ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines the debates on globalization, modernity and the environmental transformation of the urban space, drawing parallels between globalization, the rise of transnational urban spaces and their environmental externalities at the local level. It examines the postulates of ecological modernization theory. At nodal point the applicability of such a theoretical framework as well as the definition of the empirical research content are outlined. The book describes the local-global environmental management of transnational buildings in the cities of Amsterdam, São Paulo and Beijing. It deals with an overall description of the 'locality' of the urban setting, including its main characteristics, infrastructure and environmental profile, regulatory framework and local environmental policies. The book explores the global environmental strategies that are possibly emerging, by analysing the premises of the four selected companies.
