Building for a Changing Climate: The Challenge for Construction, Planning and Energy

Introduction 1. Prepare for Four degrees 2. Probable Future Impacts of Climate Change 3. The UN Carbon Trading Mechanism 4. Setting the pace towards climate-proof housing 5. Future-proof Housing 6. Building-integrated solar electricity 7. Sun, Earth, Wind and Water 8. Eco-towns: opportunity or oxymoron? 9. The Housing Inheritance 10. Non-domestic buildings 11. Community Buildings 12. Conventional energy 13. Coal: black gold or black hole? 14. Filling the gap; utility-scale renewables 15. The Age Beyond Oil 16. The Thread of Hope

Peter F. Smith is Special Professor in Sustainable Energy, University of Nottingham, and former Vice President of the RIBA for Sustainable Development. He is the author of many books on architecture and the environment.

'Anyone connected with buildings will find this book an invaluable mine of information.' Sir John Houghton FRS 'Peter Smith has constantly drawn our attention to the global environmental crisis and put forward clear recommendations as to what action needs to be taken. Climate change is threatening our continued existence. In this book, he argues that we should already be factoring in the impact of a possible increase in global temperatures by designing buildings which employ robust construction techniques for longer life spans. I fully endorse his view and recommend this book particularly to all those concerned with the effect of climate change on design.' Richard Rogers 'What amounts to a revolution in building design and construction is needed to adapt to higher temperatures and climate extremes; also to ensure much higher energy efficiency. Peter Smith not only urges the need for change but, from his wide knowledge and experience, tells us how to change. Anyone connected with buildings will find this book an invaluable mine of information.' Sir John Houghton FRS, former co-chair, IPCC Working Group 1 and former head of the Meteorological Office 'Should act as a clarion call to all those interested in 'climate-proofing' for the future and will no doubt be a useful manual to those involved in all parts of the construction industry, from the individual working on a single building to those involved in large-scale urban developments.' Planning Perspectives 'This useful revised edition is a call to action - let's hope that architects are able to rise to the challenge.' Blanche Cameron, RESET Director and Trustee 'Useful for all who have an interest in design and planning. It manages to detail a potentially catastrophic future for the planet and yet still allow us to retain some hope ... Smith makes clear that adapting and innovating will be essential for the challenging times ahead.' Context 'This is an excellent, well written book that deserves to be on the reading