Energy Efficiency in The Books Store

Sustainable design has made great strides in recent years; unfortunately, it still falls short of fully integrating nature into our built environment. Through a groundbreaking new paradigm of "restorative environmental design," award-winning author Stephen R. Kellert proposes a new architectural model of sustainability.

In Building For Life, Kellert examines the fundamental interconnectedness of people and nature, and how the loss of this connection results in a diminished quality of life.

This thoughtful new work illustrates how architects and designers can use simple methods to address our innate needs for contact with nature. Through the use of natural lighting, ventilation, and materials, as well as more unexpected methodologies-the use of metaphor, perspective, enticement, and symbol-architects can greatly enhance our daily lives. These design techniques foster intellectual development, relaxation, and physical and emotional well-being. In the works of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Cesar Pelli, Norman Foster, and Michael Hopkins, Kellert sees the success of these strategies and presents models for moving forward. Ultimately, Kellert views our fractured relationship with nature as a design problem rather than an unavoidable aspect of modern life, and he proposes many practical and creative solutions for cultivating a more rewarding experience of nature in our built environment.

Whether you want a turf roof, solar-powered hot water, a straw bale home, or a super-insulated (and cost-efficient) house, you need to know the essential elements of the process. In The Green Self-Build Book, Jon Broome gives an overview of the different methods of sustainable and eco-friendly construction techniques for non-professionals.

Save money and build home equity with a sustainable, ecologically sound home

Concern over energy supply, costs, and environmental problems are not limited to those prepared to venture into the countryside to an off-grid life. Urban people-now the vast majority in the Western world-share the same fear about what lies ahead. The average North American family will spend over one quarter million after-tax dollars on energy in a lifetime.

$mart Power shows homeowners that using less energy or adopting renewable-energy technologies is not about making drastic lifestyle sacrifices, nor is it expensive. In fact, energy efficiency often improves lifestyle through lower operating costs, a more comfortable environment, and increased disposable income.

Richly illustrated, chapters include energy efficiency, space heating and cooling, community power, energy efficient transportation, photovoltaics, wind and bio-fuels, batteries, voltage regulation and inverters, solar water heating, and backup power.