Perkins + Will, the architecture firm behind a new residence hall at Bridgewater State University, have attached an unusual provision to their green design: no mini-fridges or personal microwaves allowed.
Mini-fridges, Lloyd Alter writes, can consume 800 watts of electricity each. Perkins + Will will build communal kitchens for students living at George A. Weygand Hall in order to reduce the total amount of energy used to refrigerate or reheat food.
The architects’ restrictions on use accompany more traditional energy-saving design strategies, including a geothermal well system and automatic heating and cooling systems. “We’ve done our part,” Perkins + Will wrote. “Now it’s up to the newest residents of the building to hold the line!”
FULL STORY: If you want a green student residence, lose the fridge
Another Big City Announces Sweeping Energy Plans for Buildings
San Francisco and New York City made a theme of this year's Earth Day: mandating emissions reductions from buildings.
Calling on Urban Designers to Lead the Fight Against Climate Change
Alan G. Brake writes an editorial calling on the architecture and urbanism fields to push even further to reduce carbon emissions by designing (and upgrading) efficient buildings.
Buildings That Are Green But Not Energy-Efficient
LEED-certified buildings may be constructed with little energy, but some are just as energy-intensive as non "green" buildings once they're in use. This disconnect is prompting the U.S. Green Building Council to change its rules.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service