this volume is an essential reference book wherein expert contributors set out the important principles which may assist in the practice of sustainable building. the trend towards environmental protection is gaining momentum. social and political forces are increasing the pressure for more environmentally-sound technological decisions, but in europe sustainable building has not become common practice despite numerous technical and technological initiatives. the conceptual frameworks, studies, and experiences collected in this interdisciplinary book will help clients, designers, and producers to overcome non-technological barriers and to advance knowledge in sustainable building, allowing them to speed up the adoption and the efficient implementation of such innovations. this volume includes chapters on sustainable building policies, tools, and challenges. audience: this book will be of interest to academics, researchers, and practitioners amongst others, in civil engineering, architecture, geography, public sector management, and environmental services.