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  • The Simple, Ancient Idea That Can Replace Concrete Walls

    December 06, 2023 |

    The Atlantic |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Japan, Yamanaka Onsen

    The Dry Stone Walling School of Japan is keeping the tradition of building walls out of stones collected from the neighboring environment alive by connecting students with local craftsmen. Building walls this way is a viable alternative to concrete that supports biodiversity and produces less carbon emissions.

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  • Printing a place to live: In Central Texas, homes are being built with emerging 3D technology

    October 06, 2023 |

    The Texas Tribune |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Round Top, Texas

    Two Texas-based companies are 3D printing homes in an effort to combat the housing crisis and produce fewer emissions than a typical home construction. The companies lay the foundation and rebar for support. Then, a machine with a robotic arm builds up the walls by printing layers of a cement-like material.

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  • The buildings constructed from cannabis

    June 18, 2023 |

    BBC |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United Kingdom, Cambridgeshire

    Hempcrete, a combination of hemp, water, and lime, can be used as a more sustainable insulation option for buildings. The material improves energy efficiency, produces less carbon than options like fiberglass and foam, and will continue to capture carbon while used as insulation.

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  • Beyond the Yuck Factor: Cities Turn to ‘Extreme' Water Recycling

    June 06, 2023 |

    Yale Environment 360 |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

    San Francisco is popularizing centralized water reuse systems that collect blackwater from toilets and sinks and greywater from showers and washing machines to clean it and use it again. This is a cheaper, more sustainable option for nonpotable water used to water plants or flush toilets in a city struggling with water scarcity.

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  • Where The Community Owns The Real Estate

    May 29, 2023 |

    Next City |

    Podcast |

    Over 15 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    The Kensington Corridor Trust acquires properties along three blocks in its Philadelphia neighborhood to give the community agency and control over how that real estate is used, with an emphasis on keeping housing affordable. The trust has acquired 16 properties so far and has signed its first commercial tenant, providing space for a local business owner.

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  • Stilt Houses: How an Ancient Architectural Design Could Become a Climate Solution

    May 05, 2023 |

    The Sweaty Penguin |

    Podcast |

    Over 15 Minutes

    Response Location: United States, Florida

    When designed well, houses built on elevated platforms supported by stilts can help coastal communities adapt to climate change by reducing flood risk.

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  • Harlem Organization Helped Change the Face of Construction

    April 27, 2023 |

    New York Amsterdam News |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Harlem, New York

    Fight Back, Inc. is a local community-based organization that worked to get construction jobs for Blacks, Spanish-surnamed, and other minorities in New York City over the years. The organization has been very effective in integrating the skilled and construction trades and ensuring workers of color have equal opportunity and has been replicated in other cities like Seattle and Detroit.

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  • Cities reviving downtowns by converting offices to housing

    April 24, 2023 |

    The Philadelphia Tribune |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Manhattan, New York

    Across the country, cities are pursuing office-to-housing conversions after the pandemic decimated downtown business districts. A percentage of these new apartments are required to be offered at affordable, below-market rates and some cities are also offering tax breaks for developers to incentivize these conversions.

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  • The world sees invasive seaweed. This gardener sees housing bricks.

    April 19, 2023 |

    The Christian Science Monitor |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: Mexico, Puerto Morelos

    A small business in Puerto Morelos uses invasive seaweed that washes up on Mexico’s beaches to create construction blocks. The company, Sargassum, mixes the seaweed with organic materials, presses the mixture into block shapes, and lets them bake in the sun to harden. The owner sells some of the blocks and uses some to build affordable housing in his community.

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  • Solar shingles top Virginia home

    April 10, 2023 |

    Energy News Network |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: United States, Reston, Virginia

    The Timberline Solar Energy Shingle roof is made up of solar-power integrated, nailable shingles that allow homeowners to keep the look of traditional roofing shingles while reaping the benefits of solar energy. This prevents aesthetic-related issues with homeowner associations and installation bottlenecks that complicate the process of installing solar panels.

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