  A new scheme for the computation of dispersive interactions from first
principles is presented. This cost-effective approach relies on a Wannier
function representation compatible with density function theory descriptions.
This is an electronic-based many-body method that captures the full electronic
and optical response properties of the materials. It provides the foundation to
discern van der Waals and induction energies as well as the role of anisotropy
and different stacking patterns when computing dispersive interactions in
systems. Calculated results for binding energies in layered materials, such as
graphite, hBN, and MoS$_2$ give encouraging comparisons with available
experimental data. Strategies for broadened computational descriptions of
dispersive interactions are also discussed. Our investigation aims at
stimulating new experimental studies to measure van der Waals energies in a
wider range of materials, especially in layered systems.
