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Environmental assessments have been developed with increasing emphasis since the wide-scale emergence of environmental concerns in the 1970s. However, after decades there is still plenty of room left for development. These assessments are also rapidly becoming more and more crucial as we seem to be reaching the boundaries of the carrying capacity of our planet. Assessments of the emissions from the built environment and especially of the interactions between human communities and emissions are in a very central role in the quest to solve the great problem of sustainable living. Policy- makers and professionals in various fields urgently need reliable data on the current conditions and realistic future projections, as well as robust and scientifically defensible models for decision making. This recognition was the main motivation to call for this Focus Issue, and the published contributions truly highlight the same point. This editorial provides brief summaries and discussions on the 16 articles of the Focus Issue, depicting the several interesting perspectives they offer to advance the state of the art. Now we encourage academics, practitioners, government, industry, individual consumers, and other decision makers to utilize the available findings and develop the domain of environmental assessment of the built environment further. Indeed, we hope that this Focus Issue is merely a kernel of a significantly large future body of literature. ; Peer reviewed

"Three broad sectors of the economy are generally recognised as key to a low carbon future: energy, construction and transportation. Of these, carbon management in the built environment remains the least well-studied.This much-needed book brings together the latest developments in the field of climate change science, building design, materials science, energy and policy in a form readily accessible to both students of the built environment and practitioners. Although several books exist in the broad area of carbon management, this is the first to bring together carbon management technology, technique and policy as they apply to the building sector.Clear and succinct sections on the overarching principles, policies, approaches and technologies are combined with case studies and more in-depth coverage of the most relevant topics. It explains how to produce a simple carbon footprint calculation, while also being an informative guide for those developing or implementing more advanced approaches. This easy to read book is the ideal primer for anyone needing to get to grips with carbon management in the built environment"--

Cover -- Half Title -- Series -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- List of Boxes -- Acknowledgements -- List of Abbreviations -- Introduction -- Conceptualising Urban Planning -- Conceptualising Health -- Conceptualising Healthy Built Environments -- About This Book -- References -- Part I Introducing Australia -- 1 Australia and Australia's Planning -- Introduction -- A Brief Social and Demographic Profile of Australia -- Where Do We Live? Australia's Population Geography -- Australia's Governance -- Conclusion: The Ethos of Governance in Australia -- References -- 2 Australia's Health -- Introduction -- Are Australians 'Healthy'? -- Inequalities in Health -- Risk Factors -- Conclusion -- References -- Part II Domains of Wellbeing -- Introduction -- 3 Planning for the Health of the Planet -- Introduction -- The Concept of Planetary Health -- Planning for Planetary Health Protection from an Australian Perspective -- Conclusion -- References -- 4 Planning for Physical Activity -- Introduction -- Why is Physical Activity Important? -- Physical Activity in Australia-How Are Australians Physically Active? -- How Can the Built Environment Support Physical Activity? -- Planning for Recreational Physical Activity -- Conclusion -- References -- 5 Planning for Social Interaction -- Introduction: Why Is Social Interaction Important for Health? -- How Can the Built Environment Support Social Interaction? -- Conclusion -- References -- 6 Planning for Healthy Eating -- Introduction: What Is Healthy Eating and Why Is It Important? -- Healthy Eating in Australia -- How Can the Built Environment Provide Healthy Food Options? -- Conclusion -- References -- Part III Domains of the Built Environment -- Introduction -- A Note on Density -- References -- 7 Residential Spaces.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this new book provides thought provoking commentary on the nature of the relationship between society, the prevailing economic system and professionalism in the built environment. It is both an introduction to and an examination of professionalism and professional bodies in the sector, including a view of the future of professionalism and the organisations serving it. Simon Foxell outlines the history of professionalism in the sector, comparing and contrasting the development of the three major historic professions working in the construction industry: civil engineering, architecture and surveying. He examines how their systems have developed over time, where they are currently and some options for the future, whilst asking difficult questions about ethics, training, education, public trust and expectation from within and outside the industry. The book concludes with a six-point plan to help, if not ensure, that the professions remain an effective and essential part of both society and the economy; a part that allows the system to operate smoothly and easily, but also fairly and to the benefit of all. Essential reading for built environment professionals and students doing the professional studies elements of their training or in the process of applying for chartership or registration. The issues and lessons are applicable across all building professions--