A listing of some useful green building websites.
CMHC site with guidelines on designing, building and renovating houses to improve health, affordability and sustainability. Includes details on the systems in a sustainable house built in Toronto.
Canadian Architect has some good links to green products and other stuff.
The original Cambridge Futures project examined seven scenarios for the future development of Cambridge (UK) - from "no change" through to developing a new town nearby, building along transport corridors or concentrating new development in the city. In each scenario, the effects on the economy, social equity, environmental quality and transport were modelled.
BedZed is the innovative zero (fossil) energy development of galleried studio apartments and work spaces by the Peabody Trust at Beddington, Sutton (UK). BedZED uses only energy from renewable sources generated on site. It is the first large-scale ‘carbon neutral’ community - i.e. the first not to add to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Built on a former sewage works, BedZED shows how housing can be built without degrading the environment.
The Urban Transportation Showcase Program of Transport Canada (a federal government ministry) is a five-year program created to demonstrate, evaluate and promote effective strategies to reduce GHG emissions from urban transportation. Through this program, Transport Canada will work in partnership with provinces and municipalities, to establish a number of transportation "showcases" in selected cities, for demonstrating and evaluating a range of urban transportation strategies within a broad planning framework. This new information will lay a foundation for the adoption of effective, integrated GHG emission reduction strategies in urban centres across Canada by 2010.
The Blueprint Project of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is a comprehensive regional planning process integrating land use, transportation, air quality, and other regional concerns. Its aim is to confront the challenges of growth in the region by asking where and how the region should grow, and how this will affect standards of living. The three-year process is focused on helping the public to understand their future and to make good choices about what they want their region to look like, and is doing this by using the PLACE3S software program, which integrates public participation, community development and design, and GIS mapping to help communities produce plans that retain dollars in the local economy, save energy, attract jobs and development, reduce pollution and traffic congestion and conserve open space.
Smart Growth America is a coalition of nearly 100 advocacy organizations that have a stake in how metropolitan expansion affects our environment, quality of life and economic sustainability. The coalition is working to support citizen-driven planning that coordinates development, transportation, revitalization of older areas and preservation of open space and the environment.
Smart Growth BC is a provincial non-governmental organization devoted to fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible land use and development. Working with community groups, businesses, municipalities and the public, they advocate for the creation of more livable communities in British Columbia. Site includes case studies and a toolkit with citizen involvement strategies.
Smart Growth Online is a service of the Smart Growth Network, which is a joint initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several non-profit and government organizations. The Network was formed in response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow that boost the economy, protect the environment, and enhance community vitality.
The American Planning Association (APA) is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society.
General US news resource for planning and governing issues.
International City/Council Management Association: ICMA's mission is to create excellence in local government by developing and fostering professional local government management worldwide. Site includes search facility and ability to browse by topic (including brownfields, environment and smart growth, among others). Some online resources are free, others require membership.
A Los Angeles news site on managing growth, covering projects, laws, planning and regulations. Subscription required for monthly magazine (in hard copy) or to read online archives. Some current news items are available free online.
The European Local Transport Information Service is a portal for local transport news and events, transport measures, policies and practices implemented in cities and regions across Europe. Case studies illustrate best practices from European cities and regions, assisting in identification of the state of the art in specific transport applications. The aim is to help create a more sustainable living environment. Includes an email discussion group.
The Victoria Transport Policy Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative and practical solutions to transportation problems. Research papers and other resources are provided to assist in decision-making by identifying full benefits, costs and equity impacts, comparing alternatives and bridging theory and practice.
The Environmentally Sustainable Transport project of the OECD aims to provide an understanding of EST, its implications and requirements, and to develop methods and guidelines towards its realisation. The core of the EST approach was to develop long-term scenarios and identify instruments and strategies capable of achieving it by using a backcasting methodology. The EST project attempts to demonstrate what strategies to achieve EST might look like, as well as their economic and social impacts, considering long-term environmental issues. It is an attempt to establish a basis for a diverse range of policy-makers and economic actors to communicate and a framework for government to set goals, objectives, targets or standards and initiate actions.
The Centre for Sustainable Transportation seeks to create a source of reliable information on sustainable transportation, educate and raise awareness, undertake research and provide leadership in strategic directions such as on measures in achieving Canada's Kyoto target in the transportation sector, workforce transition, freight transportation industry, labeling and certification.
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy promotes environmentally sustainable and equitable transportation policies and projects worldwide. ITDP was organized by leading advocates for sustainable transport in the US who realized that the US was exporting its model of automobile dependence to developing countries and, most recently, Central and Eastern Europe. ITDP chose to focus on counteracting this development.
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Program of the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Human and Natural Environment, promotes bicycle and pedestrian transportation accessibility, use, and safety.
The UK Department for Transport.
The FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program of the US Department of Energy serves as the Executive Secretariat for the federal government for the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and the 21st Century Truck Partnership, as well as conducting technical research and development activities that support these partnerships. The program looks at vehicle systems, materials, fuels and engines and emission control. The general intent is to improve fuel economy, reduce dependence on imported petroleum-based products, and reduce emissions.
Transport Canada's Commuter Options offers Canadian employers a practical and comprehensive guide to improving commuter options for their employees. Based on years of international experience but with a focus on Canadian examples and resources, this guide covers the full range of ways that commuting can be made easier, healthier and less expensive by improving the alternatives to driving alone.
Bike Winter - for those who believe that weather is no obstacle.
BikePlan Source is managed by a Montana-based (US) consulting firm to help communities improve their bicycling conditions. The site includes a growing and evolving online bicycle planning and program guide, an extensive reference library, news and views, and access to other sites.
National Center for Bicycling and Walking is the major program of the nonprofit Bicycle Federation of America. Their mission is to create bicycle-friendly and walkable communities.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is a US-based clearinghouse for information about health and safety, engineering, advocacy, education, enforcement and access and mobility. The PBIC serves anyone interested in pedestrian and bicycle issues, including planners, engineers, private citizens, advocates, educators, police enforcement and the health community.
Walk and Bike for Life is a Canadian-based non-profit that seeks to promote trails, greenways and urban parks - and all the benefits that go along with them. The organisation advocates walking and biking and the development of associated infrastructure and programmes. The web site includes useful links to resources and projects.
Way to Go is a program and toolkit to encourage reduced dependence on car travel to and from school.
WestStart-CALSTART is a nonprofit organization that works with the public and private sectors to develop advanced transportation technologies and foster companies that will help clean the air, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, reduce global warming, and create jobs. The site provides industry news and technological development updates.
ecoIQ.com on transportation and communication provides media products and services for those interested in making smart choices about transportation and communication alternatives - choices that are both economically and ecologically intelligent.
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation is a nonprofit Vancouver-based group that strives to make communities healthier places to live by promoting sustainable transportation and land-use planning, and pedestrian, cycling and transit-oriented neighbourhoods.
The Center for Appropriate Transportation is a nonprofit organization committed to community involvement in manufacturing, using, and advocating sustainable modes of transportation.
Flora is an online community that hosts discussion groups on a wide range of topics, some of which relate to transportation alternatives. Based in Ottawa, Canada.
Transportation Alternatives is a 5000-member NYC-area non-profit citizens group working for better bicycling, walking and public transit, and fewer cars. The group works for safer, calmer neighborhood streets and car-free parks.
TransMission is a biannual publication of Transportation Options, putting readers in touch with a community of progressive transportation activists, planners, community organizers, writers, artists and thinkers. Canada's only magazine devoted to politics, culture and sustainable transportation.
Smart Urban Transport's focus is primarily in highlighting solutions for the cost effective, environmentally friendly transportation movements within the population centres of the Asian-Pacific triangle from Japan to Turkey to New Zealand. Each month SUT is sent as an email newsletter with six silos of information - Strategy & Policy, People & Companies, Technology, Environment, Infrastructure & Operations, and Business Information. Subscription required.
Car Free Cities is dedicated to the proposition that urban life is not only possible but also better if transport is organized so that private automobiles are not used on the city's streets. The organization is part of the carfree network, now loosely centered on Car Busters.
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit advocacy group that provides support and resources to local bicyclists who want to make a difference in their communities.
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.
Surface Transportation Policy Project is a diverse, nationwide (US) coalition working to ensure safer communities and smarter transportation choices that enhance the economy, improve public health, promote social equity, and protect the environment. Site includes STTP reports, factsheets and a bimonthly newsletter.
Transport 2000 Canada is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is research, public education and consumer advocacy. It promotes environmentally-sound transportation solutions and gets actively involved in a wide range of issues such as: public transportation, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, protection of the environment, intermodal cooperation and government regulation.
Transportation Choices Coalition of citizen groups, businesses, public agencies and concerned individuals seeks to bring Washingtonians more and better transportation choices. Focus on grassroots organization and mobilization.
The Tri-State Transportation Campaign is an alliance of public interest, transit advocacy, planning and environmental organizations working to reverse deepening automobile dependence and sprawl development in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metropolitan region.
Wildlands Center for Preventing Roads is a national clearinghouse and network, created by a core group of sixteen organizations concerned about the dramatic ecological impacts of wildland roads on public lands. The website includes resources for activists and concerned citizens looking to learn about reducing the impacts of roads and off-road vehicles.
The Canadian Urban Transit Association is a voice for enhancing the public transit industry in Canada. CUTA's mission is to establish public transit as the primary solution to urban mobility in the achievement of sustainable transportation, and to assist its members in the fulfillment of their mandates. Members include transit operators, government agencies, consultants and businesses engaged in the manufacture or sale of transit equipment.
The International Association of Public Transport is a world-wide association of urban and regional passenger transport operators, their authorities and suppliers. Located in Brussels and with over 2.000 members from nearly 80 countries, UITP seeks to promote a better understanding of the potential of Public Transport.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy seeks to enrich America's communities and countryside by creating a nationwide network of public trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. The organization promotes policy development and supports local actions to acquire rail property for trails.
The Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) was launched in Cape Town in 2002. BEN promotes the use of bicycles in order to address low-cost mobility, health and access to opportunity, employment, skills and education. The project facilitates the transportation of bicycles from Europe, Great Britain and the United States to South Africa, the establishment of bicycle workshop projects and the introduction of bicycle user paths and networks.
The Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development is a Canadian nonprofit think tank undertaking major policy research and education programs in the areas of sustainable energy, climate change, environmental governance, ecological fiscal reform, sustainability indicators, and the environmental impacts of the energy industry. The Pembina Institute envisions a world where sustainable communities take creative actions to protect the natural beauty and ecological health of the planet, allowing other species to flourish and future generations to live both satisfying and healthy lives.
WorldWatch is an independent, nonprofit policy research organization with a global focus. Their work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society — and how to achieve it. Information is provided on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. There are features on renewable energy, climate change, consumption and vitals signs facts. Some website information is free, some requires payment. Worldwatch sells publications in PDF and print formats.
The Commons is an independent Open Society Initiative dedicated to encouraging and supporting wide open public discussions of the issues and choices of governance and decision making that impact on sustainability and social justice, in both the private as well as in the public sector. It is aimed at concerned citizens, researchers, students, policy makers, entrepreneurs, investors and social activists interested in quickly getting a feel for world sustainability issues, views and developments.
The Congress for the New Urbanism stands for the restoration of existing urban centers and towns within coherent metropolitan regions, the reconfiguration of sprawling suburbs into communities of real neighborhoods and diverse districts, the conservation of natural environments, and the preservation of our built legacy. Membership includes professionals from the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, economics, law, engineering, real estate, government, and education, as well as elected officials and citizen activists.
The Development Alternatives Group aims to promote sustainable national development, by disseminate the means for creating sustainable livelihoods on a large scale, and thus to mobilise widespread action to eradicate poverty and regenerate the environment. The organization addresses appropriate technologies, institutional systems, and environmental and resource management methods.
The Earth Council is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that was created in September 1992 to promote and advance the implementation of the Earth Summit agreements. It is led by a body of 18 Members, drawn from the world's political, business, scientific and non-governmental communities.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a nonprofit research and educational organization that provides technical assistance and information on environmentally sound economic development strategies. ILSR works with citizen groups, governments and private businesses in developing policies that extract the maximum value from local resources.
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives is a democratically governed membership association of cities, towns, counties, metropolitan governments, and local government associations, with headquarters in Toronto, Canada. ICLEI's mission is to build and serve a worldwide movement of local governments to achieve tangible improvements in global sustainability with special focus on environmental conditions through cumulative local actions.
BioRegional Development Group is an entrepreneurial, independent environmental organisation that develops commercially viable products and services which meet more of our everyday needs from local renewable and waste resources, to help enable living within our fair share of the Earth’s resources. The BioRegional team initiated and is based at BedZED - the UK's largest carbon neutral eco-village.
The Centre for Global Studies of the University of Victoria (Canada) has sustainability programs related to technology and international development and climate change.
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) studies global change and its impacts on ecological, economic and social systems. Through data analysis, computer simulations and models, PIK provides decision makers with sound information and tools for sustainable development. In addition to publishing results in scientific journals the Institute gives advice to national and regional authorities and, increasingly, to global organisations such as the World Bank.
News on sustainability issues from a business perspective.
The Sustainability Web Ring focuses on the efforts of organizations to achieve sustainable development. Includes information from around the world about how to deal with issues such as: climate change, cleaner production, waste, poverty, consumerism, natural resource management, and governance. The web ring is managed by the Sustainable Development Communications Network (SDCN).
