With gradual growth in the amount of plans for energy efficient buildings and a rise in applications for LEED certification, Idaho is joining with many other states in a push to build more environmentally-friendly homes and buildings.
"In April, a model home in Hidden Springs became the first home in Idaho to receive a national gold rating for its greenness - one of only six homes in the nation to receive the high rating."
"Unstable energy supplies and prices, environmental and health concerns are driving the green building movement."
"In 2005, the Ada County Courthouse became the first building in Idaho to receive LEED certification. Since then, three more commercial buildings and six homes have been certified and at least a dozen more are under way, Duby said."
"Many local builders and suppliers are embracing green building practices, Duby said. More than 100 Idaho builders, architects and contractors have obtained LEED credentials."
FULL STORY: Greener buildings are gaining ground

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service