Lifestyle, location and commuting

Some forward thinking developers are designing homes that are ready to handle the more severe weather caused by a warming climate. While governments have a role in shaping and improving the built environment through zoning, development bylaws and other means, developers also play a large role. They choose where to…

The risks and costs of climate change: since insurance companies are becoming more aware of the greater threats posed by more severe weather, we had best become more aware as well. How to build homes ready to face climate change? We often think of the land underneath our feet as fixed and unmoving. On a calm day, if…

An Australian report finds sustainable building is helping to create stronger and more prosperous communities. Sustainable building practices are doing more than just helping the environment - they are also helping to create stronger and more prosperous communities. This is according to the Green Building Council of…

Looking for a cool renewable energy commute to work that isn't an electric car? check out the Scrooser e-bike, known as the "Harley Davidson for sidewalks". Enter the Scrooser. The Scrooser is a German engineered electric scooter / e-bike with a top speed of 24 km (15 mph) and a range of 35.5 km (22 miles). It works…

Far from the days of being a fringe element trend, the benefits and necessity of sustainable building practices are now sweeping across the globe. Courtesy of the USGBC , the following is a guest post by Harvey M. Bernstein, Vice President of Industry Insights & Alliances, McGraw-Hill Construction and John Mandyck…

As part of their Greenest City 2020 initiative, the City of Vancouver is getting people out of their cars and onto bikes and trains, as well as setting new standards for energy efficient construction. Is Vancouver a green city with easy public transportation? The city of Vancouver continues to go to great lengths to…

The climate is changing, how we build home needs to change as well. The U.S. Green Building Council and the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning released a landmark report Feb. 29 that describes how green buildings advance resiliency in disasters. “Green Building and Climate…

Whether you are building a home, you just bought a home, or you want some energy conservation tips for your apartment, it all starts here. Our tips below will help you get started in designing and planning your project. Choosing between buying, building or renting 1. Building a new home. Building a sustainable and…

Tips for getting out of the city and living a rural small town lifestyle. For those that aren't made for the bustling lifestlyle of cities, small towns can be a dream come true. The nature of small towns is one of community and accessible downtown cores. Essential services like grocery stores, banks and post offices…

Suburbs can be one of the hardest places to live a green lifestyle, as they often have little access to services and public transportation. Here are a few tips to reduce your carbon footprint in the suburbs. The ecological impact of suburban living: U.S. studies regarding the energy impact of population by location…

Being in the core of a city can be one of the greenest places to live. Transportation, services and utilities are already there, not to mention usually the house itself. Being in the core of a city can be one of the greenest places to live. Transportation, services, and utilities are already there, not to mention…