Category: Policy

Overlay Zoning

Overlay Zoning

Overlay Zoning

02/16/25

“How can we superimpose new regulations over an existing zoning district?”

Zoning in municipal plans defines what city portions can and cannot do. Sometimes, a city desires to add additional regulations without going through a complex rezoning process. This can be accomplished through Overlay Zoning, where new roles are imposed over an already existing city district. Overlay zoning can be used to designate a minimum amount of affordable housing, label a neighborhood portion as safe for transit-oriented development, and more.

Double Loaded Corridors

Double Loaded Corridors

Double Loaded Corridors

02/10/25

“What is the most common apartment floor plan in the US and Canada?”

Apartments in the US and Canada typically require at least two different staircases. The most common arrangement to accommodate this is the Double Loaded Corridor. Double-loaded corridors have a long hallway with two different staircases on both ends and units on each side. This layout forces apartment units to have unequal amounts of sunlight. Large family-friendly units are only available to be built on corners.

Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

02/08/25

“How can we improve American and Canadian apartments with one simple design rule?”

Most places in Canada and the US require two staircases per 3+ or 4+ story apartment (respectively) to meet fire safety regulations. This forces the floor layout into a double-loaded corridor with small apartments on each side of the central hallway. However, if we were to allow apartments to carry only one staircase, we would have much more flexibility with floor geometries. This small action enables the creation of Point Access Blocks. Point access blocks maximize the usable floor area, allow daylight to hit multiple sides of a building, increase ventilation, and lower cost. The US and Canada can greatly expand affordable multifamily housing by making point access blocks easier to build.

Waste Management

Waste Management

Waste Management

02/05/25

“How do we classify the processes for managing waste?”

People produce waste every day. Methods for collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of waste must be developed. These actions are grouped under the umbrella of Waste Management. If proper waste management is not undertaken, major public health issues can ensue. 

Parametric Insurance

Parametric Insurance

Parametric Insurance

02/04/25

“Can we have insurance that only pays out when a certain threshold is reached?”

Insurance usually pays out when a loss is incurred. But a special type of insurance, Parametric Insurance, pays out after reaching a certain threshold. Example parameters for disaster parametric insurance include earthquake magnitude size, wind speed, or flood level.

Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years

Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years

Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years

02/02/25

“Why will U.S. states have to lead on climate change over the federal government for at least the next four years?”

The new U.S. administration is destroying federal climate initiatives. Whether it be ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take down references to the climate crisis, deleting the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s climate and economic justice screening tool, embracing fossil fuels, and (re)exiting the Paris Agreement, the U.S. Federal Government is relinquishing its role in moving forward on climate. However, States such as California and Massachusetts are fighting back. For at least the next four years, these states must show Americans how to act to stop climate change. This is Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years.

LEED for Communities

LEED for Communities

LEED for Communities

01/31/25

“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability?”

Places with a governing jurisdiction can apply for LEED for Cities to certify their sustainability. But what about communities without a formal governing body, like a neighborhood or college campus? Well, they can apply for LEED for Communities instead! Leed for Communities can be pivotal for pioneering places to achieve recognition for their sustainability efforts.

LEED for Cities

LEED for Cities

LEED for Cities

01/29/25

“How can we certify cities that achieve high sustainability?”

Buildings that achieve high sustainability can apply for LEED certification. But can cities do the same? Well, cities (or any place with a governmental jurisdiction such as a county or town) can evaluate themselves using LEED for Cities. LEED for cities uses criteria ranging from energy and greenhouse gas emissions to water efficiency to quality of life to quantify a city’s sustainability.