Title:
Sustainability and the Built Environment
Author(s):
Peter Richner
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
32
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
39-43
Keywords:
sustainability, retrofit, energy efficiency, built environment
DOI:
Date:
6/1/2010
Abstract:
The quality of the built environment is a key factor for a truly sustainable society. Even in ancient times, every society defined itself by means of landmark construction projects. This hasn’t changed much today as we are witnessing ongoing competitions to have the tallest building or the longest bridge in the world. From a social point of view, the quality of life that buildings and infrastructure provide is even more important. The careful design and construction of new buildings can lead to reduced energy demand. The real challenge in creating a sustainable built environment is retrofitting the existing building stock.