Sustainable building

Abstract

The aim of sustainability in building is to satisfy present needs and to preserve a healthy living environment for future generations. This means creating living conditions that are ecologically compatible, economically acceptable and which give users' needs top priority. Sustainable building has an effect on ecology and the economy, as well as socio-cultural factors such as the health and comfort of users. Sustainable building takes a holistic approach, looking at the ecological, economical and social effects of the built environment on human beings as well as on the natural environment. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.