Making Better Buildings: A Comparative Guide to Sustainable Construction for Homeowners and Contractors

Price: $39.95 - $30.78
(as of Sep 16, 2026 16:10:16 UTC – Details)

Sustainable building from the ground up – the pros and cons of the latest green and natural materials and technologies

From foundation to finish, a wealth of information is available on sustainable construction methods-entire volumes have been published on individual green and natural building techniques. But with so many different ideas to choose from, there is no single resource that allows an owner or builder to quickly and objectively compare the merits of each system for their particular project.

Making Better Buildings cuts through the hype and provides the unvarnished facts about the upsides and downsides of the most widely discussed materials and technologies. Drawing on the real-world experiences of designer/builders, this comparative guide systematically and comprehensively examines each approach in terms of:

Cost, sourcing, labor intensity, and ease of construction Energy efficiency, embodied energy, and environmental impacts Availability/accessibility Viable applications and future potential.

Each chapter is rounded out by a chart which summarizes the material in a quick and accessible manner.

Whether you are an owner preparing to build a green or natural home, or a conventional contractor determined to integrate sustainable alternatives into your existing construction practices, this up-to-the minute resource will help you make the best decisions for your project, while meeting your energy, efficiency, budgetary, and site-specific needs.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ New Society Publishers
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 1, 2014
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0865717060
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0865717060
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.05 pounds
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 years and up
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.8 x 9.12 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #528,607 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #245 in Energy Efficient Remodeling & Renovation #467 in Sustainability & Green Design #860 in Outdoor Composting & Yard Waste Bins
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