Review by Choice Review
Two ideas meet in this book: the rising costs and decreasing availability of efficient energy sources and the belief that cities are the key to energy conservation. From them emerges an overview of the intensity of energy use in the US. Writing for a general audience, Troy (environment and natural resources, Univ. of Vermont) focuses on the current "energy metabolism" of cities, with chapters on heating and air conditioning, water use, mobility (automobiles, transit, biking), buildings, and neighborhood and regional planning. In each, he describes the types of energy involved, their efficiency, available supplies, and future prospects. He points out where savings are both possible and unlikely, and notes innovations in alternative energy sources (e.g., solar, wind) and energy recapture. Providing a loose framework is the claim that energy-efficient cities are economically competitive cities. The key to this energy efficiency lies in the arrangement of land uses, coordination with various modes of transportation, and energy-conserving building design. To this end, Troy favors a proactive federal government and stronger regional planning. Well organized and documented and reasonable in its assessments, the book is an informative introduction to energy issues in the US. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; all levels of undergraduate students; professionals. R. A. Beauregard Columbia University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
