Guide To Green Building Rating Systems

The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building

"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.

Guide to Green Building Rating Systems

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.

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, V4