the intersection of urban planning & energy consumption

shaping sustainable cities: the intersection of urban planning & energy consumption

In the bustling tapestry of modern civilization, cities stand as the epicenters of human activity, culture, and innovation. Yet, as urban populations continue to swell, so do the challenges they pose, particularly in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. Sustainable urban planning emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a blueprint for harmonizing urban…

what is a life cycle assessment? what the different parts of a life cycle assessment?

what is a life cycle assessment? what the different parts of a life cycle assessment?

Our planet and all of the resources she houses are part of a closed system, meaning that while energy and resources can be changed by consumption or conservation, they cannot be created or destroyed. Accordingly, every process and act of consumption has some effect on our resources and the environment in which we live.  Understanding…

challenges to ecolabels

According to the European Commission, an ecolabel is a voluntary environmental performance certificate awarded to products and services. Certified products and services are classified by groups. These product and service groups must meet specific, pre-defined criteria by demonstrating that they reduce the standard overall environmental impact. Accordingly, ecolabels are seals of approval given to products…

the disadvantages of ecolabels

Ecolabels are certification schemes that serve as a declaration of the higher sustainability qualities of products or services. In some instances, these regulatory tools serve to create new markets and educate consumers about the environmental impact of the products they consume. However, the concept of ecolabels is still evolving and there are a number of…

what are ecolabels?

Eco-labels help consumers make informed, sustainable choices by certifying products that meet strict environmental standards. Learn about major certifications like EU Ecolabel and Energy Star, the latest trends in sustainability, and how these labels drive eco-friendly innovation. Make smarter purchases and support a greener future!”

the different types of ecolabels

With growing concern about the impact of production systems on the environment, many efforts have been made to shift both producer and consumer behavior. Ecolabelling is one approach that aims to (1) inform consumers about the environmental impact of their consumption patterns and (2) encourage producers to improve the environmental sustainability of their products and…

the industrialization of the food system

In 1920, more than half of the United States’ population were farmers. They lived a peasant life in rural communities and were skilled in a range of animal rearing and crop production skills. Farmers tended to embrace natural complementaries between the unique components of the farm to establish healthy food production systems. Most farm work…

a brief history of development for poverty reduction

There have been various approaches to development for poverty reduction since efforts have been made to promote and encourage development in non-Westernized nations. These approaches have been varied in nature, ranging from the initial Basic Income Approach in 1901 (see Rowntree) to the Empowerment Approach in 1983 (see Chambers) to the Systems Development and Integrated…

challenges to urban agriculture

The expansion of urban agriculture is arguably necessary to feed the world’s population, especially as the global migration towards urban centers continues.  However, there is a range of hindrances preventing its full utilization, all of which are not necessarily exclusive to urban production systems – especially problems associated with a lack of foresight. Populations within…