Henk Visscher

Frits Meijer

Linda Sheridan

The protection of safety and health of their citizens is a major reason for governments to draw up regulations for the built environment. In the course of time other points of departure, such as utility, energy economy, sustainability and economic motives have come to play a part. For these subjects technical requirements are formulated and the procedures for checking building plans against the requirements and issuing the building permits have been laid down in laws. In search for ingredients for a uniform system of building control in Europe, Delft Technical University and the University of Liverpool carried out an international research project into the systems of technical requirements in the Netherlands, England, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Belgium & Denmark resulted in two books: 'Building regulations in Europe. Part I, A comparison of the systems of building control in eight European countries'.

Building Regulations in Europe: A comparison of the systems of building control in eight European countries

Hein van Bohemen

Ellen M. van Bueren

Laure Itard

The urban environment – buildings, cities and infrastructure – represents one of the most important contributors to climate change, while at the same time holding the key to a more sustainable way of living. The transformation from traditional to sustainable systems requires interdisciplinary knowledge of the re-design, construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment. Sustainable Urban Environments: An Ecosystem Approach presents fundamental knowledge of the built environment. Approaching the topic from an ecosystems perspective, it shows the reader how to combine diverse practical elements into sustainable solutions for future buildings and cities. You’ll learn to connect problems and solutions at different spatial scales, from urban ecology to material, water and energy use, from urban transport to livability and health. The authors introduce and explore a variety of governance tools that support the transformation process, and show how they can help overcome institutional barriers. The book concludes with an account of promising perspectives for achieving a sustainable built environment in industrialized countries. Offering a unique overview and understanding of the most pressing challenges in the built environment, Sustainable Urban Environments helps the reader grasp opportunities for integration of knowledge and technologies in the design, construction and management of the built environment. Students and practitioners who are eager to look beyond their own fields of interest will appreciate this book because of its depth and breadth of coverage.

Henk Visscher

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