San Francisco's Bay Conservation and Development Commission is preparing to launch a $125,000 competition that will invite architects, planners and engineers to bring innovative proposals "to climate-proof the Bay Area," in the words of the competition outline. There is hope that some of the designs produced may be useful to other communities in similar situations.

Canada's government was warned nearly two years ago by its own experts that climate change was threatening critical infrastructure across the country, putting public health and the economy in jeopardy, according to memoranda released recently. Water systems were noted as particularly at risk.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is one of the most promising options in the U.S. energy efficiency portfolio. By combining environmental effectiveness with economic viability and improved competitiveness, CHP is deployable in the near term and can help address current and future U.S. energy needs.

Boris Johnson, the London mayor, is basing the new program on a successful one in the metropolitan area of Kirklees. Insulating the lofts [atttics] of London homes will save residents money and help propel the city toward its goal of cutting its carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.

Salt Lake City has long walked its environmental talk. But to be a truly green city, Mayor Ralph Becker's team is using its black pen to cut the red tape. Marking the first major overhaul since the mid-90s, capital planners are rewriting the city's code book to help ensure sustainability for generations to come.

Doraville and Chamblee, suburbs of Atlanta, Geo., are the first towns in their state to pass ordinances requiring LEED certification on new development.

The National Association of Counties' (NACo) Green Government initiative has been compiling information about the ways in which counties across the United States are putting sustainable practices into place. Their fact sheets cover a range of topics, from solar and geothermal energy in county facilities to choosing a "green team".

This guidebook describes the characteristics and benefits of high-performance school buildings and details the process to help school planners ask the right questions of their design professionals to ensure the best school design possible. Written primarily for those who make decisions about the design and construction of K-12 schools, it is useful anyone advocating for school buildings that are cost-effective, sustainable, and healthy and productive for students, teachers, and staff.

In his work as a land planner in North Carolina, Aaron Newton works to create sustainable places. But it's not just his job: awareness of peak oil has led him to promote relocalization close to home, and led to coauthoring a new book that expands the definition of agricultural land.

Green building is on the rise - but one of the barriers to its development can be codes that don't anticipate the kinds of changes that these designs require. How can creativity and collaboration help both sides achieve what they're both after - public health and welfare?