Evaluating Sustainable Development in the Built Environment

If we can’t measure and assess sustainable development, then how do we know we have made progress? This question is fundamental to the subject of sustainable development in the built environment – a significant contribution to the environment as a whole, and also a major factor in determining whether a community is sustainable in the longer term. There are literally hundreds of indicators and assessment methods for evaluating sustainable development, but these often conflict, are badly structured and do not have a common vocabulary. It is therefore difficult to build knowledge and enable communication between the stakeholders. This book provides an introduction to this important topic and suggests a way forward to a coherent structure, together with techniques which will enable progress to be assessed.The approach is introduced using illustrations and case studies, together with follow-up references. It is an ideal starting point for those trying to get a handle on the subject and for those who wish to examine a structured and systematic approach.