Reshaping the Built Environment: Ecology, Ethics, and Economics [Paperback]

Charles J. Kibert (Editor), Alex Wilson (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559637021 | ISBN-13: 978-1559637022 | Publication Date: May 1, 1999 | Edition: 1

Because of the profound effects of the built environment on the availability of natural resources for future generations, those involved with designing, creating, operating, renovating, and demolishing human structures have a vital role to play in working to put society on a path toward sustainability.This volume presents the thinking of leading academics and professionals in planning, civil engineering, economics, ecology, architecture, landscape architecture, construction, and related fields who are seeking to discover ways of creating a more sustainable built environment. Contributors address the broad range of issues involved, offering both insights and practical examples. In the book: Stephen Kellert describes the scope of the looming ecological crisis Herman Daly explains the unsustainability of the world's economic system and the dangers inherent in the current movement toward globalization John Todd describes the evolution of wastewater processing systems inspired by natural systems John Tillman Lyle discusses the importance of landscape in the creation of the human environment Randall Arendt argues for a fundamental shift in land development patterns that would not only provide for more green space in new developments, but would also increase the profitability of developers and the quality of life for new home owners Thomas E. Graedel proposes the application of lessons learned from the emerging science of industrial ecology to the creation of "green" building. While the transition to sustainability will not be easy, natural systems provide abundant models of architecture, engineering, production, and waste conversion that can be used in rethinking the human habitat and itsinterconnections. This volume provides insights that can light the way to a new era in which a reshaped built environment will not only provide improved human living conditions, but will also protect and respect the earth's essential natural life-support systems and resources.

Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559637021
• ISBN-13: 978-1559637022
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive look at our environment, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Reshaping the Built Environment: Ecology, Ethics, and Economics (Paperback)

A comprehensive analysis and commentary on America's physical and social infrastructure, Kilbert has compiled an impressive list of authors/environmental policy specialists. They speak to issues as seemingly diverse as the moral burdens being placed on future generations by short sighted environmental policy to practical solutions ( the Brownfields initiative)for reusing old industrial land in the inner city--a valuable text for anyone involved in shaping public policy in the near future.