Customer Reviews

Greed to Green: The Transformation of an Industry and a Life

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4 star:		(7)
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Mr. Gottfried's book finds the perfect mix of anecdotal inspiration and real-world pragmatic knowledge as he recounts the formation of an organization that wants to improve the world. It's easy to feel his personal struggle as he tries to reconcile his drive to succeed with his passion for environmental change. It's not always easy, and it's not always pretty, but it's incredibly inspiring. For all of us who are trying hard to figure out how to make money and make the earth a better place, this book tells us: we are not alone.

What a fantastic, inspirational tale of a personal and professional journey of real change for the better -- especially within an industry that has such profound implications to our earth's resources. The writing is simple and understandable, yet it is David Gottfried's story that stands out and brings hope for all of us. His vision is remarkable and we all should learn from what he has to offer.

This book is wonderful! I learned so much about the story of the USGBC and the people who brought it to fruition. I love that it is written to let the reader into the story of David's life and the 'family' of the green building industry. It's inspiring and motivating to anyone who wishes to make a change in their personal or professional lives!

Like a number of folks, I got David's book at the USGBC Conference in Pittsburg, and I'm thinking 'this will be an interesting walk down memory lane and the early days of the green building movement, but probably interesting to a relatively limited audience.' I couldn't have been more off base. This one has it all -- sex, violence (OK, just a bit of yelling) and a candid look at a personal journey toward truly changing the world. I found it hard to put down, and I have a perspective on the birth of the Green Building Council that is new and refreshing, and not at all like the one I had prior to reading the book. This one's a jewel.

I recieved the book at the USGBC conference. I read it through in one reading. The perspective the author chose, his candor and the style made it very readable. The book made an inpact on me. I found it inspiring that something so positive came out of the pioneering work of a small group of people and the persistance and commitment of the author to the cause. It this point in 2004 it is incredible to see the positive impact the work of the USGBC has had and continues to have. I think the book will promote positive change and is worth your time and money.

I thought that this book would be a hard read, as are most environmental books. Instead, I found the story refreshing and a pleasure to read. I stayed up most of the night finishing it. Most inspirational was the last chapter -- Greening My Life. I'm going to start working on my own Life Balance Sheet immediately. It was helpful and insightful to read about Gottfried's two epiphanies as he struggled to change his life from "greed" to "green". This is an important path and lesson for all of us -- if we are going to change this world.

David Gottfried's story of his quest to be true to himself is a warts and all behind the scenes look at the life of a guy who could have taken the safe, easy road and kept making big bucks as a developer. But instead he took a big chance, followed his heart and his morals, and set off on a journey to do something more than line his pockets.

Most of us dream of doing something great, something that will make the world a better place. This is the story of someone who did just that, who fought back his fears and doubts and kept going long after most would have stopped. That journey completely changed his life, and is revolutionizing the $500 billion dollar construction and remodeling industry.

Imagine -- a $500 billion industry that is now competing on the healthiness of its products and methods. Bravo!

Greed to Green is a rollicking tale of David Gottfried's journey from self proclaimed greedy developer to one of the world's leading proponents of Green Development.

The story tracks the remarkable drive and determination it took for David and a growing band of like minded people to begin the transformation of the building industry in the US - a transformation that has now taken substantial hold, via the work of the body that David founded - the US Green Building Council.

Whilst the results of David's efforts are impressive in their own right, David also provides insight to his personal journey - and some of the human factors which drive people to achieve remarkable things - the search for love and recognition from a demanding father, the traps of following convention and money, over dreams and personal values, and the inner tension of seeking to match personal values to your life's work.

The tale shows both how much a dedicated individual can affect change by working with others and leading the way, and how much our outer worldly jouneys are a reflection of our inner, personal journeys. One senses that there will be a follow up book one day, chronicalling an even deeper progression to come.

David's journey will be an inspiration to anyone who dreams of a better world and wants to do something about it.

David - Loved the book!! It sure gave me the big picture of how the USGBC got started, which is very helpful to me, both professionally and personally.

I was also at the USGBC Conference in Austin, TX. It was interesting seeing the conference from your perspective. I was 'womaning' the Keen booth so I saw a lot of concrete floor and lots of friendly faces. I had the distinct advantage of having both eyes functioning at the time!

Thanks for signing my copy of the book. I appreciate the personal touch.

You will always have my respect and admiration!

Sharon Lisette
Keen Engineering

David Gottfried describes the process that led to the creation of the US Green Building Council, telling it like it happened in an honest and straight forward manner, which makes for a very easy read. The story of how and industry was rallied and united through the creation of a memership driven organization focused on sustainable design/construciton is truley facinating.

David includes practical examples of how he worked with various building owners to convert traditional designs into environmentally friendly ones and to improve the bottom line dollar through higher efficiencies in building systems.

Its a terrific inspiring story with practical and "meaty" information...a great buy!