recycling wastewater from toilets, dishwashers, kitchen sinks, and water containing waste. Membrane Bioreactors are an advanced wastewater treatment technology that combines biological treatment and membrane filtration to purify and clean water for reuse.

Oyster Gardening (Healthy Harbor Initiative)

It is a community-based effort in which local volunteers grow oysters in small, managed environments, typically in floating cages or containers. They then return the oysters to the bay to contribute to improving water quality and marine biodiversity. This helps connect communities with ocean life.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH)

Known as the hospital in a garden, it is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy, has water management systems using green infrastructure, and was built using sustainable materials to reduce its ecological and carbon footprint. It has many green spaces indoors and outdoors to help provide relaxation, healing, and decreased stress. It has community spaces like dining areas, retail areas, a park, and a hospital. It is located near public transportation. It allows for lots of natural light. It is prepared for emergencies. Acts as pubic space that promotes health education and has community programs.

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (Singapore)

Large urban park in Singapore where an old concrete canal was deconstructed to form a river with rich vegetation and wetlands. Includes plants and wildlife like birds and smooth-coated otters. It is inclusive to animals and humans and has pathways and bridges to navigate the park. The park hosts community events such as educational programs, festivals, and recreational activities.

Community-Supported Fisheries (CSF's)

Local, community-based models for the distribution of seafood that connects fishermen directly with consumers. CSFs aim to provide fresh, sustainably caught seafood while promoting the local fishermen's economy and educating people about the importance of marine ecosystems.

Victory Gardens

Plots of land are used for growing food during times of war or economic hardship to increase local food production and reduce reliance on commercial agriculture. This helped promote sustainable farming and local food systems and helped with food security.

Lights-Out Programs

Programs aimed at reducing the negative impact of artificial light on migratory birds, particularly at night. The program encourages building owners to turn off lights to prevent birds from colliding with buildings because bright lights can confuse birds. Many of these programs are put in place to spread community awareness.

Indirect Potable

The blending of advanced treated, recycled or reclaimed water into a natural water source (groundwater basin or reservoir) that could be used for drinking (potable) water after further treatment. These can be people facing water scarcity and help reduce the amount of wastewater out into the environment.

Blue Urbanism / Ocean Cities

The concept of designing and developing urban areas with a strong focus on integrating marine ecosystems, coastal environments, and the oceans into city planning and sustainability efforts. Recognizes the crucial relationship between urban life and the marine environment

The Bullitt Center (Seattle)

The greenest commercial building (sustainable architecture) in the world is designed to have a 250-year lifespan. It generates more energy than it consumes (due to the solar panel roof), has a sufficient and reusable water system, and was built using sustainable materials. It has offices and educational programs to promote community engagement.

Agrivoltaics and Jack's Solar Garden

The integration of solar panels with agricultural land to simultaneously generate electricity (renewable energy) and grow crops. Jacks Solar Garden is a model agrivoltaics project located in Colorado. This place helps reduce carbon emissions, provides food for people, and helps educate people about sustainable agriculture. It also creates bird-friendly agriculture.

McCormick Place (Chicago)

The large convention center that holds events used to be a death trap for birds, causing many bird-window collisions. Eventually, it installed film on these windows to help prevent these collisions, and they participated in the lights-out program. It also uses green infrastructure, making it environmentally sustainable by being energy efficient (solar power) and managing rainwater.

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (Boston)

The main floor is raised one foot, and all of the HVAC equipment is located on the roof (resilient to rising sea levels). Operable windows allow the building to remain operational even if mechanical systems are interrupted. It uses green areas and roofs to help with runoff and has energy-efficient systems. Has amazing waterfront views.

Desalinization

The process of removing salt and other impurities from salt water to produce fresh, drinkable water. Help It supplies water for people who have limited drinking water.

Heartwood (Mass Timber project in Seattle)

The project showcases how mass timber engineered wood products can be used to build high-rise buildings that are sustainable, efficient, and visually appealing. It helps reduce carbon emissions, is energy efficient, provides affordable middle housing, and has a mixed-use design.

BirdCast

The project was designed to track and predict bird migration patterns using real-time weather data, radar, and more. It can help researchers understand birds and help us be more efficient in protecting them. Helps create awareness for protecting wildlife.

Negative Emissions

The removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, effectively offsetting or reversing emissions from human activities. Natural removals like planting trees or carbon sequestration. Technological removals like using machines to pull carbon from the air like DAC.

Managed Retreat

A climate adaptation strategy involves deliberately relocating or abandoning buildings, infrastructure, and communities from areas highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards, such as sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion. Improves people safety, prevents rebuilding after disasters, and allows vacated areas to become ecosystems.

Living Building Challenge

A sustainability certification program for buildings was created to help transform buildings to be environmentally friendly by being sustainable by renewing energy, collecting and reusing water, creating good air quality, and more. Buildings are supposed to contribute positively to the environment and people by connecting with nature.

Forest to Frame

A sustainable building concept involves using materials, like wood, sourced directly from nearby (local) forests, reducing transportation emissions, and ensuring responsible forestry practices. It promotes the use of sustainable materials, the environment, a lower carbon footprint, and the local economy.

Pier to Plate

A sustainable seafood initiative aimed at promoting locally caught seafood and supporting regional fishing communities. It encourages using underutilized fish species that are abundant and caught responsibly. It promotes local fisherman and consumer economies and maintains biodiversity by catching varieties of fish instead of one type.

Singapore NEWater

A sustainable solution for treating wastewater by purifying it using dual-membrane and ultraviolet technologies in addition to conventional water treatment processes. Uses desalination, imports water, and catches rainwater to help with water scarcity.

Direct Air Capture (DAC)

A technology that pulls in atmospheric air through a series of chemical reactions, extracting the carbon dioxide (CO2) from it while returning the rest of the air to the environment. (Negative Emissions)

the 15-Minute City

A urban planning concept where residents can access essential services—such as work, schools, healthcare, shops, parks, and leisure activities—within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes

Hunter's Point South Park

A waterfront park in New York City, transformed from an industrial site, is an example of resilient urban design, blending public recreation with innovative flood protection and ecological restoration. Green public space that promotes community, benefits the environment, and absorbs stormwater water to help prevent flooding

"Smokey the Beaver"

A wildlife conservation icon in the United States who taught people about environmental education, along with the importance of beavers and other wildlife in ecosystems. Beavers can help create habitats, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity. This icon raised awareness about protecting wildlife and the environment at community events.

Gotham Whale (NYC)

An organization that promotes information about marine wildlife in NYC; specifically Whales. They want to help reduce threats to marine life and maintain clean water from being polluted. Promotes marine biodiversity. Encourages a connection between urban residents and marine life.

Portland (OR) Airport Terminal

An airport that is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy, has water management systems using green infrastructure, and was built using sustainable materials to reduce its ecological and carbon footprint. It also uses a public transit system (buses, light rails)to reduce car use and is bike-friendly. It incorporates green spaces for people to enjoy along with lots of natural light. It's located in a busy area, so it's easy to walk to.

The Internet of Nature

An emerging concept that applies digital technology, particularly sensors, data networks, and artificial intelligence, to monitor, analyze, and manage urban natural ecosystems such as trees, parks, soil, and waterways.

JR Kumamoto Railway Station

An important railway transportation hub that is sustainable because it is energy efficient and renews energy, has water management systems using green infrastructure, and was built using sustainable materials to reduce its ecological and carbon footprint. Bring forest inside the station along with other green areas. Uses natural light and open, airy spaces. Public spaces inside like shops, restaurants, and more. It is also located near public transportation like bus lines. It allows for economic development in the surrounding area due to the number of people using it for transportation.

Billion Oyster Project (BOP)

An initiative focused on restoring oyster reefs and 1 billion oysters in New York Harbor. The project aims to improve water quality, restore biodiversity, protect marine ecosystems, and engage local communities with marine environments. Participating in oyster gardens can be an example of helping.

Living Bridges (Tye Farrow's Design)

An innovative approach to urban infrastructure that combines biophilic design, green infrastructure, and traditional bridge functionality. These bridges are envisioned as living, breathing ecosystems that go beyond being mere transportation corridors. Instead, they integrate nature, public space, and human well-being, redefining urban infrastructure as dynamic places for both ecological and human interaction.

Landscaping Rebates ("Cash for Grass")

Are initiatives that encourage property owners to replace water-intensive lawns with water-efficient landscaping. These programs are especially common in areas facing water scarcity and aim to promote sustainability, reduce water usage, and improve urban resilience. Homeowners, businesses, or property managers receive financial incentives (rebates) for removing traditional turf lawns and replacing them with drought-tolerant plants, mulch, gravel, or synthetic turf.

Slow Food

Attempt to resist the industrialization of food and the rise of fast-food culture by preserving the local cultural cuisine and the associated food and farming of an ecoregion. Wants food to taste good, not harm the environment or human health, and should be accessible to all. Promotes local economies and crop and livestock biodiversity.

Joel Salatin and Polyface Farm

Family-owned, organic farm in VA. Joel Salatin is the owner. Grass-based farming, ow-impact farming (agricultural systems designed to have less dramatic impacts on the environment than conventional agriculture). Focused on staying local and traditional. It lets animals wander and eat as they please and allows natural processes to happen instead of using chemicals. Help reduce waste through different methods.

Yu Kongjian

Founder of Sponge Cities Concept

Genuine Progess Indicator (GPI v. GDP)

GPI is a measure of economic well-being that attempts to offer a more comprehensive assessment of a nation's progress than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While GDP measures a country's total economic output, GPI takes into account a range of factors that reflect quality of life, environmental sustainability, and social well-being, providing a fuller picture of economic and societal health.

Geothermal Energy and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

Geothermal Energy is a renewable source of energy from heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are man-made reservoirs that unlock geothermal energy. Can help lower greenhouse gases and provide renewable and suitable energy.

Bird-Friendly Design Standards (e.g. NYC's Local Law 15)

Guidelines and regulations aim to reduce the risks of bird fatalities caused by bird-window collisions in urban areas. Different methods include adding designs to windows, using non-reflective glass, screening, netting, and angling windows. New York City's local law 15 requires many new buildings and renovations to have bird-friendly features in their designs. Proven to help prevent bird fatalities.

Oslo Opera House

Has multiple entertainment theaters. Has a sloping, walkable roof for the public on the waterfront, showing a connection between urban life and water ecosystems. Promotes environmental awareness, showing projects can coexist with coastal and marine environments while not harming them. It uses sustainable materials to build it and uses energy efficient systems.

Albuquerque-Bernalillo County

Having water is a concern here due to its climate and reliance on limited natural water sources. They are using aggressive conservation efforts, fixing leaks, using "cash for grass" initiatives, and converting to xeriscaping to conserve more water. Many methods are used to reuse water.

Flint, MI

In 2014, the state saved money to switch its water supply from a lake to the Flint River, which was contaminated. The Flint river water is highly corrosive and filled with Iron. It also had lead pipes and outdated water systems.

Dark-Sky Lighting

Outdoor lighting designs and practices (low-intensity lighting, shielding) minimize light pollution and preserve the natural night sky. They are also energy efficient, which can lower carbon emissions. They also prevent disruption to wildlife and improve human health. Promoted by the IDA.

Pittsburgh's Public Steps

Reflecting its hilly topography and rich urban history with over 800 sets of steps, these stairways serve as essential pedestrian infrastructure, connecting neighborhoods and providing access to otherwise inaccessible areas.

Donut Economics (Kate Raworth)

The Doughnut consists of two concentric rings: a social foundation to ensure that no one is left falling short on life's essentials and an ecological ceiling to ensure that humanity does not collectively overshoot the planetary boundaries that protect Earth's life-supporting systems. The doughnut represents a "safe and just space for humanity."

Resilience

The ability of urban areas to withstand, adapt to, and recover from various challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters, economic shifts, and social disruptions. Building communities, incorporating green and robust infrastructure, using efficient technologies, and promoting local economies can help with resilience planning.

Metabolism of Cities

The study of the flows of energy, materials, water, and other resources into, within, and out of urban areas. Studying these flows can help people understand how to manage waste effectively, reduce greenhouse emissions, and create sustainable practices.

Singapore's Smooth-Coated Otters

These otters show how effective urban planning in cities can create an environment for animals like otters to live in. Having animal-friendly green spaces and green corridors within and around the city can allow these otters to live in the city. If the otters are living in Singapore, it means that the city is doing a good job with biodiversity and taking care of the environment.

City of 1000 Tanks (Chennai, India)

They relied on a network of reservoirs, ponds, and water tanks for water supply and management. They are trying to restore this network to help capture and store rainwater to help prevent water scarcity. It can help conserve water, benefit the environment, and help prevent flooding.

The Creative Class (Richard Florida)

This category of workers in many different occupations and industries is united by the fact that creativity is central to their productive work. These people can help a city's economic development, create inclusive communities, vibrate cultural scenes, and improve quality of life.

Passive Survivability

This concept refers to a building's ability to maintain living conditions—such as habitable temperatures, access to potable water, and basic sanitation—without relying on external utilities during emergencies like power outages, natural disasters, or extreme weather events.

Oceanix City (vision of a floating city, Busan, South Korea)

This is a project for a floating, resilient, and sustainable city designed to address challenges such as rising sea levels, overcrowding, and resource scarcity. It is sustainable by being energy efficient (using solar panels and wave energy converters), water-efficient (water recycling methods), and food-efficient (farming methods). Mixed-use spacing offering housing, workplaces, shops, etc.

Kalundborg (Denmark) Eco-Industrial Park

Uses the principles of circular metabolism by companies within a localized network exchanging resources, energy, and waste to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A pioneering example of industrial symbiosis.

Solar Mallees (Adelaide, AUS)

Tree-looking lights, which use solar panels, use significantly less energy than they gather and store from the sun. Helps reduce greenhouse emissions like carbon.

Hydropanels

Turn air into water using solar panels, which are energy and water-efficient and give residents a supply of drinking water, especially in places where water is scarce. Helps with water scarcity and lower carbon footprint.

Smart Cities

Urban areas that leverage technology, data, and innovation to enhance the quality of life for residents, improve sustainability, and optimize the management of city infrastructure and services. Integrates advanced technologies such as the artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics

The Dryline (NYC)

Urban resilience project designed to protect Lower Manhattan in New York City from future flooding and storm surges caused by climate change. It would surround the city coastline with parks, floodwalls, and other structures to provide public space for people and also help prevent flooding.

Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility (SMURRF)

Water recycling plant that addresses urban runoff and water sustainability challenges by using conventional (filtration) and advanced treatment systems (ultraviolet disinfection and chlorination) to remove pollutants. It helps conserve water and reduce water pollution.

Xeriscapes and Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping (water-conserving landscapes) refers to a landscaping method designed to reduce water usage by incorporating drought-tolerant plants, efficient water systems, and sustainable design principles. The resulting landscape, known as a xeriscape, prioritizes environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. It can help improve soil quality and water conservation and benefit the environment.