Shelter, Energy & Eco-Design

"Green buildings" that slash energy use and carbon emissions are all the rage, but they aren't enough. The hidden culprit is embodied carbon the carbon emitted when materials are mined, manufactured, and transported comprising some 10% of global emissions.

Many people dream of building a beautiful, environmentally friendly home. But until now there has been no systematic guide to help potential builders work through the complete process of imagining, planning, designing, and building their ideal, sustainable home.

The audacious, wild, and colorful architecture of Antoni Gaud is among the most famous and the most misunderstood in the world. His masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, epitomizes Gauds quixotic ambition, the sensuous eccentricity of his design, and the iconic status his work has attained in Spain.

Skyrocketing energy costs and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources are making homeowners and businesses look at different ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint.

Like a modern-day Jane Jacobs, Janette Sadik-Khan transformed New York City's streets to make room for pedestrians, bikers, buses, and green spaces. Describing the battles she fought to enact change, Streetfight imparts wisdom and practical advice that other cities can follow to make their own streets safer and more vibrant.

In this fascinating collection of postings from his popular Musings of an Energy Nerd blog, Green Building Advisors Martin Holladay cuts through the hype and myths about energy efficiency, sustainability, and green building to present the very best ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science.