1. Ginormous electric SUVs and trucks are to sustainable mobility, what 'natural gas' is a bridge to clean energy.
Buy a leaf.
vice.com/en/article/3ab…
Buy a leaf.
vice.com/en/article/3ab…
2. An e-bikes or e-cargo bikes for clunkers policy would be incredibly effective for reducing VMTs in urban areas.
Sadly, no US city seems motivated to lead on that.
reuters.com/technology/tra…
Sadly, no US city seems motivated to lead on that.
reuters.com/technology/tra…
3. Passivhaus mandates
The IPCC stated that weak energy codes would be a primary driver of carbon lock-in.
There is no jurisdiction where passivhaus is mandated in the US. We need to change this quickly.
Cities must lead. Be like BRU!
passivehouseplus.ie/magazine/insig…
The IPCC stated that weak energy codes would be a primary driver of carbon lock-in.
There is no jurisdiction where passivhaus is mandated in the US. We need to change this quickly.
Cities must lead. Be like BRU!
passivehouseplus.ie/magazine/insig…
4. abolish exclusionary zoning
IPCC said we need to prioritize multifamily housing, and walkable neighborhoods to drive down emissions.
Most countries don't even have single family zoning.
theurbanist.org/2018/06/01/cor…
IPCC said we need to prioritize multifamily housing, and walkable neighborhoods to drive down emissions.
Most countries don't even have single family zoning.
theurbanist.org/2018/06/01/cor…
5. pedestrian zones
Pedestrian zones are one neat trick that reduce climate emissions while improving livability and public health outcomes
Pedestrian zones are one neat trick that reduce climate emissions while improving livability and public health outcomes
6. co-housing/baugruppen
Allows for sufficiency and resource efficiency - reducing the amount of living area one needs, as well as reducing the amount of resources. They're also pretty good at mitigating the loneliness crisis.
More on baugruppen here: larchlab.com/baugruppen/
Allows for sufficiency and resource efficiency - reducing the amount of living area one needs, as well as reducing the amount of resources. They're also pretty good at mitigating the loneliness crisis.
More on baugruppen here: larchlab.com/baugruppen/
7. Banning SUVs
They have no place in cities, cause more pollution than most countries in the world - and will be on the road for another 20 years or so.
They've also eradicated all savings from EVs - and will continue to do so well past 2030
newstatesman.com/chart-of-the-d…
They have no place in cities, cause more pollution than most countries in the world - and will be on the road for another 20 years or so.
They've also eradicated all savings from EVs - and will continue to do so well past 2030
newstatesman.com/chart-of-the-d…
8. active solar protection subsidies
in a warming world, reducing overheating in buildings is going to become more critical. instead of relying on A/C, it is possible for many places to save energy w/ active solar protection and cross ventilation.
US has almost no industry
in a warming world, reducing overheating in buildings is going to become more critical. instead of relying on A/C, it is possible for many places to save energy w/ active solar protection and cross ventilation.
US has almost no industry
9. decarbonized building materials
Our carbon dioxide removal moonshot idea is prefabricated passivhaus wall panels made of straw and wood - that sequester carbon.
🧵 on what that could look like:
Our carbon dioxide removal moonshot idea is prefabricated passivhaus wall panels made of straw and wood - that sequester carbon.
🧵 on what that could look like:
https://twitter.com/Larch_Lab/status/1504170036549742593?s=20&t=GidyT8goUTMfDUBo0bJIqg
10. parking caps
It's not enough to eliminate parking minimums - thousands of parking spaces can still be added, as was case in Seattle - inducing more sprawl and VMTs
To avoid carbon lock-in, no net new parking. Import Zuerich's policy:
vimeo.com/111709409
It's not enough to eliminate parking minimums - thousands of parking spaces can still be added, as was case in Seattle - inducing more sprawl and VMTs
To avoid carbon lock-in, no net new parking. Import Zuerich's policy:
vimeo.com/111709409
11. ecodistricts
the US has been heinously bad at leveraging high capacity transit for climate action. These should be surrounded by massive ecodistricts w/ ample housing, jobs, schools, open space, cafes, and things needed for daily needs. See Vienna:
the US has been heinously bad at leveraging high capacity transit for climate action. These should be surrounded by massive ecodistricts w/ ample housing, jobs, schools, open space, cafes, and things needed for daily needs. See Vienna:
https://twitter.com/Larch_Lab/status/1468281712375304195?s=20&t=GidyT8goUTMfDUBo0bJIqg
12. sponge city!
blue-green infrastructure is both great, and necessary. necessary - as it mitigates heat, rain deluges.
great, as it offers copious co-benefits. IPCC indicated major need for cities.
ramboll.com/-/media/38fc23…
blue-green infrastructure is both great, and necessary. necessary - as it mitigates heat, rain deluges.
great, as it offers copious co-benefits. IPCC indicated major need for cities.
ramboll.com/-/media/38fc23…
13. rethinking mobility
cities need to be much more proactive about driving down VMTs. visionary leadership could take a highway to a car-free linear park that moves more people, while improving livability and public health outcomes.
theurbanist.org/2021/09/16/env…
cities need to be much more proactive about driving down VMTs. visionary leadership could take a highway to a car-free linear park that moves more people, while improving livability and public health outcomes.
theurbanist.org/2021/09/16/env…
14. fossil fuel-free buildings.
i don't think there's anything more that needs to be said on this one. methane is not a bridge fuel.
rmi.org/our-work/build…
i don't think there's anything more that needs to be said on this one. methane is not a bridge fuel.
rmi.org/our-work/build…
15. mass timber
sustainably harvested mass timber - used resource efficiently - was identified as one path towards decarbonizing building structures by the IPCC. we've been fans since first working with it in 2003
sustainably harvested mass timber - used resource efficiently - was identified as one path towards decarbonizing building structures by the IPCC. we've been fans since first working with it in 2003
16. re-democratizing public right of ways
de-prioritizing private vehicles in cities is necessary to meet climate goals. reclaiming streets for transit prioritization, for blue-green infrastructure, for bike lanes, for more green in the city are massive climate & livability wins
de-prioritizing private vehicles in cities is necessary to meet climate goals. reclaiming streets for transit prioritization, for blue-green infrastructure, for bike lanes, for more green in the city are massive climate & livability wins
17. cargo bike logistics
faster, cleaner than vans. don't block streets to the same degree. better public health outcomes. less noise. and less cost to business.
theguardian.com/world/2021/aug…
faster, cleaner than vans. don't block streets to the same degree. better public health outcomes. less noise. and less cost to business.
theguardian.com/world/2021/aug…
18. energetic retrofits
existing buildings are huge in number, and most have little to no insulation. energetic retrofits (paired w/ incentives and mandates) are a path to significant reduction in carbon and getting existing buildings off fossil fuels.
canadianarchitect.com/raising-the-ba…
existing buildings are huge in number, and most have little to no insulation. energetic retrofits (paired w/ incentives and mandates) are a path to significant reduction in carbon and getting existing buildings off fossil fuels.
canadianarchitect.com/raising-the-ba…
19. midrise point access blocks
the superfruit of decarbonized buildings. point access blocks enable mix of unit sizes & types, cross ventilation & daylight on multiple sides, compact & energy efficient form, community-oriented buildings.
more here: larchlab.com/city-of-vancou…
the superfruit of decarbonized buildings. point access blocks enable mix of unit sizes & types, cross ventilation & daylight on multiple sides, compact & energy efficient form, community-oriented buildings.
more here: larchlab.com/city-of-vancou…
20. circularity
the construction industry must move beyond a wasteful status quo. circularity will result in reduction of CO2 emissions, create new jobs, & improve productivity.
check out our pi day post on doughnut economics and circular construction
larchlab.com/its-pi-day-fol…
the construction industry must move beyond a wasteful status quo. circularity will result in reduction of CO2 emissions, create new jobs, & improve productivity.
check out our pi day post on doughnut economics and circular construction
larchlab.com/its-pi-day-fol…
21. foam-free foundations
getting fossil fuel based insulation boards out of foundations is possible with schaumglasschotter (foam glass gravel) - an insulating aggregate made from recycled glass.
getting fossil fuel based insulation boards out of foundations is possible with schaumglasschotter (foam glass gravel) - an insulating aggregate made from recycled glass.
22. rapid bike network rollout
massive mode shift to green mobility is possibile - just look at the inspiring transformation of Paris under mayor anne hidalgo: rapid roll out of protected bike lanes. lots of families biking. and not stopping there.
forbes.com/sites/carltonr…
massive mode shift to green mobility is possibile - just look at the inspiring transformation of Paris under mayor anne hidalgo: rapid roll out of protected bike lanes. lots of families biking. and not stopping there.
forbes.com/sites/carltonr…
23. aufstockungen (vertical additions)
re-compacting city w/ aufstockungen is a smart way of adding new housing to built out areas.
it also can be leveraged for cost of energetic retrofits to existing buildings.
can utilize prefab wood systems.
geil.
theurbanist.org/2014/07/24/auf…
re-compacting city w/ aufstockungen is a smart way of adding new housing to built out areas.
it also can be leveraged for cost of energetic retrofits to existing buildings.
can utilize prefab wood systems.
geil.
theurbanist.org/2014/07/24/auf…
24. urban mining
identifying existing urban resources, and re-using or re-purposing them at the end of their functional lifetime.
more here via metabolic:
metabolic.nl/news/urban-min…
identifying existing urban resources, and re-using or re-purposing them at the end of their functional lifetime.
more here via metabolic:
metabolic.nl/news/urban-min…
25. school streets
making it easier to school without driving should be a priority. one cool trick for incentivizing this is to close off streets to cars near school, and open them to students.
it's a public health and livability boost.
making it easier to school without driving should be a priority. one cool trick for incentivizing this is to close off streets to cars near school, and open them to students.
it's a public health and livability boost.
26. street trees
urban trees provide a massive opportunity for carbon sequestration as well as reduced energy usage through shade and reduction of urban heat island effect.
they're also stunning to look at.
urban trees provide a massive opportunity for carbon sequestration as well as reduced energy usage through shade and reduction of urban heat island effect.
they're also stunning to look at.
https://twitter.com/Larch_Lab/status/1511068021187514369?s=20&t=52OZMsviJMm09mVab17Lng
27. curbing food waste & composting
food waste is a massive part of trash in the US, and if it ends up in landfills - results in methane emissions.
composting captures this waste, reduce methane emissions, sequestering carbon, and providing plant food.
drawdown.org/solutions/comp…
food waste is a massive part of trash in the US, and if it ends up in landfills - results in methane emissions.
composting captures this waste, reduce methane emissions, sequestering carbon, and providing plant food.
drawdown.org/solutions/comp…
28. low-GWP refrigerants
many refrigerants are not great for the climate, and have high ODP or GWP (global warming potential). heat pump leaks and spills can wipe out carbon savings of heat pumps. as heat pump tech becomes more prevalent, low-GWP refrigerants will be necessary
many refrigerants are not great for the climate, and have high ODP or GWP (global warming potential). heat pump leaks and spills can wipe out carbon savings of heat pumps. as heat pump tech becomes more prevalent, low-GWP refrigerants will be necessary
29. microgrids
when looking at energy loops - there may be resources in the vicinity that can be used to lower energy consumption and fossil fuel use. localized generation - as well as excess heat recovery for district heating.
theurbanist.org/2020/06/26/urb…
when looking at energy loops - there may be resources in the vicinity that can be used to lower energy consumption and fossil fuel use. localized generation - as well as excess heat recovery for district heating.
theurbanist.org/2020/06/26/urb…
30. e-bikes
e-bikes are great. they flatten hills, make it easier to run errands in the 3-8 mile range, and can keep elderly riding longer. you can haul kiddo and loads on them. and they're outselling EVs globally. gonna need more protected bike lanes!
electrek.co/2022/01/26/ele…
e-bikes are great. they flatten hills, make it easier to run errands in the 3-8 mile range, and can keep elderly riding longer. you can haul kiddo and loads on them. and they're outselling EVs globally. gonna need more protected bike lanes!
electrek.co/2022/01/26/ele…
31. comprehensive public transit
affordable, frequent, and comprehensive transit enables mobility without cars.
berlin's annual pass is less than $40/mo. redundancy is also imperative. here's berlin's transit map - and it doesn't even include buses or trams.
affordable, frequent, and comprehensive transit enables mobility without cars.
berlin's annual pass is less than $40/mo. redundancy is also imperative. here's berlin's transit map - and it doesn't even include buses or trams.
32. productive cities
in the US, zoning separates uses. but it's not necessary in 90% of cases. light/non-polluting industry & residential can go together.
productive cities are about making space in cities for industry & utilizing synergies
import BRU:
bma.brussels/en/something-p…
in the US, zoning separates uses. but it's not necessary in 90% of cases. light/non-polluting industry & residential can go together.
productive cities are about making space in cities for industry & utilizing synergies
import BRU:
bma.brussels/en/something-p…
33. electric carshare
as mobility shifts in coming years - shared mobility is going to be a great component of this, allowing people to ditch their cars.
perhaps we'll see a future w/ less VC - & more coop owned EV carshares distributed in cities. 💪💪💪
greenbiz.com/article/five-c…
as mobility shifts in coming years - shared mobility is going to be a great component of this, allowing people to ditch their cars.
perhaps we'll see a future w/ less VC - & more coop owned EV carshares distributed in cities. 💪💪💪
greenbiz.com/article/five-c…
34. 15 minute city
big fan of @CarlosMorenoFr's vision
IPCC: 'Urban areas that develop & implement effective 15/20 min. city programs are very likely to reduce urban energy use and multiply emission reductions, representing an important cascading effect.'
big fan of @CarlosMorenoFr's vision
IPCC: 'Urban areas that develop & implement effective 15/20 min. city programs are very likely to reduce urban energy use and multiply emission reductions, representing an important cascading effect.'
35. mobility hubs
a centralized parking garage that is also connected to transit, logistics, bikeshare, carshare, workshop spaces - perhaps even cafes and youth centers. how do they adapt over time as car usage drops? Maybe like this:
archdaily.com/931430/open-pl…
a centralized parking garage that is also connected to transit, logistics, bikeshare, carshare, workshop spaces - perhaps even cafes and youth centers. how do they adapt over time as car usage drops? Maybe like this:
archdaily.com/931430/open-pl…
36. low traffic neighborhoods
cities aren't noisy - cars are noisy.
reducing rat runs through neighborhoods is an instant livability boost. less noise, less air pollution - and safer for residents and kiddos. also bike friendly.
cities aren't noisy - cars are noisy.
reducing rat runs through neighborhoods is an instant livability boost. less noise, less air pollution - and safer for residents and kiddos. also bike friendly.
https://twitter.com/OxLivSts/status/1274564550243876864
37. decarbonizing the grid
cities and local governments can have an outsized sway in setting renewables targets and getting utilities to decarbonize the grid. even better when the utilities are *publicly* owned.
rmi.org/local-governme…
cities and local governments can have an outsized sway in setting renewables targets and getting utilities to decarbonize the grid. even better when the utilities are *publicly* owned.
rmi.org/local-governme…
38. energy passports
energy passports are a means of letting people know how efficient a building is. it can also be a means of getting owners to improve efficiency of their buildings. hint, hint.
bpie.eu/publication/en…
energy passports are a means of letting people know how efficient a building is. it can also be a means of getting owners to improve efficiency of their buildings. hint, hint.
bpie.eu/publication/en…
39. misguided funding
IPCC report noted we're not spending anywhere close to what we should be on climate action - and still investing in fossil fuel and car-centric infrastructure.
that needs to change immediately if we're to have any chance at meeting climate goals.
IPCC report noted we're not spending anywhere close to what we should be on climate action - and still investing in fossil fuel and car-centric infrastructure.
that needs to change immediately if we're to have any chance at meeting climate goals.
40. dismantling highways
while lidding or tunneling highways can reduce ill effects of cars in cities - they are still costly & prioritize car-centricity.
we need to be dismantling highways in cities. and when we do, not build 10-lane at grade highways in their place (seattle)
while lidding or tunneling highways can reduce ill effects of cars in cities - they are still costly & prioritize car-centricity.
we need to be dismantling highways in cities. and when we do, not build 10-lane at grade highways in their place (seattle)
41. ample non-market housing
to ensure benefits of cities are available to all - there need to be homes that are affordable at all levels, and across a variety of household types. social housing cluster apts. coops. cohousing. homes for single parents. multigenerational homes.
to ensure benefits of cities are available to all - there need to be homes that are affordable at all levels, and across a variety of household types. social housing cluster apts. coops. cohousing. homes for single parents. multigenerational homes.
42. invest in climate-friendly manufacturers
more funding for regional high performance building products. passivhaus window manufacturers. active solar protection to avoid overheating. prefab panelized wood construction elements. alternatives to spray and rigid foams etc
more funding for regional high performance building products. passivhaus window manufacturers. active solar protection to avoid overheating. prefab panelized wood construction elements. alternatives to spray and rigid foams etc
43. rewilding cities
building walls isn't climate mitigation - and those walls will eventually crumble. rewilding cities returns them to natural processes and is a path forward on mitigation, carbon sequestration, open space, and unsealing surfaces.
arup.com/perspectives/r…
building walls isn't climate mitigation - and those walls will eventually crumble. rewilding cities returns them to natural processes and is a path forward on mitigation, carbon sequestration, open space, and unsealing surfaces.
arup.com/perspectives/r…
44. urban farming
some interesting proposals for productive rooftop farming on housing & industrial complexes that have been proposed the last few years - also opportunities to use synergies (waste heat, provide open space on roofs, build community etc)
urbannext.net/rooftop-greenh…
some interesting proposals for productive rooftop farming on housing & industrial complexes that have been proposed the last few years - also opportunities to use synergies (waste heat, provide open space on roofs, build community etc)
urbannext.net/rooftop-greenh…
45. embrace the river's flood
design *with* nature, planning for when the flood comes and designing to mitigate the effects - rather than poorly try and manage it. architect eric daniel lacombe in FR does this well:
construction21.org/france/article…
design *with* nature, planning for when the flood comes and designing to mitigate the effects - rather than poorly try and manage it. architect eric daniel lacombe in FR does this well:
construction21.org/france/article…
46. e-bikes & e-cargo bikes for city employees
EVs are expensive & need to be driven regularly. not using city vehicles regularly during pandemic has been problematic. staff could use e-bike/e-cargo bikes for daily work. better use of taxpayer funds too
ln-online.de/lokales/segebe…
EVs are expensive & need to be driven regularly. not using city vehicles regularly during pandemic has been problematic. staff could use e-bike/e-cargo bikes for daily work. better use of taxpayer funds too
ln-online.de/lokales/segebe…
47. LCAs for limiting high carbon building permits
all-glass buildings are terrible for birds, energy performance & embodied carbon. requiring LCAs for permitting, and limiting the number of high-carbon projects to be approved annually, would drive more climate friendly designs
all-glass buildings are terrible for birds, energy performance & embodied carbon. requiring LCAs for permitting, and limiting the number of high-carbon projects to be approved annually, would drive more climate friendly designs
48. elect climate leaders
for too long, we have elected leaders who give lip service to climate action. who have put forth climate plans that fail to provide framework to accelerate action. climate leaders don't build highways. they don't prioritize cars and exclusionary zoning.
for too long, we have elected leaders who give lip service to climate action. who have put forth climate plans that fail to provide framework to accelerate action. climate leaders don't build highways. they don't prioritize cars and exclusionary zoning.
49. gender mainstreaming in urban planning
gender mainsteaming is a path to a more just and fairer city - targeting resources toward equitable distribution to space and time, considering the needs of groups often overlooked in planning. import vienna:
theguardian.com/cities/2019/ma…
gender mainsteaming is a path to a more just and fairer city - targeting resources toward equitable distribution to space and time, considering the needs of groups often overlooked in planning. import vienna:
theguardian.com/cities/2019/ma…
50. listen to the kids
children & young adults often know more about cities & climate action than their own parents. they have to navigate loud, unsafe streets for school, to see friends, or go to parks.
child-friendly cities are climate-friendly cities.
theconversation.com/young-children…
children & young adults often know more about cities & climate action than their own parents. they have to navigate loud, unsafe streets for school, to see friends, or go to parks.
child-friendly cities are climate-friendly cities.
theconversation.com/young-children…
51. climate reparations
effects of climate change will be felt hardest by the poorest and those who had almost no effect on climate change to begin with. tax polluters and pay reparations.
foreignpolicy.com/2020/10/10/cas…
effects of climate change will be felt hardest by the poorest and those who had almost no effect on climate change to begin with. tax polluters and pay reparations.
foreignpolicy.com/2020/10/10/cas…
52. federal level zoning control
like germany and japan. allows mixed use by right, even at the lowest residential zoning level. better outcomes with regards to walkability and climate.
like germany and japan. allows mixed use by right, even at the lowest residential zoning level. better outcomes with regards to walkability and climate.
53. Subsidized Passivhaus Tradesperson training
training program for trades, mfrs, developers, city employees - so that they know what passivhaus is, what it takes to build one. will help keep costs down, provide great jobs, improve construction quality.
naphnetwork.org/tradesperson-t…
training program for trades, mfrs, developers, city employees - so that they know what passivhaus is, what it takes to build one. will help keep costs down, provide great jobs, improve construction quality.
naphnetwork.org/tradesperson-t…
54. Combine multiple actions!
car-free, bike-friendly, family-friendly, mass timber + passivhaus baugruppen! (urban co-housing):
PS this is exactly the sort of project we specialize in ;)
holzbauatlas.berlin/walden48_schar…
car-free, bike-friendly, family-friendly, mass timber + passivhaus baugruppen! (urban co-housing):
PS this is exactly the sort of project we specialize in ;)
holzbauatlas.berlin/walden48_schar…
55. zero emissions construction sites
Quieter for residents and workers. Less air pollution.
Take it up a notch by prefabricating your entire building (panels > modules) and deliver it quickly for rapid, quieter on-site erection
:)
dw.com/en/green-const…
Quieter for residents and workers. Less air pollution.
Take it up a notch by prefabricating your entire building (panels > modules) and deliver it quickly for rapid, quieter on-site erection
:)
dw.com/en/green-const…
56. Climate Action is not an 'additional service'
Climate action must be *foundational* to a firm's services to have a shot at mitigating climate change.
Climate friendly processes will lead the way.
Here's our own vision:
larchlab.com/what-we-do/
Climate action must be *foundational* to a firm's services to have a shot at mitigating climate change.
Climate friendly processes will lead the way.
Here's our own vision:
larchlab.com/what-we-do/
57. knowledge exchange
break down silos. start your own symposium. open source your templates. mentor someone. translate documents so other countries can run with ideas that they can utilize.
cakex.org/about-cake
break down silos. start your own symposium. open source your templates. mentor someone. translate documents so other countries can run with ideas that they can utilize.
cakex.org/about-cake
58. plant trees. everyday
no, it won't be enough.
no, it won't be enough.
59. cars and planes come last in the sustainable mobility pyramid
DOTs need to facilitate it. leaders need to make the case for it.
DOTs need to facilitate it. leaders need to make the case for it.
60. high speed trains > planes
the entire experience is better. and in many instances, not only is it more enjoyable, kiddo friendly, and sustainable way to travel - but it's faster.
the entire experience is better. and in many instances, not only is it more enjoyable, kiddo friendly, and sustainable way to travel - but it's faster.
61. urban growth boundaries
UGBs are great. they keep cities and food closer together - lowering emissions. they preserve natural habitat instead of letting sprawl decimate it.
just open that zoning nozzle.
UGBs are great. they keep cities and food closer together - lowering emissions. they preserve natural habitat instead of letting sprawl decimate it.
just open that zoning nozzle.
62. collaborate
work w/ stakeholders. ask children. foster strategic relationships. knowledge share.
teamwork makes the dream work
rio climate resilience strategy: resilientcitiesnetwork.org/downloadable_r…
work w/ stakeholders. ask children. foster strategic relationships. knowledge share.
teamwork makes the dream work
rio climate resilience strategy: resilientcitiesnetwork.org/downloadable_r…
63. expedite the transformation.
'Cities can only achieve net zero or near net zero GHG emissions through deep decarbonisation & systemic transformation' - @IPCC_CH
climate change is here.
time's up.
we've got a lot of work to do
'Cities can only achieve net zero or near net zero GHG emissions through deep decarbonisation & systemic transformation' - @IPCC_CH
climate change is here.
time's up.
we've got a lot of work to do
@IPCC_CH (last one)
'you must change your life' - rainer maria rilke
low-carbon cities will be so much quieter, more livable, with many co-benefits, and better public health outcomes than the unsustainable car-centric status quo.
let us know how we can help: larchlab.com/contact/
'you must change your life' - rainer maria rilke
low-carbon cities will be so much quieter, more livable, with many co-benefits, and better public health outcomes than the unsustainable car-centric status quo.
let us know how we can help: larchlab.com/contact/
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