The latest innovative solutions of ecological construction that point the way to the future.

Industrial ecology provides a sound means of systematising the various ideas which come under the banner of sustainable construction and provides a model for the design, operation and ultimate disposal of buildings.

Buildings are for People: Human Ecological Design offers a new approach to the process of conceiving architectural design, one that considers the interactions of the built environment with people and the natural environment. The book exposes our visceral and experiential connections to buildings, and how buildings intervene directly with our ecosystem, natural environment and sense of place. It brings to light our ability to utilize a building's surfaces, shape and materiality to synergize with the energy and forces of nature for a more green and sustainable architecture. It points out many of the roadblocks to successful design including issues in education, the profession, regulation and the industry's institutions, providing an awareness that heretofore is rarely discussed. Most importantly, Buildings are for People: Human Ecological Design highlights the obvious, that buildings are built for people, a fact that seems to have been overlooked in the last half-century.

Examining the most important issues in achieving the goal of building more efficient and less damaging buildings, this book highlight the significant statutes and regulations as well as other legal issues that need to be considered when advising clients in the development, construction, financing, and leasing of a green building. Topics include federal incentive programs, financing, alternative energy, site selection, land use planning, green construction practices and materials, emerging legal issues, and the effects of climate change on planning and architectural design.

The Chair on Ecodesign for buildings and infrastructures was created by ParisTech in partnership with VINCI with the aim of developing evaluation and simulation tools that integrate all ecodesign aspects (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, impact on biodiversity, depletion of resources, etc.) and provide genuine decision-aid instruments, based on a scientific approach, to all those involved in the urban environment (i.e. designers, builders and users). The present book takes stock of five years of research under the Chair. It starts by presenting some methodological bases of ecodesign, life cycle assessments, impact studies, and methods for planning and transport. Several specific subjects are then covered, i.e. public transport, parking, road traffic, the environmental profile of building materials, building retrofits, energy management, and biodiversity. The last part of the book sets out how the knowledge and tools developed under the Chair were applied to a case study: Cité Descartes in Marne la Vallée (Ile de France). This work is aimed at urban planners, local authorities, contracting clients, architects, engineering firms, contractors, building managers, research lecturers, and anyone interested in the environmental quality of the places we live in.

This monograph offers analyses of construction activities using various key concepts and assessments of sustainable development, and provides students and researchers with methodologies and design aspects for the sustainable development of the built environment. Additionally, the book demonstrates various national and international policies for assisting architects, engineers and policy makers in understanding the relevant decision-making approaches to sustainable development in construction. The book begins by reviewing the background of sustainability and sustainable development. The focus then turns to the effects of climate change on the built environment, including impacts of energy and carbon emissions, as well as constraints on water and waste management. The remaining chapters discuss the necessary approaches to achieve sustainable waste management, energy efficient building design, and resilience and adaptation in the built environment In eight chapters, the book encourages readers to think independently, logically and objectively about the complex issues presented by the applications of sustainable development in construction, including resource efficiency, environmental impacts, human health, building economics and social development.

Handbook of Green Building Design and Construction: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes, Second Edition directly addresses the needs of building professionals interested in the evolving principles, strategies, and concepts of green/sustainable design. Written in an easy to understand style, the book is updated to reflect new standards to LEED. In addition, readers will find sections that cover the new standards to BREEAM that involve new construction Infrastructure, data centers, warehouses, and existing buildings. Provides vital information and penetrating insights into three of the top Green Building Codes and Standards applied Internationally Includes the latest updates for complying with LEED v4 Practices and BREEAM Presents case studies that draws on over 35 years of personal experience from across the world