This page has two sets of case studies. The first set is based on undergraduate research papers on city-level sustainability policy. The student papers discussed sustainability plans and efforts in general as well as a specific area of relative strength. Papers are posted with students' permission.
Barcelona (solar programs), Timour Kamran
Chicago (green space) Emily Heald
Denver (urban transit), Partha Reddy
New York City (green buildings), Autumn Henderson
Oakland (green jobs programs), Jake Brenner
Ottawa (green space), Greg Hawley
Portland (land use), John Iaia
San Francisco (solar initiatives), Michael Diamond
Seattle (community gardens), McLain Wilkinson
Vancouver (built environment), Jordan Clark
Washington, DC (urban transit), Brad Roche
Case Studies of Local Sustainabilty Organizations
(Community Gardens, theGreening of Municipal and Public Transit, Reuse Centers, and Local and Sustainable Business Associations)
The following case studies were developed during 2005 as part of a research project (title above) that was funded by the National Science Foundation, programs on the Societal Dimensions of Engineering, Science, and Technology and Science and Technology Studies (SES 0425039). They are made available here for high school, college, and general public educational purposes.
1. Community gardens and sustainable local agriculture:
Austin Sustainable Food Center
Philadelphia Community Gardens
Portland Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture
San Francisco Community Gardens
San Francisco Farmers' Market and Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture
For case studies of CSA farms, visit the U.Mass. site: http://www.umassvegetable.org/food_farming_systems/csa/farm_profiles.html
2. The greening of municipal power and public transit systems:
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
San Francisco Community Choice
Seattle City Light and Public Power
Other cities: to request a survey paper on the CNG vs. "clean diesel" issue that builds on the case studies here, or a second paper on local energy policies and sustainable consumption, email Hess at hessd@rpi.edu.
3. Reuse centers and building deconstruction organizations:
Construction Junction (Pittsburgh)
The Rebuilding Center (Portland)
4. Locally oriented and green business networks:
Austin Independent Business Alliance
Local Exchange (BALLE San Francisco)
The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (BALLE Philadelphia)