Faced with the pressures of rapid growth, urban sprawl and pollution, cities today need to use land, energy and resources with ever-increasing efficiency. By embracing green, sustainable alternatives in the construction of buildings and neighborhoods, many cities are meeting these challenges and continuing to grow and create vibrant, livable communities. The Vancouver area has emerged as a pioneer in this effort, setting inspiring precedents for other cities to learn from.

Meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated, the Greater Vancouver GreenGuide demonstrates how this area has earned its international reputation as a hub of urban sustainability. This beautiful guidebook showcases some of the region's key developments, initiatives and milestones, including:

• green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure
• open, community-accessible spaces
• social, economic and environmental programs.

As well as project snapshots and case studies, the GreenGuide includes a detailed pull-out map, self-guided tours, Greater Vancouver's sustainability stories, and a user-friendly thematic index.

Moving beyond the ecotourism focus of other green guidebooks, the GreenGuide aims to seed sustainability by demystifying green planning and design. It provides inspiration to individuals and communities to turn the concept of sustainability into reality. Timely, accessible and packed with useful information, the Greater Vancouver GreenGuide is an invaluable resource for architects, planners, design professionals, academics, and anyone who cares about creating a sustainable future.

The Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia is an internationally recognized applied research organization which pursues sustainable approaches to our built and natural environments through the lens of collaborative design.

Design Centre for Sustainability's profile page