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February 5, 2007 Reducing Future Energy Burdens New research project to help guide communities to improve energy efficiency CHICAGO — Climate change impacts, increasing heating and cooling costs, and over-dependence on petroleum and other fossil fuels all mandate an urgent need for improved energy use and more alternative energy choices in the U.S. While more than 300 cities have taken action to address climate change, more communities need to take appropriate steps now to help reduce future energy burdens. The American Planning Association (APA) and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) are embarking on a three-year research and education project promoting clean and efficient energy strategies for communities. The goal is to encourage improved energy efficiency and increased use of alternative energy technologies in communities, helping to address the serious challenges of climate change and to save taxpayer money and boost local economies. "Planners are in the most appropriate position to start guiding change in how communities comprehensively think about and use energy," said Megan S. Lewis, AICP, APA senior research associate and project manager. "For planners to lead this change, they must have access to current resources and information." The first year of the project will bring together some of the country's foremost experts in energy and planning to discuss how energy best practices can be integrated into planning decisions at the community level. These experts, in conjunction with APA and EESI's extensive network of resources and people, will contribute to an internet-based database of best practices. Presentations, symposia, and other outreach efforts will disseminate research findings throughout the project. Information will be developed into a best practices manual, and subsequent years will involve creating and delivering a training program and making policy recommendations to federal, state, and local officials. "Our project will provide the necessary resources to help communities start reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of alternative energy sources through where and how they build and where they conserve land," said Lewis. The need for such a resource was evident from a 2005 member survey conducted by APA and EESI. Survey findings showed that while planners are overwhelmingly interested in energy issues, they have difficulty implementing energy solutions due to a lack of information, training, tools, and technical support. "Communities and planners have numerous options to consider when it comes to achieving efficient energy use and implementing clean energy technology," said Carol Werner, Executive Director, EESI. "This project is an opportunity to educate planners on the many interesting and exciting options available today that can address multiple goals, including greenhouse gas reduction, for our communities." Funding for the project's first year is provided by the Surdna Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, and APA's Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Division. Information about this and other APA research projects can be found at www.planning.org/research. Contacts |
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