Eco-Renovation: The Ecological Home Improvement Guide (The Real Goods Independent Living Books) [Paperback]

Edward Harland (Author), Duncan Roberts (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999 | Series: The Real Goods Independent Living Books

Eco-Renovation is the first book specifically aimed at homeowners who want to make their houses as "green" as possible. It will show the reader how to reduce energy bills and select resource-efficient building materials.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Calling for a ``greening'' of rampant American ``consumerism,'' which will inevitably mean ``less consumption'' on our part, architect Harland outlines paths toward ecological and energy-conserving reform in the ways we choose to shelter ourselves. Though compact, his book covers much ground, from the use of indoor plants as a source of benefits (oxygen production; pollution absorption) to the threat of radon gas and how to assess its presence. Harland does not pretend to solve all problems, but concentrates on projects that should be manageable to most of us: cutting down on water use; making the most of solar energy sources and collection methods; taking care to insulate windows, roofs, walls and floors properly; organic fruit and vegetable gardening, when possible, as a means of avoiding or endorsing ``an unsustainable and polluting system of agriculture.'' Clear illustrations by Roberts point the way toward solutions. The prognosis: this work can be done.

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Even if one doesn't care about the environmental implications of wasting resources, it bears noting that more efficient use will result in monetary savings. Harland, an architect, here introduces the reader to ecological renovation. Although he doesn't tell how to complete specific renovations, he provides a wealth of information about the efficient use of space, energy, and materials. Harland addresses both building-and lifestyle-related issues-important considerations that few do-it-yourself books cover. Many of Harland's examples refer to Britain yet are still instructive to North American readers. Although this book may be somewhat ahead of its time, libraries will see an increased demand for such works as the "Green Movement" gains momentum in North America. For public and academic libraries.
Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Pub Co (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930031660
• ISBN-13: 978-0930031664
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,342,850 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mostly Useless, December 6, 1999

By 

Jane Smith (Edmonton, Alberta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eco-Renovation: The Ecological Home Improvement Guide (Paperback)

Don't kill any trees by bothering to buy this book. In fact, don't waste any brain cells by trying to read it either. When I bought this book I was looking for some sensible ways to reduce my impact on the environment as I was finishing my basement. I had already read about easy energy saving measures like better insulation and fluorescent lighting and was looking for a little more in depth knowledge. I certainly didn't get it here. The author advocates wood burning stoves and construction, without taking into consideration the durability and recyclability of other materials and the destruction to forests caused by clearcutting. He does not seem to understand that environmental problems have different solutions in England than they do in California. Worse yet, on several occasions he is just plain wrong. On page 104, while describing photovoltaic cells, he says that "the negative electrons are activated." I was forced to assume that the author was a total flake and that the Union of Concerned Scientists had failed to read this book when they recommended it in their otherwise excellent book, "The consumer's guide to effective environmental choices." Though there is some good information in this book, if you can filter it out from the useless junk, you don't need to read it, and if you can't, get a better book and skip the misinformation in this one.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic introduction, June 2, 2000

By 

"invert" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eco-Renovation: The Ecological Home Improvement Guide (Paperback)

Jane Smiths review seemed a bit biased. I will agree that this book has different illustrated different approaches in england than in CA. But then again CA at times seems to think they are a different country than the entire US. It seems she didn't review the book for what it was rather than her own personal agenda.

This book can be used to get a basic overview of what it means to take a sustainable approach. THe Author limited its scope to dealing with remedies for existing houses and didn't not focus on new development. Its target audience seemed to be the average Joe.

The author does not get to specific on remedies but at least touches on all of the major issues providing an outline for further research or a guide to know what to look out for.

I would recomend this book to anyone with no backround or understanding of sustainable building looking for an good introduction.

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for green beginners, June 22, 2010

By 

Peter Vatkov (Concord, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eco-Renovation: The Ecological Home Improvement Guide (Paperback)

As an introductory guide for the newcomers to the eco-remodeling, this book does a good job. It covers all the basics plus a few items usually overlooked by the green mainstream: the radiation, the houseplants and the sound environment. The "Priorities for action" at the end of each chapter is a novelty that provides a good advice about how to prioritize the capital investment. The illustrations are helpful and easy to understand. For those who whish to get into the details there is a long list of resources at the end of the book.