Book excerpt: Advanced District Heating and Cooling (DHC) Systems presents the latest information on the topic, providing valuable information on the distribution of centrally generated heat or cold energy to buildings, usually in the form of space heating, cooling, and hot water. As DHC systems are more efficient and less polluting than individual domestic or commercial heating and cooling systems, the book provides an introduction to DHC, including its potential contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, then reviews thermal energy generation for DHC, including fossil fuel-based technologies, those based on renewables, and surplus heat valorization. Final sections address methods to improve the efficiency of DHC. - Gives a comprehensive overview of DHC systems and the technologies and energy resources utilized within these systems - Analyzes the various methods used for harnessing energy to apply to DHC systems - Ideal resource for those interested in district cooling, teleheating, heat networks, distributed heating, thermal energy, cogeneration, combined heat and power, and CHP - Reviews the application of DHC systems in the field, including both the business model side and the planning needed to implement these systems