Review in Resource magazine

These aptly named books provide a sound basis for the understanding of one of the most important aspects of sustainability in the UK today: how we construct, maintain and use our buildings. These frameworks that we live, work and play in make up 60% of the energy used in the UK, and along with transportation (accounting for another third of energy consumption), it is the obvious place to start if any lasting and effective change in our wasteful attitudes is to occur.

The Green Building Bible strikes the balance between accessibility for the uninitiated and thoroughness for the practitioner. Conveniently divided into two volumes, the first covers background issues in a simple factual manner and outlines not just the better-known concepts such as the use of solar gains and insulation, but highlights the trends driving ‘greenness’ in modern buildings, the progress that has been made and the challenges within the industry.

The second volume is essentially a technical guide for those who are implementing the ideas outlined in the first. It provides a handy reference for designers, builders and homeowners who want to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the energy saving strategies involved in new build and existing buildings.

All the subjects are laid out under organised headings and with the books being republished in editions (this being the third) all the information is up-to-date. The contributors are obviously expert in their subject and, for the most part, keep it interesting and informative.

Reviewed in Jan/Feb 2007 issue by Marty McColl

Back to home page

Review in Build It magazine

The Green Building Press is something of an industry stalwart, publishing information on ecological construction for over 20 years in the form of magazines, books and websites. After all that time, what they don't know about suppliers, legislation and techniques probably isn't worth knowing. What's more, with a strict policy governing which companies they will promote or accept advertising from they have developed a reputation for trustworthy and principled advice for self-builders and industry insiders alike.

While this is and impressively comprehensive, detailed snapshot of the green building movement in the UK, it's hard to escape the sensation that you are reading a small, thick magazine. This wouldn't matter, but with in-depth information to get across, rather than light magazine features, it makes it hard to find a 'way in' or to navigate your way around the book. It would be wonderful to see all this knowledge and expertise made clearer, simpler and more user-friendly by a professional book editor and designer.

Who it's for: self-builders who want good green advice

Reviewed in March 2007 edition

Back to home page

Review on - www.thehouseplanner.co.uk

Truly fantastic -I couldn't believe my luck when I saw these titles for the first time. Now in their 3rd edition, they offer an extraordinarily comprehensive resource to all aspects of eco building. Volume one comprises a series of articles and case studies on everything from fuel conservation to cob building, plus product guides and a directory of useful contacts arranged by region. Volume two goes deeper with technical summaries on a wide range of topics -if you want to know how heat recovery systems, ground source heat pumps or greywater systems work, then this is the book for you.

Inevitably, it has been necessary to include adverts to make such a comprehensive source viable, but you will find even these are useful and on topic. Published by the Green Building Press, the books are priced at a very reasonable £9.95 per volume -this is such good value that you will probably want to renew your copy each year.

The volumes can be bought online through Amazon or from the Green Building Press directly. If you are going to buy only one title on the subject of eco building, then make it this one.

Back to home page

Review in - Living Lightly magazine

The Green Building Bible is an ambitious name for any book to boast. Although this third and latest edition of the Green Building Press’s guide to all things sustainable in construction, has perhaps the strongest claim to the title. It contains over 40 essays on all aspects of eco-building, 80 pages of information and contact details for trade bodies, interest groups, professionals and products, as well as several in-depth examples of specific eco-building projects.

If the book was to have a downfall, it would be the presumption that readers are already aware of the terms used within the industry, it can leave you feeling a little thrown in at the deep end. Fortunately there is a glossary at hand and after the first few chapters, you’ll be more than equipped to chat about VOC’s and SIP’s. In short, the Green Building Bible is neither a step-by-step guide or bedtime reading but an ongoing annual publication that reports on the cutting edge green design and construction.

Reviewed in Issue 38

Back to home page

Want both Volume 1 and 2? If so go here

Special offer!
Order this book at a discount price when bought with a subscription to
Building for a Future magazine!