Sustainable Development

The Canadian Global Change Program seeks to promote informed action in support of sustainable development through sound advice on global change. An interdisciplinary and multi-agency network, the CGCP brings together researchers from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to assess the significance of research in a policy context, plan interdisciplinary research, and communicate global change information to decision makers and the general public in clear, concise language.

Transportation and Land Use Coalition is a partnership of over 90 groups working for a sustainable and socially just Bay Area. TALC analyzes county and regional policies, works with community groups to develop alternatives, and coordinates grassroots campaigns. Their platform aims to influence development patterns and to encourage planning regionally for smart growth, promote liveable communities, provide real transportation choices, and address equity.

The Canadian Urban Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in urban areas across Canada and internationally. The CUI brings together experts from different disciplines to connect people, money and ideas to build strong communities and equitable and competitive urban areas.

The National Center for Housing and the Environment is an independent non-profit U.S. organization dedicated to providing balanced research on natural resource issues that affect, and are affected by, the country’s challenge to “grow smart.” Exploring the intersection between housing and the environment, the Center seeks to educate and encourage citizens, politicians and community leaders to become responsible parties on issues concerning housing and the environment.

The Center for Brownfields Initiatives at the University of New Orleans aims to facilitate brownfields redevelopment education, research, training and technology transfer through the use of transparent policies and balanced solutions. Provides news on specific brownfields developments.

aboutREMEDIATION (AR) is a Canadian education/outreach platform on brownfields redevelopment and site remediation. AR is managed by the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) and EcoLog Information Resources Group. Information, tools and opportunities are accessible through the website. AR approaches all aspects of remediation and brownfields redevelopment. Features include the federal approach, provincial tools, municipal matters, national initiatives, international network, risk management, legal issues, financing issues, property redevelopment, sustainable communities, research and development, education and training, site assessment, remediation technologies and case studies.

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a coalition of 170 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development via the three pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. The WBCSD's mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to promote the role of eco-efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility. Includes news and free newsletters on business and sustainable development, energy & climate, sustainable livelihoods and sustainable mobility.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

The Brownfields Showcase program of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is to assist municipalities to identify a range of potential finance, liability and approvals tools available to support planning and redevelopment activities and to highlight the benefits that can be achieved when brownfield sites are redeveloped.

Sustainable Architcture, Building and Culture is a web site devoted to exploring the relationship between ecology and sustainability, and how we can apply these values to our daily lives. The SustainableABC is goal to nourish and strengthen ecologically oriented design, construction and lifestyle choices. Site provides a products directory, book reviews, links to resources and a free newsletter.

Smart Communities Network is a project of the US Department of Energy, providing information related to sustainable development, including case studies on local community initiatives, technical and financial resources, and model codes and ordinances of other communities.

The Michigan Land Use Institute was founded in 1995 to establish an approach to economic development that strengthens communities, enhances opportunity, and protects the state's unmatched natural resources.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada is a federal government foundation supporting development and demonstration of clean technologies to address issues of climate change, clean air, and water and soil quality to deliver environmental, economic and health benefits to Canadians.

The International Institute of Sustainable Development was founded in 1990 with a mission to champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably. Undertakes research, communicates issues, and engages decision-makers in developing and implement policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, the global environment and to social well-being. Extensive website; offices in Canada, USA and Switzerland.