The renewable energy landscape: Preserving scenic values in our sustainable future

Abstract

Seeing the results of renewable energy development, of a roadway beautification project, or of an environmental catastrophe, is an experience shared by the widest range of people—local citizens, elected officials, privileged beneficiaries, the disenfranchised disadvantaged, etc., and scenic preservation experts. The inclination of all of these constituencies at the inception of a project, no matter how well intentioned and promising in its benefits, is to be skeptical of the outcomes. Even the outcome of the beautification project is initially no more than a promise and speculation on the accuracy of experts’ projections. This book provides comprehensive guidelines for accurately depicting the visual implications of planned change to reduce uncertainty in the decision-making for renewable energy installations.