This book presents knowledge on sustainability concepts, policies, and technologies adopted in both developed and developing countries. The book covers five themes: (a) advancing sustainability building rating systems, (b) promoting retrofitting buildings and warranting energy-efficient buildings, (c) realizing water efficiency within building structures, (d) application of the circular economy to manage waste, and (e) enhancing the health and well-being of building occupants.

The first theme includes case study-based evidence and solutions to different rating systems used in different countries. The second and third themes mainly focus on the achievement of sustainability under the key parameters of energy efficiency and water efficiency through the application of various techniques and technologies, such as green roofs, green walls, and grid-tied solar photovoltaic technology, with a special emphasis on retrofitting techniques, in different case study contexts. The fourth theme primarily addresses the need to clarify misconceptions surrounding the concept of the 'circular economy' within the construction industry. It explores its broader applications in various contexts, aiming to uncover opportunities for knowledge expansion and transfer across different countries. The fifth and final theme of the book addresses various good practices and tools developed to enhance the health and well-being of building occupants, with a primary focus on how such things help achieve sustainable buildings.

Autorentext

Prof. Thanuja Ramachandra is a Professor in Quantity Surveying in the Department of Building Economics University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Thanuja has earned her PhD in Construction Management from the School of Engineering Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and BSc(Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa (UoM) Sri Lanka. She is Cooperate member of Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka (IQSSL). Thanuja has supervised over 25 postgraduate and over 100 undergraduate research dissertations and made over 80 publications in internationally refereed journals and conferences. Her current research interests include sustainability, green retrofits, carbon assessment, and circular economy.

Dr. Roshani Palliyaguru is a senior lecturer at the School of the Built Environment at Oxford Brookes University, UK. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Construction Management from the University of Salford, UK, and B.Sc. (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Her research focuses on areas such as sustainability concerns of the built environment, disaster resilience building in the built environment, governance of public-private partnership projects, and cost-value propositions of construction projects. She has published in these areas in top peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters, totaling over 60 publications.

Dr. Gayani Karunasena is a senior lecturer attached to the School of Architecture and Built Environment in Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus, Australia. She is a member of Australian Institute of Quantity Surveying and holds a Ph.D. degree in Construction and Property Management from the University of Salford, UK, and B.Sc. (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Her research focuses on waste management, energy performance, and circular economy in the built environment. Her research has been published in top peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters, totaling over 130 publications.