Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. On the built environment : the urban influence / M. Santamouris -- 2. Climate and climate change / D.N. Asimakopoulos -- 3. Wind patterns in urban environments / M. Santamouris -- 4. Thermal balance in the urban environment / M. Santamouris -- 5. Heat-island effect / M. Santamouris -- 6. The canyon effect / M. Santamouris -- 7. The energy impact of the urban environment / M. Santamouris -- 8. Short-wave radiation / A. Tsangrassoulis -- 9. Urban pollution / V.D. Asimakopoulos -- 10. The role of green spaces / M. Santamouris -- 11. Appropriate materials for the urban environment / M. Santamouris -- 12. Applied lightning technology for urban buildings / P. Michel -- 13. Active solar heating systems for urban areas / D. Mangold -- 14. Indoor air quality and ventilation in the urban environment / P. Michel -- 15. Urban settlements / P. Michel -- 16. Guidelines for integrating energy conservation techniques in urban buildings / N. Chrisomallidou -- 17. Examples of urban buildings / N. Chrisomallidou.