Green Remodeling : Changing the World One Room at a Time

Mother Earth News Wiser Living #9

by David R. Johnston, Kim Master

An encyclopedic how-to of all you need to make your home green Whether because of changing lifestyles or simply because houses are becoming outdated, millions of North Americans are renovating their homes every year, spending more money annually on renovation than on new home construction. But renovations can be fraught with unintended consequences like indoor air pollution. How do you remodel in a healthy, environmentally friendly way? Green Remodeling is a comprehensive guide. It first points out the advantages of remodeling. Buildings are responsible for 40% of worldwide energy flow and material use; so how you remodel can make a difference. Upgrading furnaces, cabinets and toilets means less fossil fuel pollution, reduced resource depletion, and fewer health risks. Green remodeling is more energy-efficient, more resource-conserving, healthier for occupants and more affordable to create, operate and maintain. The book then discusses simple green renovation solutions for homeowners, focusing on key aspects of the building including foundations, framing, plumbing, windows, heating and finishes. Room by room, it outlines the intricate connections that make the house work as a system. For example, how new windows may affect the structure and mechanical systems of the rooms below, the health of the family, and the future of old-growth forests. Then, in an easy-to-read format complete with checklists, personal stories, expert insights and an extensive resource list, it covers easy ways to save energy, conserve natural resources, and protect the health of loved ones. Addressing all climates, this is a perfect resource for conventional homeowners, as well as architects and remodeling contractors.

Genres: Green, Nonfiction, Reference

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this book has a section about managing your emotions during a home renovation project. Remodeling is stressful. It will all be okay.

Provides checklists and clear explanations of green options for each room. Not a lot of pictures, but not really necessary for this type of information.

Notes to Self

Use solvent-free adhesives.
Reuse baseboards and door frames.
Metal bathtubs can be used for making steel.
Insulate hot water pipes.
Look for toilets with less than 1.6 gpf (gallons per flush).
Use carbon filter for shower head.
Install low-flow shower head and faucets.
Wire above-shower lights separately from vanity lights.
Use low-toxic sealant around plumbing fixtures.
Use rubber gaskets behind electrical outlets.
Buy a ventilation fan under two "sones".
Install tankless water heater.
PVC piping, though not-green in creation, will last a long time.
Wood options include FSC certified wood or renewable (bamboo or aspen).
Use wood with low-VOC, water-based finish.
Use low-toxic grout.
Install a circulation pump.
Install faucet-flow reducers.
Consider grey-water flushing. (Install pre-plumbing.)
Contact local waste authority for recycling info specific to area.
Trap under tub should be sealed well.
Avoid using particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Choose exterior-grade plywood or a formaldehyde-free alternative.
Flooring options: either natural linoleum or ceramic tile using low-toxic grout.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This offers some good ideas for remodeling/building with green ideas. It offers room-by-room and individual system suggestions which is nice but unfortunately the author doesn't go into a lot of detail about any of the engineering so it's only somewhat useful. That is unless you already know all about roof trusses and the such. It doesn't seem oriented to the average home-owner despite being marketed as such. Still, it provides a good reference and if nothing else, some ideas to be looked into further.

Unless you're really interested in sustainable architecture or in some simple, quick greening fixes for your home, don't bother.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way to go! It explains earth friendly options to remodel your home! Ways, companies, techniques and products to do it a way that serves you and planet, and insightful about why such things are important.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dad gave this book to me for x-mas after becoming frustrated renovating many a not green home at work... maybe it will come in handy for personal use someday.

[Jessica]

Some good tips, but definitely for someone who already knows ALOT about building. Not me...

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

loads of good ideasand introduction to material substitutes.

[Don]

This book has a lot of good information, but it also has some information that is not correct.