Just as good economic times pushed housing sizes to mansion-like proportions, the downturn in the economy will force builders and consumers to size down and get energy efficient, according to this commentary from James S. Russell.
"Economists applauded the American 'consumer economy' without noticing just how much it depended on housing expenditures. Now that savings are sacred and borrowing is again sinful, houses must shrink."
"Other forces are driving houses to be both smaller and more efficient. Leaping prices for building commodities -- steel, concrete, copper -- help reduce demand. Those prices are all collapsing at the moment, yet the world's appetite for these finite resources has become too large to keep them down."
FULL STORY: Post-Crash U.S. Home Deflates, Adds Vines, Cisterns: Commentary
Boston Plans To Restrict Fossil Fuel Use in Buildings
As part of the city’s broader climate goals, Mayor Michelle Wu wants to require all new buildings to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
Sustainable and Affordable Housing Is No Longer a Pipe Dream
Fresh interest in green building among investors, new incentives, and stricter building codes are making it more possible to include green building practices in affordable housing production.
Building Energy Efficiency Program Approved in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has renewed its efforts to improve energy efficiency in non-residential building to contribute to its Paris Climate Agreement commitment.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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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