Whereas in Volume 1, over 40 authors were together responsible for contributing to a veritable encyclopaedia on green building, in Volume 2 a principle author, Richard Nicholls (with three contributing authors), has been asked by publishing editor, Keith Hall, to compile a comprehensive set of guidelines to help readers put ideas into practice. Nicholls is an applied physicist and course leader on the MSc in Sustainable Architecture at Huddersfield University, with experience in the field of delivering energy efficient solutions to buildings.

Volume 2 is described as providing “in depth technical information and data on the strategies and systems needed to create low energy, green buildings.” Whilst Volume 1 guides the reader directly to Volume 2 for further reading in its various chapters where applicable, this book does also stand on its own as a useful reference book for the serious minded professional. Whilst this is very much a text book, it is certainly not just for students and professionals in the field. In each of the eleven chapters, the focus is on optimising design and build methods to reduce energy consumption, whilst also dealing with the related challenges of minimising carbon emissions. The outcome is that a reader can be fully informed in the technical aspects of optimising energy efficiency in buildings – importantly balancing the sometimes more emotional ‘back to nature’ area of green construction (we need both approaches of course!). For the general layperson, who is interested in the technical details they can pick up the scientific facts to verify for themselves what value there is in micro wind generation and PV panels or indeed all the other options that can bring together the ultimate energy efficient building. I would also have personally liked reference to real-life projects where the various approaches under the individual chapters had been addressed – although this need is fulfilled, at least in part, through the pages of Volume 1.

The scope of the book is technical rather than architectural (although there are sections covering site and building form). Whilst designing energy efficiency into our buildings does require a holistic approach, which integrates all the chapter headings of the book, I would have liked, certainly for the less technically minded, an overview of the key elements within each area (of services, materials in construction etc.) summarising priorities to deliver the most viable energy efficient strategy. As each householder in the country will soon have to provide an energy performance certificate when it comes time to sell their home, the material covered in this book is of increasing importance for all. In this regard there is a very helpful ready reckoner on the energy efficiency (and pay back) on various insulation options for walls and lofts.

As with Volume 1, this book is in colour throughout and includes extensive graphic images relating to technical building design and services along with supporting data. This book deserves to be read widely within the construction world, and particularly by those entering it, whether at college or on site.

The Green Building Bible, now in its 3rd edition and in two volumes, coinciding with the recent rapid growth in interest and activity in sustainable construction methods, has grown considerably in breadth and depth.

Reviewed by Alistair Gould
Alistair Gould is a Chartered Surveyor working in the field of sustainable design and construction. In partnership with his colleagues in Helionix Designs, he led the international design and construction team in building ‘The Pines Calyx’, a new conference and training venue (constructed with rammed chalk and a range of other reclaimed materials) located on the White Cliffs of Dover. He is now working on similarly conceived projects in other rural locations in the South East of England.

Alistair also reviewed Volume 1

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