ULI’s work to promote sustainable, resilient communities was cited in Professional Societies and Climate Change ,a new report from the Kresge Foundation that analyzes the extent to which research and education organizations are including environmental concerns in efforts to advance their missions.
According to Kresge, the 41 organizations analyzed in the report could play key roles in building the resilience of communities to severe weather events and incremental risks posed by climate change. Their members include architects, builders and developers, engineers, planners, medical professionals, elected officials, social advocates, and officials involved in emergency management, public works, and transportation. ULI is one of 11 organizations listed in Tier 1 of three tiers in terms of organizational action on climate change.
Researchers found that sustainability is a theme embraced by many of the organizations analyzed, including ULI. All of the organizations expressed a desire to better share experiences, resources, and lessons learned regarding issues related to resilience and sustainability.
The Kresge Foundation has provided generous support to advance the work of ULI’s Center for Sustainability, including that of the Urban Resilience program and the Greenprint Center for Building Performance. The Urban Resilience program includes research initiatives, such as an upcoming report on stormwater, Advisory Services panels focused on resilience, resilience-related convenings, and district council–initiated resilience projects. Kresge has also helped expand Greenprint’s efforts to track the progress being made by the center’s members to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of buildings in their portfolios.
In addition, the Kresge Foundation has provided support for a ULI initiative focused on creative placemaking in communities throughout the United States. Through this program, the Institute is examining how to revive obsolete commercial corridors through innovative placemaking, transforming them from unattractive, underused spaces into thriving, vibrant destinations.
