The advances in materials science open the possibility of much more energy-efficient residences and commercial buildings. Cities also give rise to the opportunity to combine public utilities, as when urban power plants use the steam released in electricity generation to provide hot water and heating to residents.
材料科学的进步开启了大量提高住宅楼和商业用楼能源效率的可能性。城市还提供了将整合公用设施的机会，比如让城市发电厂用发电过程中释放的蒸汽提供民用热水和取暖。