"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Urban Systems
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.
BREEAM Communities
02/03/25
“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability using the BREEAM framework?”
LEED for Cities and Communities allows us to certify places that achieve high sustainability. But this is not the only metric. BREEAM Communities uses the BREEAM framework to evaluate places.
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.
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plans
02/01/25
“How can we create plans to reduce construction activity pollution?”
Construction activity generates pollution through soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust. Construction and development professionals can create Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plans by considering how to control debris and material generated from construction activity. This is an important component of LEED for Cities and 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
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.
HVAC Supply Subloop
01/28/25
“How can we model the energy supply sections of an HVAC system?”
HVAC systems typically use energy to produce heat. There are components of an HVAC system where energy is supplied, such as chillers or heating coils. We can model these as part of the HVAC Supply Subloop in an HVAC loop system.
HVAC Demand Subloop
01/27/25
“How can we model the energy-extraction sections of an HVAC system?”
HVAC systems typically use energy to produce heat. There are components of an HVAC system where energy is extracted, such as radiators, under-floor heating, and fan-coil heating units. We can model these as part of the HVAC Demand Subloop in an HVAC loop system.
Single-Pipe District Loops
01/25/25
“How can we use a single pipe for a thermal energy distribution system?”
Geothermal thermal energy networks are a marvel to behold. Their ability to provide carbon-free heating to many buildings makes them a valuable tool in the energy transition. One setup they use is Single-Pipe District Loops. This involves using one pipe to move a heating fluid from building to building. These designs are affordable and can be useful in many different situations.
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