Review of Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home (Paperback)

Going Green is "the Next Big Thing" after the invention of the internet. It is one of the most important trends of this century. "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" is an important contribution to the revolutionary trend of Going Green.

"...Although earliest cultures had built their dwellings with respect to natural world, in modern times little attention had been given to situating homes on sites in relation to nature; that is, to the sun, the prevailing winds, and other natural world elements that had sustained even primitive man for centuries in the most rudimentary of dwellings since the beginning of time...

Another way of introducing you to the concept of sustainable housing and greener living is to understand that up until the present what has been the standard, acceptable way to build housing just wasn't working anymore...

Finally, the economic pressure from our dependence upon fossil fuels as a people has been the single most influential factor in changing the status quote today. Simply stated, we no longer have a choice. The time has come to replace the status quo with alternative solution. And, the time is now."Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel write in "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home."They continue to use their real life experience of building a LEED-Silver home to introduce the green buildings to ordinary people in plain and simple English.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" include nine chapters: Assembling the Creative Team; Defining Green and Sustainable; The Conceptual Design Plan; Sitework and Permitting; Products, System and Materials; Construction Documents: The Working Drawings; The Construction Process: A Photo Essay; Reflections in Hindsight: Notes from the Interior; and Notes from the Garden.

I particularly like the Chapter of "Reflections in Hindsight."For example, Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel mention their experience of trying to use reclaimed wood, but cannot get structural engineer's stamp of approval on it because there is no grading system for reclaimed wood yet. Another example is Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS). While they are great products for insulation and preventing mold, they also present challenges for running plumbing lines and electrical conduits within the walls. All these are very valuable lessons learn, and you have the benefits of knowing them in advance if you read this book before building your green home.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" has 186 pages, 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language. It is a valuable book for anyone interested in going green or building a green home.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA



Product Description
This book is the first of its? kind to present the subject matter both experientially and from a homeowner?s perspective. Using non-technical, easy-to-understand, plain English, the authors identify and define green and sustainable concepts, materials and systems, and explain how these various components come together and relate to each other in today?s green homes. Their homespun narrative style of storytelling makes readers feel as though they are conversing with two old friends and simplifies learning and comprehension. Following the projects timeline, the authors inject experiential advice at key planning and construction phases when applicable. Topics include selecting architects, builders and other professionals, the LEED For Homes program, and cite the benefits green homes avail homeowners. Construction activities are illustrated with 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language provides the reader with a reference guide.

From the Back Cover
"Finally, a simple green guide written by someone who's been there. GREEN BEGINNINGS is a delightful departure from difficult-to-understand construction books. Written in plain English, Ave and Vicki guide homeowners in ways to work with architects and builders on their new green home" --Amy Cornelius, Green Builder/Construction Manager Hugh Lofting Timber Frames

"GREEN BEGINNINGS provides a common sense and meaningful approach to understanding green homes for the newcomer and professional alike. Sequenced photography takes the guesswork out of the equation and fulfills the readers expectations completely. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking entry into this new and rewarding way of homebuilding." --Matthew Moger, AIA, Lyman Perry Architects

"A story and a lesson, brilliantly crafted, easily understood, and documented with photography. Avrim and Vicki Topel have created a simple approach to teaching the essence of green homes for everyman." --Tad Radzinsky, P.E., LEED APPresident, Sustainable Solutions Corporation



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