The one-stop guide for choosing a green building rating system Today, sustainability is a growing concern for the architects, designers, builders, and owners of commercial and residential buildings. Meeting the requirements of a rating system provides a metric to evaluate and set priorities. But the variety and complexity of methods available to assess the eco-friendliness of a building can seem overwhelming. Guide to Green Building Rating Systems informs readers about the rating system selection process. Comparing essential issues such as cost, ease of use, and building performance, this book offers solid guidance that will help readers find the rating system that best fits their needs. This easy-to-follow reference includes: An overview of the major national rating systems, including LEED®, Green Globes®, the National Green Building Standard, and ENERGY STAR® An in-depth look at each rating system, including its evolution, objectives, point structure, levels of certification, benefits, and shortcomings How the ratings systems work for different types of buildings—commercial, multi-family residential, and single-family residential construction Illustrated case studies from different climate regions with project descriptions, cost data, and lessons learned by design teams, constructors, and owners An overview of local, regional, and international rating systems Guide to Green Building Rating Systems demystifies complex material, making this book an essential reference for building professionals engaged in, or wishing to pursue, sustainable building practices.

"The members of 7group and Bill Reed are examples writ large of the kind of leadership that is taking this idea of green building and forming it into reality, by helping change minds, building practice, and design process." —from the Foreword by S. Rick Fedrizzi President, CEO, and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council A whole-building approach to sustainability The integrative design process offers a new path to making better green building decisions and addressing complex issues that threaten living systems. In The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building: Redefining the Practice of Sustainability, 7group's principals and integrative design pioneer Bill Reed introduce design and construction professionals to the concepts of whole building design and whole systems. With integrative thinking that reframes what sustainability means, they provide a how-to guide for architects, designers, engineers, developers, builders, and other professionals on incorporating integrative design into every phase of a project. This practical manual: Explains the philosophy and underpinnings of effective integrative design, addressing systems thinking and building and community design from a whole-living system perspective Details how to implement integrative design from the discovery phase to occupancy, supported by process outlines, itemized tasks, practice examples, case studies, and real-world stories illustrating the nature of this work Explores the deeper understanding of integration that is required to transform architectural practice and our role on the planet This book, both practical and thoughtful, will help you deliver your vision of a sustainable environment. 7group, based in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, includes principals John Boecker, Scot Horst, Tom Keiter, Andrew Lau, Marcus Sheffer, and Brian Toevs, who bring a unique integration of expertise in design, engineering, energy and daylight modeling, materials assessments, commissioning, education, and communications to their work. Internationally recognized thought leaders in the green building movement, they have led countless teams through the practical implementation of integrative design on building projects of all types around the world. 7group also has been directly and deeply involved with the development of the LEED® Green Building Rating System, including experience on more than 100 LEED projects. Scot Horst currently serves as chair of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Steering Committee.

Written for contractors and endorsed by the Associated General Contractors of America Written specifically for contractors, this "how-to" book enables you to meet the challenges of green building construction. You'll discover how constructing environmentally friendly, sustainable buildings influences project management, delivery, documentation, and risk. Moreover, the book guides you through these important considerations at all phases of a green construction project, including: Bidding and contracting Managing green design when the contractor works as a design builder Subcontracting Procurement Construction management Project commissioning and closeout This book is endorsed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and was written with the assistance and advice of a specially assembled AGC task force. With a focus on the green building process from the contractor's viewpoint, the book avoids endorsing any one green building rating system in favor of presenting the business fundamentals common to them all. Throughout the presentation, flowcharts and other features offer working tools for successfully managing green construction projects. Plus, real-world case studies developed through discussions with the actual contractors involved help you understand exactly what to expect and how to best manage constructing a green building. In short, this is one book that you need to have on hand to be a part of the rapidly growing green building movement.

LEED v4 Practices, Certification, and Accreditation Handbook, Second Edition, provides users with a practical user-friendly roadmap that presents the guidelines for selecting the LEED v4 rating system to better fit a particular project (e.g. LEED for Building Design and Construction, LEED for Operations and Maintenance, LEED for Interior Design and Construction, LEED for Building Design and Construction, or LEED for Neighborhood Development). In addition, this comprehensive handbook carefully explains the modifications in the credentialing process, including the new 3-Tier system requiring applicants to first take the LEEDTM Green Associate exam, followed by the LEEDTM Professional Accreditation exam. - Practical strategies and guidelines for applying LEED v4 project certification - Annotated tables, checklists, charts, and references to "quantum leap," LEED v4 - Includes case studies with special focus is put on key areas where most errors occur - Demystifies LEED v4 requirements for project as well as personal/professional LEED Certification - Appendixes including sample exam questions, acronyms and abbreviations and a glossary

LEED Materials does not focus on the philosophy of building green or the reasons why it's a good thing. Most people understand why going green is a good thing, but in the end, the decision that people make, the products and materials that are applied, that make a difference. This book is the first step toward a healthier, more environmentally sensitive way of building. Steven Winter, former chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, contributes a foreword.

Green building is the fastest-growing trend to hit since the Internet, bringing with it an enormous range of new products, systems and technologies. Green Building A to Z is an informative, technically accurate and highly visual guide to green building, for both decision-makers and interested citizens. It begins with an introduction to the importance of green buildings and a brief history of the green building movement, outlines the benefits and costs of green buildings, and shows how you can influence the spread of green buildings. The book touches on key issues, such as enhancing water conservation, reducing energy use and creating a conservation economy. Green Building A to Z examines all aspects of green buildings from: Architecture 2030 to Locally sourced materials to Natural ventilation to Solar energy to Zero-net energy buildings More than just a reference, this book emphasizes the importance of green buildings and green developments for a sustainable future. It will be an invaluable resource for businesspeople, homeowners, product manufacturers, developers, building industry professionals and government officials.

Handbook of Green Building Design and Construction: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes, Second Edition directly addresses the needs of building professionals interested in the evolving principles, strategies, and concepts of green/sustainable design. Written in an easy to understand style, the book is updated to reflect new standards to LEED. In addition, readers will find sections that cover the new standards to BREEAM that involve new construction Infrastructure, data centers, warehouses, and existing buildings. - Provides vital information and penetrating insights into three of the top Green Building Codes and Standards applied Internationally - Includes the latest updates for complying with LEED v4 Practices and BREEAM - Presents case studies that draws on over 35 years of personal experience from across the world

A guide to home building, renovation, and remodeling for environmentally conscientious readers or home owners looking to promote energy efficiency explains how to reduce one's personal carbon footprint, lower costs, and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle while creating one's dream home. Original.