This book presents state-of-the-art research and case studies on new approaches to the design, construction and planning of our cities. Emphasis is placed on the role of alternative and renewable energy in the development of urban infrastructures that enable sustainable futures. Reflecting the multi-faceted efforts required to successfully meet sustainability challenges, this book is a collaboration between practitioners and academics across a broad spectrum of specializations. Compelling research findings are explained in the context of practical implementation, enhanced by case studies from industry leaders in order to create a pragmatic reference across policy areas where environmentally aware decision making is required.

Dr. Mohammad Dastbaz is Dean of Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology and Professor of Informatics at Leeds Beckett University. Professor Dastbazs research work over recent years has been focused on the use and impact of emerging technologies in society, particularly learning, training and the development of eGovernment. Dr. Dastbaz has led EU and UK based funded research projects and has been the Symposium Chair of Multimedia Systems in IEEEs Information Visualisation (IV) conference since 2002. He has over 50 refereed publications, including numerous journal paper articles, conference papers, book chapters and books on e-learning, eGovernment and the design and development of Multimedia Systems. Professor Dastbaz is a Fellow of the British Computer Society and UKs Higher Education Academy as well as the professional member of ACM and IEEEs computer society.

Dr. Ian Strange is Professor of Spatial Policy and Head of Centre for Urban Development and Environmental Management (CUDEM). His research experience and expertise lies within the areas of urban governance and art, cultural and heritage policy. Professor Stranges research work includes contracts for the ESRC, European Commission, UK Government departments, cultural and arts organizations and various local and regional authorities. His participation in EPSRC/ESRC research cluster on values in the historic environment, and his extensive work on European spatial development policy through the European Spatial Planning and Observation Network (ESPON) projects.

Dr. Stephen Selkowitz has 40 years of experience in the field of building energy performance, with an emphasis on research, development, and deployment of energy efficient technologies and design practices.  He is Senior Advisor for Building Science at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and Leader of the Windows and Envelope Materials Group. His responsibilities include technical oversight ofWindows, Daylighting, and Envelope Systems R&D, and he leads projects on building systems R&D and strategic planning related to field performance of integrated building systems, and Net Zero Energy buildings. Projects range from basic materials research intended to influence the next generation of building products to demonstrations of emerging technology to, and include development of the new computer tools needed to change the practice of building design and operations. Selkowitz led the team to develop FLEXLAB, a unique outdoor testbed at LBNL to directly measure energy use and occupant comfort of integrated advanced building systems. Selkowitz participates in a wide range of building industry, government, and professional activities in the U.S. and internationally, and author of over 170 publications and holds 2 patents.

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From the Contents: Introduction to Sustainable Development and the Future.- The Story So Far: An Ever Changing Green Policy Agenda.- Green Design, Construction and Planning.- Technology, Green Design and Construction.- Sustainable Architecture.- Sustainable Construction and Smart Cities.- Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Sustainable Development.- Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Development.- Case Studies.- Green Construction Success Stories.- Future Challenges.- Technical and Operational Challenges (Summary and Next Steps).