a collaboration for good
Colombia is solving its severe housing shortage by using the Crane WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project), which is known as “the infinity 3D printer.” The WASP, employing technology used by the Mason Wasp, an insect that uses mud to build its nests, uses locally sourced materials, such as clay, mud, sand and even agricultural waste…
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At one time, San Francisco was famous for the large number of homeless people who slept on its sidewalks every night. These days, however, the number of homeless encampments is the lowest the city has recorded in a decade. Where did everybody go? Homeless encampments have largely vanished from San Francisco. Is the city at…
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Rooftop gardens and solar panels can play a significant role in helping cities meet their needs for vegetables and electricity, but it must be one or the other — not both. So how does one decide which is the best choice? What should we do with the world’s rooftops…produce food or energy? https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2024/10/what-should-we-do-with-the-worlds-rooftops-produce-food-or-energy Related…
Spain’s national government passed a housing law in 2023 that includes a range of benefits for renters. Autonomous regional governments are not obligated to implement those measures, so Catalunya’s left-leaning government is the only one that has done so thus far. But American renters can dream. This Part of Spain Has Won Rent Regulations U.S….
The pandemic left large swaths of vacant office space across the United States, forcing cities to scramble to find a use for them. A Florida company has hit on an idea that seems to be working well for everyone: use the empty space for affordable artist studios. Using Vacant Commercial Spaces As Affordable Artist Studios…
Read More “Addressing the Housing Shortage with RePurposed Commercial Space” »
Tenants have a legal right to have functional heating equipment in their homes in winters, but should they also have that right to cooling equipment in summers? Local governments nationwide are considering it, but laws demanding it remain relatively rare. This three-part series examines the prospects and problems. Cities assert tenants’ right to cooling in…
The conversation about solar energy often begins with sweeping promises: lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and even increased home value. But is it really as straightforward as slapping panels on your roof and basking in endless savings? The reality is, when it comes to solar panels, not every home is created equal. The…
Read More “Are Solar Panels Suitable for Every Home? Factors to Consider” »
The Canadian government is rolling out a new plan designed to solve the country’s mounting housing shortage and spiraling prices. It is offering provincial governments billions of dollars in infrastructure funds – if the cities will abandon single-family zoning laws and allow the construction of multifamily housing. The plan could even help mitigate climate change. Canada makes…
Read More “Canada Promoting Multifamily Housing Alternative to Address Shortage” »
Five local tenants unions from around the country have had so much success in taking on big landlords that they have joined hands to launch a new national union. Billing itself “the union of unions,” it is the first major national effort at tenant organizing in 40 years. A National Tenants Union Has Arrived https://inthesetimes.com/article/national-tenants-union-federation Related Reading
Georgia homeowners with modest incomes are getting solar panels that will save them money, and there are no up-front costs. It’s part of an EPA program that has awarded $7 billion to 60 states, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits across the country to expand access to cost saving solar. Millions of people will eventually benefit….
Read More “EPA Supporting Gamechanging Solar Program in Georgia” »