By Tim Johnson
Every year, Earth Day approaches and we are faced with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These growing threats to our planet and survival of our species pose a serious threat to our planet. It is important to remember that not all strategies to address the most pressing environmental, economic and social issues are glamorous or bold.
Sometimes, it’s possible to reap big benefits by rethinking the small stuff.
Take, for instance, the changes in my hometown Minneapolis, which took place after the City Council approved a ban on single-family zoning in many neighborhoods.
Zoning is boring, I get it. As you suppress your yawn, remember that zoning restrictions that limit development to one home and one household per property can dramatically increase urban density. This is associated with a reduction of personal travel demand and better access to walking, biking and public transit (which Minneapolis is currently actively pursuing).
These restrictions must be lifted to address sustainability issues. This includes people who may not have been able or unable to afford a home in their desired neighborhood.
To see the impact of these changes, sustainability advocates are now looking at Minneapolis as an example.
Another example of a sustainable strategy that is not well-known? Look to the private sector and think UPS when the driver drops off the $12 tee you ordered.
UPS, along with other freight transport and parcel delivery companies, is investing heavily into low- and zero emission vehicles, alternative fuels, and electric-assist bikes.
Consider left turns, also known as cross-traffic turns by traffic engineers. They account for a large portion of the wait times experienced when driving in a city. UPS knows that time is money. These delays add up over a day. UPS drivers and oncoming drivers are at greater risk of injury as well as pedestrians and bicyclists crossing intersections while trying to coexist.
Logistics can be used to reduce the number of turns and other inefficient routing options. This has many benefits.
Let’s talk briefly about cement.
Did you know that cement production accounts for about 7% global greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity? That’s more than aviation’s share.
The majority of these emissions are caused by the burning of fossil fuels to produce the high heat required to make cement. Brimstone Energy and other start-ups are now developing lower-carbon cement mixtures and production processes. Some U.S. states as well as the European Union are considering policies to encourage new development in order to use these lower carbon alternatives or reuse salvaged cement from demolished buildings.
This is another example of an overlooked sustainability strategy. It may seem dull and uninspiring until one considers the potential impact it could have on reducing the energy required to build the roads, buildings, and sidewalks around us.
While focusing on small things like zoning, logistics or cement may not be as glamorous as bigger, bolder strategies for sustainability, it is something almost all individuals, communities and corporations could do to reduce energy use, curb waste and improve human and environmental health, as bigger, bolder initiatives are being created and implemented. It’s not boring, if you ask my friends.
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Tim Johnson is a professor of the practice of energy, and the environment at Dukes Nicholas School of the Environment.
