building
Newsletter
Credit: Serenethos/Big Stock Photo
Urban planning may worsen flood risks in cities
A study from UC Irvine suggests that urban street layouts and building density may be exacerbating flood severity in areas already vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change.
In short:
- Researchers found that "urban form"—the density and layout of buildings and streets—can intensify flood risks in cities.
- A new formula was developed to help urban planners assess how changes in land use could impact flood hazards.
- The study highlights the vulnerability of densely populated areas, where residents often have limited protection or escape options.
Key quote:
“Detailed modeling worldwide is presently impossible for many cities because of inadequate data, so our team was motivated to develop a new way of looking at flood risk based on the form of the built urban environment.”
— Sarah Balaian, UC Irvine doctoral candidate in civil and environmental engineering
Why this matters:
As cities grow and climate change worsens, understanding how urban design impacts flooding is critical for protecting vulnerable populations and reducing potential disaster impacts.
Related:
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Antonio López/Pixabay
Reflective roofs combat extreme heat in Sierra Leone
Reflective panels installed on homes in Freetown, Sierra Leone, are helping residents cope with extreme heat by reducing indoor temperatures by over 6°C.
In short:
- Reflective roofs in Kroo Bay, Freetown, are mitigating extreme heat, making homes more livable.
- Panels made from recycled materials reduce indoor temperatures and are more durable than traditional paints.
- MEER’s project in Sierra Leone aims to expand to India to tackle similar heat challenges.
Key quote:
“People are effectively baking inside their own homes.”
— Peter Dynes, managing director of MEER
Why this matters:
Extreme heat increases health risks and reduces quality of life, especially in densely populated informal settlements. Innovative cooling solutions like reflective roofs can significantly improve living conditions in vulnerable regions.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Kier in Sight Archives/Unsplash
Biden's plan may make new homes greener and pricier
The Biden administration is planning to enforce stricter energy efficiency standards for new homes, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs.
In short:
- New federal policy may require most new homes to include efficient heating and cooling systems, aligning with the latest international energy standards.
- The change could add approximately $7,200 to the cost of a new home, but potentially save homeowners $1,000 annually in energy bills.
- Homebuilders argue that the policy will further increase housing costs and deter potential buyers already challenged by high interest rates.
Key quote:
“This policy could save homeowners thousands on energy bills while significantly cutting down pollution.”
— Thomas Frank, Reporter.
Why this matters:
Implementing stricter energy codes in new homes can significantly cut the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Despite increasing upfront costs, long-term energy savings and environmental benefits are substantial.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Credit: Doris Morgan/Unsplash
Effort begins to stop Washington's move away from natural gas
Backers of a new initiative have started gathering signatures to halt Washington's push to phase out natural gas use in buildings.
In short:
- Initiative 2066 aims to repeal parts of a state law promoting electrification over natural gas in new constructions.
- The measure prevents local governments from restricting the use of natural gas in heating and appliances.
- Supporters need over 324,000 signatures by July 5 to place the initiative on the November ballot.
Key quote:
“This initiative preserves the choice of natural gas for consumers.”
— Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington
Why this matters:
This initiative represents a significant pushback against state efforts to reduce carbon emissions through increased electrification. If passed, it could maintain higher natural gas usage, impacting both environmental goals and energy policies in Washington.
Derrick Z. Jackson argued in 2019 that by keeping Americans focused on the climate benefits of gas vs. coal, the gas industry seeks to delay a broader debate of the deficits of gas vs. renewables.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: Haneen Krimly/Unsplash
California startup launches innovative cement technology to cut carbon emissions
California startup Fortera has developed a groundbreaking technology that captures and recycles carbon emissions from cement production, launching its first commercial application at a major facility in Redding.
In short:
- Fortera, a California-based startup, has developed a new technology that captures carbon emissions during cement production and reincorporates them into the process, potentially reducing the industry's significant carbon footprint.
- The technology will be implemented at a CalPortland facility in Redding, California, marking its first large-scale commercial application.
- Initial production will blend the new low-carbon product with traditional materials, aiming for a 10% carbon reduction, with aspirations to increase this significantly over time.
Key quote:
"Our target is about being a ubiquitous solution that can work really at any plant."
— Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera
Why this matters:
Cement production is a major source of global carbon dioxide emissions, integral to building modern infrastructure but environmentally problematic. Current efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production include improving energy efficiency, using alternative fuels like waste and biomass, and developing innovative materials that can replace traditional cement.
Ramped-up US construction exposes workers to an unregulated toxic.
Keep reading...Show less
Cork's rise as a sustainable alternative in various industries
Cork, known for sealing wine bottles, is now revolutionizing industries as a sustainable material, offering environmental benefits and diverse applications.
In short:
- Cork harvesting in Portugal, a centuries-old practice, is gaining attention for its sustainability and carbon-negative properties.
- Beyond bottle stoppers, cork is now used in clothing, electric car insulation, and even NASA spacecraft, thanks to its unique qualities like fire resistance and durability.
- The cork industry says it not only supports local economies but also plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts.
Key quote:
“Compared with materials like polyurethane foam [used for thermal insulation], products made with cork require less energy and produce less CO2 emissions.”
— Rui Novais, a materials expert at the University of Aveiro in Portugal
Why this matters:
Cork's resurgence demonstrates how traditional, sustainable practices can be integrated into modern industries, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The building and construction sector is booming—and it's costing the planet.
Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Image by beauty_of_nature from Pixabay
Can we create 'living buildings' made of fungi? And could they help us adapt to climate change?
A team of Vancouver academics is spanning the boundary between microbiology and architecture, thanks to oyster mushrooms and other common fungi. It could help construction's environmental impact, and help with insulation and even air quality.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
