With increasing populations, urbanization and consumerism worldwide, energy demand has increased at extraordinary rates. Along with this growing demand is an unprecedented increase in energy-related pollutants and a corresponding public concern for their impact on both the local and global environment. Metropolitan communities are at the center of this concern, as practically every aspect of urban form and function has a direct impact on the consumption of energy.

In recognition of the critical influence urban design, planning and management have over energy consumption and environmental quality, GTI has created the Sustainable Energy Planning Office (SEPO).

In collaboration with energy, environmental and planning experts at the international, national and local levels, GTI's SEPO produces sustainable energy development resources for metropolitan communities. These include guides, strategies, programs and projects to integrate energy, environmental, transportation and building technologies to maximize energy efficiency, reliability and security, while sustaining both local and global resources.

Article: "Planning for Sustainability Can Be Profitable"