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How One City Saved $5 Million by Routing School Buses with an Algorithm

Emma Coleman

August 12, 2019 |

Route Fifty |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

A well-designed algorithm can help increase the efficiency of complex, and troublesome, transportation systems. In 2017, Boston Public Schools hosted a competition to redesign its complicated bussing system. The selected proposal, an algorithm created by PhD students, increased efficiency by 20% overall, helping BPD cut tons of carbon emissions and ease budget constraints. The savings will allow BPD to reinvest in its schools.

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The UK now consumes as much energy as 50 years ago—with an economy three times larger

Akshat Rathi

August 05, 2019 |

Quartz |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom

The UK is well on their way to reaching their goal of net-zero-greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050, already reducing their emissions to that of 50 years ago. Although there are more improvements to be made, the country's move away from energy-intensive industries and fossil fuels to renewable energy and energy-efficient appliances has shown success.

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How Chattanooga churches are making changes to go green

Wyatt Massey

July 22, 2019 |

Chattanooga Times Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Churches in Chattanooga, TN are taking steps to make their spaces more environmentally -friendly and -conscious. Places like St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Grace Episcopal Church are taking on initiatives like motion-detected lighting systems, upgrading faucets to curb usage, and creating raised beds for community gardening. While they’ve made great strides, they’ve also reckoned with the challenge of creating making such unique spaces, with its high ceilings and stained-glass windows, more green.

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Bonneville, the Northwest's biggest clean-power supplier, faces promise and perils in changing energy markets

Hal Bernton

July 21, 2019 |

The Seattle Times |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Grand Coulee, Washington

The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state has a longstanding history of providing generating power and hydropower, but hasn't always been the most reliable operation and faces financial uncertainty. Still, it has a produced "public power at cost for Northwest utilities" and contributed to a boost in the numbers of salmon available for harvest.

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I've seen the future and it's Norwich: the energy-saving, social housing revolution

Oliver Wainwright

July 16, 2019 |

The Guardian |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Norwich

A neighborhood of 100 homes in Norwich offers a solution to the affordable housing crisis through no-frills public housing. The homes, part of a social housing project funded by the Norwich City Council, meet modern energy efficiency standards that allow residents to pay nearly 70% less in energy bills than other neighborhoods.

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Energy audit inspires Virginia yogis to ‘stand up for something that's important'

Elizabeth McGowan

July 08, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Yogaville, Virginia

A self-imposed audit of energy resources aimed at reducing a Virginia community's carbon footprint and utility bill resulted in a move towards solar power. The community now partners with other surrounding entities to teach solar bootcamps and raise awareness about the need for renewable energy sources.

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This DC apartment building provides low-income families with solar power and a resilience center

Natasha Riddle

June 27, 2019 |

Greater Greater Washington |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Solar energy allows for housing that is both affordable and resilient to climate change and other emergencies. In Washington D.C., Jubilee Housing, non-profit that creates affordable housing, partnered with New Partners Community Solar Corp. to create a building with a solar array that reduces utility costs, and a Resiliency Center, a multi-use space that serves as an aid distribution point during emergencies. The building is part of Washington D.C.’s commitment to remaining on the list of 100 Resilient Cities.

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Eskilstuna: how a Swedish town became the world capital of recycling

Ammar Kalia

June 18, 2019 |

The Guardian |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Sweden, Eskilstuna

Recycling provides an economic alternative to heavy industry. In the former steel town of Eskilstuna, recovery from economic decline has meant re-platforming into a model of sustainability. From the city’s second-hand article mall to state-of-the art trash sorting technologies, innovations in closed-loop economics have created new jobs and possibilities for longtime residents and new arrivals alike.

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As Massachusetts looks to boost electric vehicle adoption, Norway offers a model

Sarah Shemkus

June 17, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Norway, Oslo

Financial incentives in Norway have contributed in a huge switch to electric vehicles. By eliminating certain taxes and tolls, drivers of electric vehicles reap financial benefits. Improved infrastructure in recent years has contributed to the widespread adoption, as well. Massachusetts is looking to Norway’s success as it tries to implement its own financial and environmental incentives.

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Building Resilience and Preserving History in Charleston

Betsey Russell

June 14, 2019 |

Shelterforce |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina's Eastside neighborhood takes strides towards building efficient infrastructure by implementing a weatherization and flood protection plan. The plan, though in early stages, has included community voices and feedback to ensure disenfranchised populations in the area are heard.

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