@kdbnicol.bsky.social
Buildings PassivHaus Energy Communities Forests
Reposted
"Her story is a reminder that even the largest corporations can be stopped when ordinary people refuse to back down."
Diane Wilson, a fisherwoman from a small town in Texas, took on ExxonMobil.
Guess who won?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Diane Wilson, a fisherwoman from a small town in Texas, took on ExxonMobil.
Guess who won?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
How a Texas shrimper stalled Exxon’s $10bn plastics plant | Shilpi Chhotray
Diane Wilson recognized Exxon’s playbook – and showed how local people can take on even the most entrenched industries
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:32 PM
"Her story is a reminder that even the largest corporations can be stopped when ordinary people refuse to back down."
Diane Wilson, a fisherwoman from a small town in Texas, took on ExxonMobil.
Guess who won?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Diane Wilson, a fisherwoman from a small town in Texas, took on ExxonMobil.
Guess who won?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted
here's an example of what i mean on similar number of residents:
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
October 30, 2025 at 6:53 PM
here's an example of what i mean on similar number of residents:
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
Reposted
Most cities, really. The opposition to turning a single family home adjacent Canada's densest amenity hub is always much more than crickets for a 20 storey rental becoming an 80 storey build. Displacement for some, miniature relics to the city of two centuries ago for others.
November 16, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Most cities, really. The opposition to turning a single family home adjacent Canada's densest amenity hub is always much more than crickets for a 20 storey rental becoming an 80 storey build. Displacement for some, miniature relics to the city of two centuries ago for others.
Reposted
one of these has abundant affordable housing, a pedestrian street, a massive park, numerous family-sized homes and diverse forms of living, space for trees, safe routes to schools, numerous grocery stores, cultural spaces,
the other is seattle's highway-adjacent light rail roosevelt station area
the other is seattle's highway-adjacent light rail roosevelt station area
November 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
one of these has abundant affordable housing, a pedestrian street, a massive park, numerous family-sized homes and diverse forms of living, space for trees, safe routes to schools, numerous grocery stores, cultural spaces,
the other is seattle's highway-adjacent light rail roosevelt station area
the other is seattle's highway-adjacent light rail roosevelt station area
Reposted
buildings that aren't deeper than 45 feet. open space. space for trees. space for playgrounds. quiet streets.
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
March 25, 2025 at 12:06 AM
buildings that aren't deeper than 45 feet. open space. space for trees. space for playgrounds. quiet streets.
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
Reposted
buildings that aren't deeper than 45 feet. open space. space for trees. space for playgrounds. quiet streets.
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
the US urban planner's mind cannot comprehend
November 16, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Reposted
and those 'walkable' places are constrained to a much smaller area. there's far less density to support an increase in retail, cafes, etc.
this circled area is a *light rail* station. it's just 2 blocks east of a highway, cutting off a massive swath - and falls away to detached houses in 2 blocks
this circled area is a *light rail* station. it's just 2 blocks east of a highway, cutting off a massive swath - and falls away to detached houses in 2 blocks
November 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
and those 'walkable' places are constrained to a much smaller area. there's far less density to support an increase in retail, cafes, etc.
this circled area is a *light rail* station. it's just 2 blocks east of a highway, cutting off a massive swath - and falls away to detached houses in 2 blocks
this circled area is a *light rail* station. it's just 2 blocks east of a highway, cutting off a massive swath - and falls away to detached houses in 2 blocks
Reposted
thicker buildings in the US consuming far more of the block... with poorer quality of life
and far less open space, far less privacy, far less space for community, poor access to light and air (and night cooling)
it's not like that in other countries
bsky.app/profile/holz...
and far less open space, far less privacy, far less space for community, poor access to light and air (and night cooling)
it's not like that in other countries
bsky.app/profile/holz...
berlin has much more open space
is largely family sized units
most units are dual aspect w/ light on multiple sides and the ability to cross ventilate. no bedrooms on the street
seattle?
it's the opposite. mostly 1BRs/studios. no cross ventilation. half of units face streets.
is largely family sized units
most units are dual aspect w/ light on multiple sides and the ability to cross ventilate. no bedrooms on the street
seattle?
it's the opposite. mostly 1BRs/studios. no cross ventilation. half of units face streets.
November 16, 2025 at 4:44 PM
thicker buildings in the US consuming far more of the block... with poorer quality of life
and far less open space, far less privacy, far less space for community, poor access to light and air (and night cooling)
it's not like that in other countries
bsky.app/profile/holz...
and far less open space, far less privacy, far less space for community, poor access to light and air (and night cooling)
it's not like that in other countries
bsky.app/profile/holz...
Reposted
fundamentally, our land use codes don't actually lead to significant higher levels of population density over single stair buildings of similar height - just thicker buildings w/ no unit diversity - all single aspect studios/1-BRs - like so:
bsky.app/profile/holz...
bsky.app/profile/holz...
here's an example of what i mean on similar number of residents:
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
on left: 150 homes in 6 story PABs on a 1 acre site. 50% 2-4 BRs, for a total of 260 bedrooms.
on right: 181 homes on 6 floors - ALL but 11 are studios/1BRs (!)
0.8 acres, so 226 DU/acre - but only 256 bedrooms. no 3- or 4-BR homes
November 16, 2025 at 4:41 PM
fundamentally, our land use codes don't actually lead to significant higher levels of population density over single stair buildings of similar height - just thicker buildings w/ no unit diversity - all single aspect studios/1-BRs - like so:
bsky.app/profile/holz...
bsky.app/profile/holz...
Reposted
if lots to the south get redeveloped w/ similar setbacks - that courtyard will only be 26' wide. there are ~65 homes facing that courtyard in the existing building. you'd have a similar number in the development to the south.
this makes for really low-quality homes. living in a fishbowl. for $2k/mo
this makes for really low-quality homes. living in a fishbowl. for $2k/mo
November 16, 2025 at 3:37 AM
if lots to the south get redeveloped w/ similar setbacks - that courtyard will only be 26' wide. there are ~65 homes facing that courtyard in the existing building. you'd have a similar number in the development to the south.
this makes for really low-quality homes. living in a fishbowl. for $2k/mo
this makes for really low-quality homes. living in a fishbowl. for $2k/mo
Reposted
floorplate depth on the big apartment in that last image is about 78' - that's nearly twice as deep as a typical connected point access block you'd find in germany or switerland.
November 16, 2025 at 3:31 AM
floorplate depth on the big apartment in that last image is about 78' - that's nearly twice as deep as a typical connected point access block you'd find in germany or switerland.
Reposted
we allow an absurd increase in FAR over other countries, and give zero thought to urban morphology and how blocks will change over time.
when the three parcels w/ 1-2 story buildings here are redeveloped - they'll also consume most of lot.
so access to daylight, privacy will change dramatically
when the three parcels w/ 1-2 story buildings here are redeveloped - they'll also consume most of lot.
so access to daylight, privacy will change dramatically
November 16, 2025 at 3:20 AM
we allow an absurd increase in FAR over other countries, and give zero thought to urban morphology and how blocks will change over time.
when the three parcels w/ 1-2 story buildings here are redeveloped - they'll also consume most of lot.
so access to daylight, privacy will change dramatically
when the three parcels w/ 1-2 story buildings here are redeveloped - they'll also consume most of lot.
so access to daylight, privacy will change dramatically
Reposted
it's insane that seattle's zoning policy is effectively just 'rezone the areas renters already live ever other decade'
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
November 16, 2025 at 3:13 AM
it's insane that seattle's zoning policy is effectively just 'rezone the areas renters already live ever other decade'
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
Reposted
Next year Seattle will be doing long range planning for all the higher density areas—One Seattle Plan, Part Deux.
it's insane that seattle's zoning policy is effectively just 'rezone the areas renters already live ever other decade'
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
so instead of inducing walkable areas, we induce urban cannibalism and massive buildings that consume almost entire lot w/ little privacy
November 16, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Next year Seattle will be doing long range planning for all the higher density areas—One Seattle Plan, Part Deux.
Reposted
Any HAI is one too many. 👇 adds to the evidence that many diseases are airborne and that HC/LTC facilities are still not doing enough in terms of IAQ & IPC. 😤
Incidence of health-care-associated infections in long-term care facilities in nine European countries: a 12-month, prospective, longitudinal cohort study - The Lancet Infectious Diseases www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Incidence of health-care-associated infections in long-term care facilities in nine European countries: a 12-month, prospective, longitudinal cohort study
This study shows the high incidence of HAIs among LTCF residents in EU or EEA countries,
with more than one in two residents experiencing at least one HAI, and with RTIs and
UTIs accounting for almost...
www.thelancet.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Any HAI is one too many. 👇 adds to the evidence that many diseases are airborne and that HC/LTC facilities are still not doing enough in terms of IAQ & IPC. 😤
Reposted
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
YouTube video by Earth System Analysis - Potsdam Institute
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Hear the latest science as I presented it last month at the ATLAS25 event in Helsinki.
Let me know if anything is unclear, or if you see good reasons why your government shouldn't immediately act on this. 🌊
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Reposted
I wouldn't board an aircraft, a bus, a train, a ship or even get in a car that had a 5% chance of crashing. Now AMOC collapse is closing in on over 25% probability we are all being boarded to a mad future.
Excellent eye opener of a presentation. Educate yourself, watch it.
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Excellent eye opener of a presentation. Educate yourself, watch it.
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Is the Atlantic Ocean circulation close to tipping?
YouTube video by Earth System Analysis - Potsdam Institute
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 4:41 PM
I wouldn't board an aircraft, a bus, a train, a ship or even get in a car that had a 5% chance of crashing. Now AMOC collapse is closing in on over 25% probability we are all being boarded to a mad future.
Excellent eye opener of a presentation. Educate yourself, watch it.
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Excellent eye opener of a presentation. Educate yourself, watch it.
youtu.be/ULJXqOZuY-8
Reposted
Reposted
🥳🎉🎊
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:50 PM
🥳🎉🎊
Reposted
🍁Léger: "When you think about the federal budget tabled last Tuesday, November 4, do you have a positive or negative opinion of it?"
🔴37% Very/somewhat negative
🟢30% Very/somewhat positive
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
🔴37% Very/somewhat negative
🟢30% Very/somewhat positive
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
338 Sunday Update: A Budget That Failed to Impress?
Early polling shows muted reaction across the country to Carney's first budget as Parliament braces for Monday’s confidence vote.
www.338canada.ca
November 16, 2025 at 4:58 PM
🍁Léger: "When you think about the federal budget tabled last Tuesday, November 4, do you have a positive or negative opinion of it?"
🔴37% Very/somewhat negative
🟢30% Very/somewhat positive
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
🔴37% Very/somewhat negative
🟢30% Very/somewhat positive
www.338canada.ca/p/338-sunday...
Reposted
This is essentially the same story told by the Panama Papers of 2016, the Paradise Papers of 2017 & the Pandora Papers of 2020.
Nearly 7TB of data on released on wealthy people, mostly men, doing terrible things at scale & facing no consequences:barely any prosecutions, miniscule # of convictions.
Nearly 7TB of data on released on wealthy people, mostly men, doing terrible things at scale & facing no consequences:barely any prosecutions, miniscule # of convictions.
The Epstein story gets a something that is tearing at the heart of the electorate: elite impunity. The idea that wealthy and powerful people can do terrible things *at scale* and face no consequences for them. Whatever political party actually stops it could rule the country for a generation.
November 16, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Reposted
“The Taoiseach’s comments that LNG ‘can’t happen quick enough’ make a mockery of his statement just two days previously in which he called on world leaders to listen to the science and act with urgency in the face of climate collapse"
www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/taoisea...
www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/taoisea...
Taoiseach’s pro-LNG comments make a mockery of his climate statement to world leaders | Friends of the Earth
Responding to the Taoiseach’s pro-LNG comments made at COP30 on Saturday [1], Jerry Mac Evilly Campaigns Director in Friends of the Earth stated: “The Taoiseach’s comments that LNG ‘can’t …
www.friendsoftheearth.ie
November 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
“The Taoiseach’s comments that LNG ‘can’t happen quick enough’ make a mockery of his statement just two days previously in which he called on world leaders to listen to the science and act with urgency in the face of climate collapse"
www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/taoisea...
www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/taoisea...
Reposted
“Flooded homes lose value. Overheated cities become uninhabitable. Entire asset classes are degrading in real time, which translates to loss of value, business interruption, & market devaluation on a systemic level"- Günther Thallinger
@kmac & I dig insurance: www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/ins...
@kmac & I dig insurance: www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/ins...
November 16, 2025 at 4:36 PM
“Flooded homes lose value. Overheated cities become uninhabitable. Entire asset classes are degrading in real time, which translates to loss of value, business interruption, & market devaluation on a systemic level"- Günther Thallinger
@kmac & I dig insurance: www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/ins...
@kmac & I dig insurance: www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/ins...
Reposted
JD Vance's bestie. Will he take a run at Skippy's leadership ?
November 16, 2025 at 11:17 AM
JD Vance's bestie. Will he take a run at Skippy's leadership ?
Reposted
On Wednesday, November 19, join us for an in-depth look at the ANMF Hotel retrofit in Melbourne — an eight-story #PassiveHouse Classic certified building and one of Australia’s most efficient short-stay accommodations!
👉 Register here: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/anmf-hotel/
👉 Register here: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/anmf-hotel/
November 14, 2025 at 9:40 AM
On Wednesday, November 19, join us for an in-depth look at the ANMF Hotel retrofit in Melbourne — an eight-story #PassiveHouse Classic certified building and one of Australia’s most efficient short-stay accommodations!
👉 Register here: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/anmf-hotel/
👉 Register here: https://tickets.passivehouse.com/PHI/anmf-hotel/