Green from the Ground Up Review and Giveaway

I've just received an excellent new book, and as is the tradition here at JG, I'll be giving the book away to one random commenter.*  Published by The Taunton Press, Green from the Ground Up is incredibly thorough and more helpful than I ever imagined it would be (to be entirely frank about it).  I really shouldn't have been surprised, though, because one of the authors, David Johnston, has another book out on green remodeling that's very popular.  So I expect Green from the Ground Up to be just as successful.  It has over 300 pages and 300 color images that provide a way for the reader to see that (1) green building actually works and (2) green buildings don't have to be ugly.

To borrow some language from David Johnston's introduction, "Green is everywhere, and everything points to long-term changes in how home buyers and home builders will do business.  Where this leaves builders is another story.  It's fine for consumers to clamor for "green" houses, but what does that mean, exactly, to the person who is responsible for translating that into a real house?  It's no less confusing for the prospective homeowner who wants a green house but isn't sure what that entails ... this book offers a way to get there, not by adopting wildly new building technologies and materials but mostly by using what's already on hand."

Clearly, the authors are writing for homeowners, builders, contractors, or similar people that are looking for quality green home construction information and how to make it happen.  For these types of people, I think the book's structure will be helpful as a reference guide:

• Chapter 1:  Green Building Basics
• Chapter 2:  The House as a System
• Chapter 3:  Planning and Design
• Chapter 4:  Foundations
• Chapter 5:  Framing
• Chapter 6:  Roofs and Attics
• Chapter 7:  Windows and Doors
• Chapter 8:  Plumbing
• Chapter 9:  Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning
• Chapter 10:  Electrical
• Chapter 11:  Insulation
• Chapter 12:  Siding and Decking
• Chapter 13:  Solar Energy
• Chapter 14:  Indoor Air Quality
• Chapter 15:  Interior Finishes
• Chapter 16:  Landscaping
• Afterword/Resources

Throughout the book, the authors use the above framework to discuss the advantages of various products, techniques, and solutions.  If there's a caveat or some gray area, they explain that, too.  The authors don't just provide a bunch of lists, they talk about the product, technique, or solution and analyze it.

As a result, I'm highly recommending this one -- it's seriously one of the best references for green home construction you'll find right now.  If you're interested in purchasing a copy, try Amazon.

*Say where you're from if you don't know what to say.  By leaving a comment, you agree to the terms and conditions relating to book giveaways on Jetson Green.  Shipping only within U.S.

Comments

[David Amaro]

Please, give it to me!

At LMFA (Portugal) we work on Sustainable Buildings Consulting; and that book seems to be very interesting and helpful for our activities.

[Luísa Pedrosa]

I need this book. how to get?

[Andrew]

This would be a valuable resource for me, so of course I would like to win it. However, If I don't, I will buy it!

Andrew
Salt Lake City

[Shaloni Sukhera]

Thanks for sharing this information. This looks like a really good book.

[Mike]

I'm confused. Wouldn't it be better to focus green building material and information on townhomes, condos, and other 'high-density' housing solutions? Doesn't building a single-family 'green' house in the suburbs still leave you commuting into the city and add to sprawl?

[Mike M]

Mike,
That all depends on where you live. I live in a single family home and commute to work by bike and bus. My commute is less than five miles and I work downtown. I'm sure that there are many more people in small towns where single family housing is really the best or only option. We can't just green the cities, we need to green the countryside too!

Another Mike.

[Brian]

I will be picking this up today. Thanks Preston!

[Marlene]

I would love to win this book!

My husband and I will be building our dream home within he next year and I would love to incorporate some earth friendly products into it.

Marlene - Brooklyn, NY

[Jacob]

I'll throw my hat in the ring. Love the book give aways!

[Steve]

Color me green...with desire for that book! Pick me! Pick me! Ooh, ooh, Mr. Kotter!

[localearth]

Sounds like a must have for the office.
Thanks.

[kenlevenson]

I promise to pass it on when I'm done reading it!

[Bridgette]

I've been looking for a concise and helpful book on green building to use as an example for my clients. I hope this is a good one.

[Timothy Selig]

I'll pass it on
But, I got to win first
God bless our troops

[Cynthia Lewis]

I would love to present this book to my friend Eric, who has been committed to sustainable living and green home construction since he was a young man in Alaska. Will you help?

[James]

any help in the book for a mixed use developer of condos for hollywood?

[Preston]

Hey everyone, thanks for the incredible response! Sorry for taking so long to update this entry with the winner (she already received the book a while back). This time, the big winner is:

Marlene - Brooklyn