Overview
The essential guide to estimating, designing and building sustainable construction....The demand for green, or sustainable, building is growing rapidly, as municipalities, government and private owners are now requiring energy efficiencies-and as owners discover that a healthy, resource-efficient building more than pays for itself in dramatically reduced energy costs and better health and productivity.
Green Building involves energy- and resource-saving strategies, such as low-E windows, reflective roofing, solar technologies and efficient HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems. Green building also means using healthy, recycled and renewable materials like certified lumber, low-VOC finishes and natural fibers - along with practices such as xeriscaping and daylighting.
This book gives you the whole picture, with the information you need to:
-Identify, compare, and specify green materials and systems.
-Learn about LEED, Energy Star and other recognized rating systems.
-Take advantage of financial incentives and funding resources.
-Determine the cost of green products, and calculate energy savings and payback periods.
The book also features a Green Building Cost Data section, with over 120 pages of cost data on sustainable materials and systems, which includes many new products and materials, their primary green attributes, and installed cost. Plus 8 Case Studies that demonstrate the challenges, costs, and rewards of notable green building projects.