Taylor 28 Surpasses LEED Target, Brings Home a Silver! - News - Mithun:
The Taylor 28 project originally targeted basic LEED® certification—receipt of Silver certification is a significant achievement, given the project’s schedule and budget constraints. Reaching Silver level results from the exceptional effort the team made to find creative and pragmatic solutions that fit the unique circumstances of the site and building. The project also closely reflects the mission that drives the developer, BRE Properties; to provide highly desirable communities in which residents and commercial tenants can live and work, and to support a thriving green lifestyle within a dense urban framework.
Stemming from site constraints created by the Denny Way corridor and the absence of a Neighborhood Planning Area guideline, a critical goal for the project was to assess opportunities for reconnecting this unclaimed community and enhancing the public realm. The project turns what would be a typical sidewalk zone into a vibrant pedestrian open space system. This new open space system defines this neighborhood as a destination; reconnecting it to Belltown, Uptown, the Seattle Center and South Lake Union.
Green infrastructure components, considered integral to the streetscape design, achieve sustainability across the spectrum of social, ecological and economic success. Strategies to rebalance the neighborhood’s ecological footprint include rainwater infiltration, urban heat island reduction, improved air quality, carbon reduction, urban tree canopy restoration and fostering urban habitat.
Showing posts with label urban heat island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban heat island. Show all posts
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cambridge Climate Protection Plan may not be following up on UTC-related items; Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Climate Congress at City Hall Cambridge Community Television:
Here are a few items I have pulled out of the 2002 report that seem to lack follow-through.
Optimize building design and the use of vegetation to shade buildings and reduce the urban heat island effect. Use geographic information systems to map the city’s tree canopy coverage and assess the environmental services provided by the urban forest; maximize the tree canopy cover, particularly over parking lots and air-conditioning units; install roofs with high reflectance or “green” landscaped roofs; incorporate reflectance and shading standards in designs for parking lots and building construction.
Here are a few items I have pulled out of the 2002 report that seem to lack follow-through.
Optimize building design and the use of vegetation to shade buildings and reduce the urban heat island effect. Use geographic information systems to map the city’s tree canopy coverage and assess the environmental services provided by the urban forest; maximize the tree canopy cover, particularly over parking lots and air-conditioning units; install roofs with high reflectance or “green” landscaped roofs; incorporate reflectance and shading standards in designs for parking lots and building construction.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Like CA Researchers, GA Researcher Finds Cities' Land Use Responsible for Global Warming; Atlanta, GA
WABE: Local Researcher Finds Cities' Land Use Responsible for Global Warming (2009-11-12): ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Much attention has been paid to greenhouse gases' roll in climate change. But as WABE's Jim Burress reports, a Georgia Tech researcher says there's another cause, too: cities.
All those interstates, highrises even golf courses that make big cities big? They're all contributing to global warming, says Georgia Tech Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning Brian Stone.
'Most of this warming is a product of land use '
like parking lots.
' as opposed to greenhouse gasses'
which come out of your tailpipe.
All those interstates, highrises even golf courses that make big cities big? They're all contributing to global warming, says Georgia Tech Associate Professor of City and Regional Planning Brian Stone.
'Most of this warming is a product of land use '
like parking lots.
' as opposed to greenhouse gasses'
which come out of your tailpipe.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Everyone loves trees, right? Well, actually...; Hamilton, NJ
Hamilton raises concerns over tree-planting - NJ.com
Hamilton raises concerns over tree-planting
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Erin Duffy
STAFF WRITER
HAMILTON -- With temperatures pushing the 90-degree mark yesterday, a little shade might seem like the perfect antidote to beat the summer heat.
But a recent state and township project to plant shade trees as part of the Cool Cities Initiative (CCI) was met with mixed reactions from township residents, some of whom said the trees were planted against their wishes.
Now, in a resolution scheduled to be heard at the township council meeting tonight, council members are calling on the two state agencies in charge of the CCI to revise portions of their policy to provide for better communication between the organizations and affected homeowners and allow residents a way to opt out of the program.
Hamilton raises concerns over tree-planting
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Erin Duffy
STAFF WRITER
HAMILTON -- With temperatures pushing the 90-degree mark yesterday, a little shade might seem like the perfect antidote to beat the summer heat.
But a recent state and township project to plant shade trees as part of the Cool Cities Initiative (CCI) was met with mixed reactions from township residents, some of whom said the trees were planted against their wishes.
Now, in a resolution scheduled to be heard at the township council meeting tonight, council members are calling on the two state agencies in charge of the CCI to revise portions of their policy to provide for better communication between the organizations and affected homeowners and allow residents a way to opt out of the program.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Aussies use remote sensing and GIS to target optimal locations for planting to mitigate urban heat island; Brisbane, Australia
New technology helps identify right location for trees - Environment - News | Northside Chronicle
BRISBANE: The Brisbane City Council has become the first local government in Australia to use satellite technology to target where trees should be planted to shade the city.
The technology allows council to pinpoint the hottest spots of the city down to individual streets.
More than 10,000 street trees will shade the city’s hottest streets, parks and bikeways over the next 12 months, based on maps generated from heat and cool-spot technology.
The project is part of Lord Mayor Campbell Newman’s 2 Million Trees project, which in turn supports the target to restore 40 per cent of Brisbane to bush cover by 2026.
BRISBANE: The Brisbane City Council has become the first local government in Australia to use satellite technology to target where trees should be planted to shade the city.
The technology allows council to pinpoint the hottest spots of the city down to individual streets.
More than 10,000 street trees will shade the city’s hottest streets, parks and bikeways over the next 12 months, based on maps generated from heat and cool-spot technology.
The project is part of Lord Mayor Campbell Newman’s 2 Million Trees project, which in turn supports the target to restore 40 per cent of Brisbane to bush cover by 2026.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Million schmillion! London becomes world UTC leader via committment to plant 2,000,000 trees by 2025; London, UK
London Will Plant Two Million Trees by 2025 « The Dirt
According to The Guardian (UK), Isabel Dedring, London’s environmental advisor believes average summer temperatures could be 3.9 degrees C higher by 2080. London’s increasing temperatures are viewed as part of the city’s urban heat island effect and the result of global warming. To combat the temperature rise, the mayor released an environment plan that aims to increase tree cover across London by 5 percent, or two million trees, by 2025. An additional 5 percent of tree cover will come from added green space in inner London, including green roofs, according to the The Guardian. The goal is to reach 10 percent more greenery, the amount a UK study contends is required to offset project temperature increases.
Additionally, “trees in streets have a very positive air-quality effect,” noted Isabel Dedring, London’s environmental advisor.
The tree cover project is part of a broader plan,“Leading to a Greener London,” by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The London plan outlines a range of CO2 mitigation and adaptation programs. London’s plan also follows the “UK Low Carbon Transition Plan,” released in mid-July 2009 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and shares many of its recommendations. (see earlier post)
According to The Guardian (UK), Isabel Dedring, London’s environmental advisor believes average summer temperatures could be 3.9 degrees C higher by 2080. London’s increasing temperatures are viewed as part of the city’s urban heat island effect and the result of global warming. To combat the temperature rise, the mayor released an environment plan that aims to increase tree cover across London by 5 percent, or two million trees, by 2025. An additional 5 percent of tree cover will come from added green space in inner London, including green roofs, according to the The Guardian. The goal is to reach 10 percent more greenery, the amount a UK study contends is required to offset project temperature increases.
Additionally, “trees in streets have a very positive air-quality effect,” noted Isabel Dedring, London’s environmental advisor.
The tree cover project is part of a broader plan,“Leading to a Greener London,” by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The London plan outlines a range of CO2 mitigation and adaptation programs. London’s plan also follows the “UK Low Carbon Transition Plan,” released in mid-July 2009 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and shares many of its recommendations. (see earlier post)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Using green roof technology in combination with UTC enhancement to mitigate D.C. heat island effect; Washington, D.C.
Using green roof technology to mitigate D.C. heat island effect
Posted using ShareThis
Other than increasing D.C.’s tree canopy, another method to mitigate the heat island effect is to construct green roofs, or a vegetative layer on the roof of a building. Also known as “rooftop gardens” or “eco-roofs”, attributes include increased vegetated cover, building temperature regulation (resulting in energy savings for heating and cooling costs as well as need for insulation); enhanced rooftop durability and less maintenance needs; reduced stormwater runoff; water filtration and restoration of natural habitats, among others.
Posted using ShareThis
Other than increasing D.C.’s tree canopy, another method to mitigate the heat island effect is to construct green roofs, or a vegetative layer on the roof of a building. Also known as “rooftop gardens” or “eco-roofs”, attributes include increased vegetated cover, building temperature regulation (resulting in energy savings for heating and cooling costs as well as need for insulation); enhanced rooftop durability and less maintenance needs; reduced stormwater runoff; water filtration and restoration of natural habitats, among others.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Going green" has some N.J. residents seeing red; Hamilton, NJ
"Going green" has some N.J. residents seeing red | 6abc.com Green Living - 6/01/09 - Philadelphia News - 6abc.com
HAMILTON TWP., N.J. - June 1, 2009 (WPVI) -- Planting shade trees has led to anger, protest and one arrest in Hamilton Twp.
"I said I don't want any and I wound up with two," said James Lombardi.
Lombardo is one of many township residents upset with the state for planting shade trees on their streets even though they don't want them.
"It uproots the sidewalk and everything else, and then you're responsible for it," said Lombardo. "They're telling me I'm not, but they won't put it in writing. I just don't want it. I should have the option of [not] having a tree there."
About 300 trees have been planted as part of a Department of Environmental Protection community forestry project to build up the tree canopy in developed areas.
But along Elmore Avenue, residents like Mary Kate Cammarata are worried not just about raking leaves, but what tree roots could do if they grow into the underground pipes.
"God forbid if anything happens with my water or gas line," she said. "I'm responsible for it? They're not going to come fix it. Or what if my sidewalk lifts?"
HAMILTON TWP., N.J. - June 1, 2009 (WPVI) -- Planting shade trees has led to anger, protest and one arrest in Hamilton Twp.
"I said I don't want any and I wound up with two," said James Lombardi.
Lombardo is one of many township residents upset with the state for planting shade trees on their streets even though they don't want them.
"It uproots the sidewalk and everything else, and then you're responsible for it," said Lombardo. "They're telling me I'm not, but they won't put it in writing. I just don't want it. I should have the option of [not] having a tree there."
About 300 trees have been planted as part of a Department of Environmental Protection community forestry project to build up the tree canopy in developed areas.
But along Elmore Avenue, residents like Mary Kate Cammarata are worried not just about raking leaves, but what tree roots could do if they grow into the underground pipes.
"God forbid if anything happens with my water or gas line," she said. "I'm responsible for it? They're not going to come fix it. Or what if my sidewalk lifts?"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
"Make my day, punk - plant that tree!" NJ man arrested for threating to shoot crews for planting street tree in front of his house; Hamilton, NJ
Some in Hamilton don't want new trees - NJ.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
BY RYAN TRACY
HAMILTON -- A tree-planting initiative in the Mercerville section of town is meeting stiff resistance from homeowners, one of whom brandished a shotgun and threatened state contractors digging in front of his home.
The 'community forestry' project, a partnership between Hamilton and the state, is designed to bolster tree canopies in cities and developed towns.
Many residents in the one Hamilton neighborhood targeted this year say they were not notified of the project until the trees were planted, though officials from Hamilton and the state Department of Environmental Protection claim otherwise.
The residents also say their complaints have been ignored or bounced between state and town officials without resolution. Those who oppose the trees fear the growing roots will damage sidewalks and underground pipes, while some say they do not want the burden of maintaining a tree they did not ask for.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
BY RYAN TRACY
HAMILTON -- A tree-planting initiative in the Mercerville section of town is meeting stiff resistance from homeowners, one of whom brandished a shotgun and threatened state contractors digging in front of his home.
The 'community forestry' project, a partnership between Hamilton and the state, is designed to bolster tree canopies in cities and developed towns.
Many residents in the one Hamilton neighborhood targeted this year say they were not notified of the project until the trees were planted, though officials from Hamilton and the state Department of Environmental Protection claim otherwise.
The residents also say their complaints have been ignored or bounced between state and town officials without resolution. Those who oppose the trees fear the growing roots will damage sidewalks and underground pipes, while some say they do not want the burden of maintaining a tree they did not ask for.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Increasing white surfaces in urban areas may be better albedo solution than clear cutting the planet; Earth; 4/5/09
Keeping Cool with the Albedo Effect Miller-McCune.com - Santa Barbara,CA,USA
The amount of heat removed from the atmosphere by painting a 10-square-meter dark roof white would cool the Earth as much as removing 630 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Replacing a square meter of asphalt pavement with concrete or white topping is like removing 38 kilograms of carbon dioxide over a year.
On a global scale, with urban areas comprising about 1 percent of the Earth's land surface and roofs and paved surfaces comprising about 25 percent and 35 percent of a typical urban area, respectively, lightening their color would have the same cooling effect as keeping 44 gigitons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere
The amount of heat removed from the atmosphere by painting a 10-square-meter dark roof white would cool the Earth as much as removing 630 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Replacing a square meter of asphalt pavement with concrete or white topping is like removing 38 kilograms of carbon dioxide over a year.
On a global scale, with urban areas comprising about 1 percent of the Earth's land surface and roofs and paved surfaces comprising about 25 percent and 35 percent of a typical urban area, respectively, lightening their color would have the same cooling effect as keeping 44 gigitons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Heat Island Basics; USA; 3/20/09
Alliance for Community Trees : Jobs By Jared Liu
Increasing the amount of trees by even a small margin would help. The US Forest Service has found increasing the urban tree canopy by just 1% would bring maximum midday city temperatures down by .07 to .36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Increasing the amount of trees by even a small margin would help. The US Forest Service has found increasing the urban tree canopy by just 1% would bring maximum midday city temperatures down by .07 to .36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Councilman pushes for UTC increase; St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada; 2/8/09
Councillor wants city to increase tree canopy St. Catharines Standard - St. Catharines,Ontario,Canada
“Trees are the lungs of a city,” Elliott said. They “remove pollutants and carbon from the air, provide cooling effects, reduce energy consumption and allow rain to reach the water table.”
In the summer, downtown streets can be as much as 10 degrees hotter than the suburbs, Elliott said, as idling vehicles and sunbaked pavement cause temperatures to rise. Vehicle emissions make the hot air foul to breathe.
“What plans do we have to put in place to foster a healthy canopy in the heart of our city?” Elliott asked.
“Trees are the lungs of a city,” Elliott said. They “remove pollutants and carbon from the air, provide cooling effects, reduce energy consumption and allow rain to reach the water table.”
In the summer, downtown streets can be as much as 10 degrees hotter than the suburbs, Elliott said, as idling vehicles and sunbaked pavement cause temperatures to rise. Vehicle emissions make the hot air foul to breathe.
“What plans do we have to put in place to foster a healthy canopy in the heart of our city?” Elliott asked.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Roanoke has "zero chance" of achieving UTC goal; Roanoke, VA; 2/5/09
Business/Finance: City Planning Commission Members Warn Council of ...By Valerie Garner
Rick Williams, Roanoke City Planning Commission member said, "there is zero chance of [Roanoke City] achieving its tree canopy goals." In 2003 Roanoke City Council set a goal of reaching a 40% tree canopy within 10 years. Commission member, Kent Chrisman, said that "one acre of clear cutting" wipes out any efforts on the part of the city’s streetscape efforts.
Chrisman said Roanoke is suffering from the Urban Island effect. The effect results in increased temperatures due to the thermal effect created by an increase in asphalt and pavement. He added that without the help of the private sector Roanoke would not meet its goal.
Rick Williams, Roanoke City Planning Commission member said, "there is zero chance of [Roanoke City] achieving its tree canopy goals." In 2003 Roanoke City Council set a goal of reaching a 40% tree canopy within 10 years. Commission member, Kent Chrisman, said that "one acre of clear cutting" wipes out any efforts on the part of the city’s streetscape efforts.
Chrisman said Roanoke is suffering from the Urban Island effect. The effect results in increased temperatures due to the thermal effect created by an increase in asphalt and pavement. He added that without the help of the private sector Roanoke would not meet its goal.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Houston, TX; 1/7/09
Cool Down Earth GaugeViewer Tip: Between 1972 and 1999, Houston lost around 400 square miles of tree canopy. Trees not only make our landscape more beautiful, they also cool and remove pollutants from the air, mitigating the effects of urban heat! ...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Earth; 12/23/08
New Science & Technology: How do trees affect the weather? Whether ...Trees affect our climate, and therefore our weather, in three primary ways: they lower temperatures, reduce energy usage and reduce or remove air pollutants. Each part of the tree contributes to climate control, from leaves to roots.
Leaves help turn down the thermostat. They cool the air through a process called evapotranspiration. It may seem like an invisible process to our eyes, but a large oak tree is capable of transpiring 40,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere during one year [source: USGS].
Leaves help turn down the thermostat. They cool the air through a process called evapotranspiration. It may seem like an invisible process to our eyes, but a large oak tree is capable of transpiring 40,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere during one year [source: USGS].
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