This e-book is a suitable reference on the technical and scientific competence related to effective application and integration of cool materials in the built environment. The e-book is an overview on the following: • The role of cool materials in the built environment. • Major cool materials techniques and their benefits and drawbacks. • Research trends in cool materials for the built environment. • Technical guidelines for instrumentation, testing and rating of cool materials. • Policy and economic aspects of cool materials necessary for the management of built environments. • Case studies where the cool materials are implemented. This e-book is a suitable reference on the technical and scientific competence related to effective application and integration of cool materials in the built environment. The e-book is an overview on the following: • The role of cool materials in the built environment. • Major cool materials techniques and their benefits and drawbacks. • Research trends in cool materials for the built environment. • Technical guidelines for instrumentation, testing and rating of cool materials. • Policy and economic aspects of cool materials necessary for the management of built environments. • Case studies where the cool materials are implemented.

This e-book is a suitable reference on the technical and scientific competence related to effective application and integration of cool materials in the built environment. the e-book is an overview on the following: The role of cool materials in the built environment. Major cool materials techniques and their benefits and drawbacks. Research trends in cool materials for the built environment. Technical guidelines for instrumentation, testing and rating of cool materials. Policy and economic aspects of cool materials necessary for the management of built environments Case studies where the cool materials are implemented. These features make this reference e-book a useful guide for civil engineering and environmental management graduates as well as working professionals in the industry including architects, urban planners and environmental inspectors.

This book analyzes the trends and technologies of green and energy efficient building, identifying strategies for implementing energy savings and enabling the use of renewable resources in residential, commercial, healthcare and educational building sectors. The authors focus on best practices in temperate climates, providing in-depth coverage of urban heat island, climate change and fuel poverty mitigation through architectural optimization, leveraging renewable energy sources and utilization of cutting-edge cooling materials. Pragmatic emphasis is placed on improving the energy performance of existing building stock to meet short and long term objectives of climate and energy conservation strategies. Engineers, architects, designers, students, policy makers and efficiency professionals will all gain valuable insights and ideas from this practical handbook to greening the built environment.

Climate change is one of the most important environmental problems faced by Planet Earth. The majority of CO2 emissions come from burning fossil fuels for energy production and improvements in energy efficiency shows the greatest potential for any single strategy to abate global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy sector. Energy related emissions account for almost 80% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions. The building sector is the largest energy user responsible for about 40% of the EU’s total final energy consumption. In Europe the number of installed air conditioning systems has increased 500% over the last 20 years, but in that same period energy cooling needs have increased more than 20 times. The increase in energy cooling needs relates to the current higher living and working standards. In urban environments with low outdoor air quality (the general case) this means that in summer-time one cannot count on natural ventilation to reduce cooling needs. Do not forget the synergistic effect between heat waves and air pollution which means that outdoor air quality is worse in the summer aggravating cooling needs. Over the next few years this phenomenon will become much worse because more people will live in cities, more than 2 billion by 2050 and global warming will aggravate cooling needs. An overview of materials to lessen the impact of urban heat islands Excellent coverage of building materials to reduce air condtioning needs Innovative products discussed such as Thermo and Electrochromic materials

The combination of global warming and urban sprawl is the origin of the most hazardous climate change effect detected at urban level: Urban Heat Island, representing the urban overheating respect to the countryside surrounding the city. This book includes 18 papers representing the state of the art of detection, assessment mitigation and adaption to urban overheating. Advanced methods, strategies and technologies are here analyzed including relevant issues as: the role of urban materials and fabrics on urban climate and their potential mitigation, the impact of greenery and vegetation to reduce urban temperatures and improve the thermal comfort, the role the urban geometry in the air temperature rise, the use of satellite and ground data to assess and quantify the urban overheating and develop mitigation solutions, calculation methods and application to predict and assess mitigation scenarios. The outcomes of the book are thus relevant for a wide multidisciplinary audience, including: environmental scientists and engineers, architect and urban planners, policy makers and students.

Architectural Interior Lighting is an essential guide to creating well-lit, visually appealing interior spaces. The book begins with an overview of light and color theory, lighting fundamentals, and design principles. It then covers artificial, natural, decorative, and professional lighting in interior design, as well as standards and regulations, controls and systems, sustainable lighting, energy efficiency, light pollution reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. With a focus on practical applications and real-world examples, this book provides readers with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve their design goals while considering the latest trends and techniques in the field. A valuable resource for professionals and students in architecture and lighting design, it will also appeal to anyone interested in creating visually stunning and functional interior spaces.

Collective insight of key thought leaders in the field to clarify and reshape the vision of smart cities Smart Cities, Energy and Climate: Governing Cities for a Low-Carbon Future is a seminal work that draws together representative insights and case studies on post-carbon urbanism across a variety of fieldsfrom smart energy grids to active buildings, sustainable mobility and urban design. Another objective is to foster an understanding of how digitally-enhanced smart city solutions can assist energy transitions, and what new developments and challenges they bring in areas ranging from urban governance to energy security. Key topics covered in this book include: Recent developments in urban planning, building design and smart technologies Urban-scale digital platforms and innovation for clean energy systems, energy efficiency and net-zero policies Socio-technical and political relationships in climate-neutral cities and smart cities Context-rich, situated perspectives from Europe, Africa and Asia Cities, Energy and Climate Governing Cities for a Low-Carbon Future serves as a primary reference for scholars, students and policy makers interested in the conceptual, technical, economic and political challenges associated with the transition towards a smart and sustainable urban future.