Archive for July, 2009

Think your town is too small to go big into sustainability? Think it takes too much money to make a real statement? Think again. Ashton Hayes, a village in Northwest England, is becoming a global model for how to live sustainably. And it’s doing so in ways that any town, no matter how small, can emulate.

The village has made becoming the country’s first zero carbon emissions community its goal, according to a piece by Sarah Mukherjee, environment correspondent for BBC News. continue

If your city is looking for ways to reduce vehicle emissions, the Urban Land Institute has published Moving Cooler: An Analysis of Transportation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions,  a look at the importance of sustainable land development in mitigating climate change.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a first-of-its-kind guide highlighting the steps states can take to lead the country in the adoption of clean energy in their buildings, facilities, operations and fleets. Energy efficiency can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while growing jobs. continue

Montana State University in Bozeman is employing roof tiles that include 80 percent recycled content to put the lid on its Zero Energy House Project. The house, a project of the university’s Extension Housing and Environmental Health Program, is designed to educate builders, architects, engineers, homeowners, students and the general public about resource efficiency.

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The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives – Local Governments for Sustainability has released a free resource to help communities with 25,000 people or fewer launch and maintain climate, energy and sustainability initiatives. ICLEI’s Small Communities Toolkit provides detailed resources, case studies, and insight to help small communities succeed despite limitations of staff and funding. continue

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new funding opportunity under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to expand solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) system installer training. The closing date for applications is July 30, 2009. continue

Sustainability is one of the top issues identified in a recent National League of Cities survey, and the topic will be woven into upcoming conferences accordingly. continue