The Green Building Bible 2nd edition

Editor's Introduction

Welcome to this, the second edition of the Green Building Bible. Almost a year in the making, this ground-breaking publication builds upon the achievements of the first edition. My primary goal for this edition was to ensure it was inclusive and covered the whole green building movement. I am pleased to say that I think these goals have largely been achieved and after reading the book I’m confident that you will agree.
This book is testament to the fact that there are many desperately concerned individuals out there that have little confidence in the way most of our current homes and offices are designed and built and they see no future in the ‘business as usual’ approach most of the industry wishes to pursue. Whilst no single person knows exactly what needs to be done to rectify the damage that we are collectively inflicting upon the planet, it is clear from within these pages that there are many things we can do to address the problems. The construction industry is a very conservative beast and it is clear that there are many existing vested interests who are resistant to change. Let’s hope that those who read this book will join the campaign to persuade them otherwise.

In compiling this book I hope that I have provided you, the reader, with in-depth and adequately referenced information regarding the many avenues available that you may wish to follow - whether you are just a concerned householder with a family that you care for or an industry leader requiring a briefing on the state of play of this rapidly maturing ‘green building’ sector. I am not claiming that this book contains all of the answers but I am confident that this is the best attempt to date.
This book provides not only a snapshot of the current state of play in the green building movement but also works as an encouraging, practical and immediately useful hands-on tool for newcomers to the subject, as well as those already in the industry. I wish to add a personal thank you to all those who have contributed to and supported the production of this edition, especially to my wife Sally who is really the backbone of much of my work. Without her expert and dedicated managerial skills, this edition would not have been achieved.

I would also like to offer my personal thanks to the many authors that have provided the core data for this book. I have taken advantage of the great desire for co-operation that exists within the green building industry. This has enabled me to bring together such a diverse range of architects, builders, scientists, manufacturers, product distributors, installers, and end users. It is this diversity and willingness to share that always fuels my willingness to keep publishing this kind of information. This book now takes its place alongside my other publication, Building for a Future magazine, in charting the continued development of the green building industry in the UK.
Publishers are a much maligned breed but my personal active involvement in this sector for over 15 years, coupled with my hands-on background for many years as a time-served carpenter and joiner and house builder have acted as a catalyst for engagement with all of the major green building organisations that are individually delivering the green building message within and around the industry. This engagement has allowed me to combine, for the first time and in one publication, a gauge of the current state of play of the industry.

Throughout this book, in our other publications and on our web site (www.newbuilder.co.uk), you will find a wealth of information, ideas and products to help you play your part in balancing the burden that we and our buildings are placing on the environment. As each year passes by, the opportunities to make a difference are increasing and there are now a growing number of government and local authority initiatives and grants for projects or technology that will improve the environmental performance of buildings.

I am already planning the third edition of The Green Building Bible. If you wish to be involved contact me. If there is a particular subject that you think we have overlooked or one which you would like to see featured, contact me. If you have any comment on this issue, any projects you would like included or are involved with any initiative or organisation that should be included in the future edition, contact me.
There is a profile of all of the authors that have contributed to this book on page 280.

Keith Hall - Publishing Editor

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