The purpose of green building is to reduce energy use, conserve water, improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on nonrenewable natural resources. Thanks to two new books in the popular "For Dummies" series, you'll now find the process more approachable and easy to understand.
"Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies" (Wiley) covers everything from examining construction sites and working with green professionals to choosing sustainable materials and reducing waste. The user-friendly guide is filled with basic information and simple instruction that anyone interested in green building will find useful--homeowners, architects, interior designers and contractors alike.
The second book, "Solar Power Your Home For Dummies" (Wiley), details the environmental and economical benefits of using solar energy and takes readers step by step through the process of building small and large systems into new and existing homes.
Written by design engineer Rik DeGunther, the guide is filled with helpful illustrations and tips that explain the nuts and bolts of designing solar projects--including lamps, fans, fountains, small-capacity solar water heaters and radiant floors. It covers the different types of solar panels and available technology, pinpoints ten smart solar investments, and provides instruction on how to do a complete energy audit of a home.
