Green Buildings-Future Innovations... Atlanta Looks Towards Sustainable living In The Future!

Dome-shaped buildings made of Hempcrete can withstand wildfires, floods and earthquakes. Their shape also allows them to disperse tremendous weight without collapsing. Construction costs are generally higher, but so is the chance of climate survival.

"In the present era of growing population there is a parallel demand for the construction industry as well as fertile land which is a finite resource. To suffice this need a large number of construction companies are coming up. In this process the deterioration of land, environment, healthy life style and safety is overlooked. The use of land and resources for constructions are becoming endless and is against sustainable development. In the present period of water scarcity the wastage of water and energy which is indirectly related to water is bothersome. Therefore in concern to the above problem, the main aim is to evaluate the impact of overlooked areas and study the incorporation of green building techniques into constructions that can help address National concerns like water efficiency, energy efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use, handling of consumer waste and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can enhance occupant health and well-being" Mannan Hussain

Emerging technologies like AI-driven energy management systems, sustainable biodegradable materials like hemp plastics, atmospheric water generators, battery storage systems, rooftop aquaponics, and advancements in solar panel efficiency are set to revolutionize the construction industry. The last decade was the warmest on record disrupting the Earth’s natural systems. As different parts of the world experience climate change in diverse ways, what can we learn from indigenous ancient technology and solutions?

Much of the world suffered in intense heat this year, and cities around the world are looking to nature for help. The Downtown Atlanta Master Plan ("the Plan") was approved by the forward thinking Atlanta City Council in 2017. The Plan was the result of a yearlong collaborative process that engaged people from all walks of life in the City of Atlanta and the region in a conversation about the next fifteen years in the center city’s unfolding future.

“Because of their concrete, cities develop intense heat, and can be 8 to 10 degrees hotter than their surroundings. Green spaces, lakes and streams and trees cool that heat. They are also essential for the wellbeing of a city’s people.”(Author/Ecologist Harini Nagendra, who heads the Center for Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University) A major part of Atlanta's plan is as follows:

RESTORE THE FOREST IN THE CENTER OF THE CITY

TO IMPROVE AIR AND WATER QUALITY, CREATE SHADE, AND ADD BEAUTY DOWNTOWN.

Topics include: open space and greening, health, sustainability, and programming for all ages.

1 Boost the tree canopy

2 Integrate green infrastructure

3 Develop a program to re-design "blah-zas" as vibrant plazas

4 Integrate play and active green spaces at MARTA stations

5 Create green gateways

6 Increase linear connectivity to create green ribbons around the city

7 Integrate health into the Downtown experience

8 Develop with a commitment to sustainability

A crucial trend shaping this metamorphosis is the rise in mixed-use developments like Centennial Yards. Spanning across a sprawling 50 acres, this projected bastion of diversity promises to offer more than just homes - imagine four million square feet filled with residences, retail outlets, offices, restaurants, and even hotels. A vibrant mix between gleaming office towers, and ample green spaces. An urban landscape teeming with life! The Mayor's office is at the forefront of promoting sustainable development within the city.

Atlanta's environmentally friendly ways reach past its pines and oaks, however. In 2017, the city became the third most environmentally friendly city in the country based on an analysis of LEED-certified office spaces in the 30 biggest U.S. markets. There is also an abundance of earth-conscious restaurants. Atlanta was nicknamed “the city in a forest” because of its rolling hills and abundance of trees, including; magnolias, southern pines, dogwoods, and oaks.

In 2024 Atlanta was chosen by Bloomberg Philanthropies for Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities. Atlanta has one of the most appealing real estate markets in the nation which attracts corporate investors from around the world and a haven for upscale African Americans and their businesses. As the city grows more economically sound across all demographics Atlanta has seen a drastic drop in crime.

Atlanta's decline in crime was sizable and higher than the national average, which is around 12.5%, according to crime analyst Jeff Asher.

EnviroSpark is already on the case.

The fast-growing and venture-backed EV charging station startup in Atlanta has rolled out its Apprenticeship Program. The program is designed to help train employees on installing, maintaining, and repairing systems for our EV-heavy future. Longstanding organizations are also working to ensure that the region has a strong Cleantech workforce. On the manufacturing front, Georgia Quick Start provides customized job training opportunities around clean energy manufacturing. That has helped the state become a hub for solar, battery, and EV companies.

Organizations like Goodwill are also looking to help build a more resilient and sustainable workforce.

The nonprofit, in partnership with professional services giant Accenture, just announced the launch of The Goodwill Clean Tech Infrastructure Accelerator™ (CITA). The workforce training program is designed to help people get into the most in-demand, entry-level, clean energy jobs.

The first cohort, which launches in Metro Atlanta later this month, will look to enroll and prepare 250 people. The program will focus on EV supply equipment technicians jobs, according to Anna Roach, Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission.