Green building is a rapidly evolving and expanding space. Regardless of whether you’re in it or thinking about joining it, “Green Building A to Z” should be on your desk. Jerry Yudelson has been in the green building business from its beginnings, and his most recent work is a reference guide that is both unassuming and enlightening.
The book starts out with four brief chapters describing the big picture, the history, the definition and the promotion of green building. From there the author discusses green building terminology exactly as he says in the title — by beginning with “architecture 2030” and ending with “zero-net-energy buildings.”
Moving along from A to Z, I came across terms both familiar and unfamiliar. What seems remarkable about the discussions offered is that, regardless of whether I recognized the term or not, I never thought to myself, “Oh, I know this. I’ll just skip ahead.”
In a time when climate changes seem to be on everyone’s mind, the amount of resources used and emissions produced by conventional building methods needs to be seriously called into question. “Green Building A to Z” has the answers. Published by New Society Publishers. “Carbon Strategies: How Leading Companies Are Reducing Their Climate Change Footprint” by Andrew J. Hoffman
RATING: Buy this book from Powell's online! With “Carbon Strategies,” Andrew Hoffman offers a comprehensive review of how major multi-nationals have incorporated carbon reduction initiatives into their business plan.
After an introduction on the big picture of climate strategy and an explanation of methodology, the book outlines the considerations and actions a business might follow to develop and implement an effective climate strategy.
While the book focuses on the experience of multi-nationals and is geared toward larger corporations, the lessons shared in the book offer plenty of value to the small and medium-sized enterprises along with individual investors who want to educate themselves on the opportunities in carbon reduction strategies. That said, the book is definitely best suited for those that are ready to take carbon reduction seriously — regardless of size. Casual readers beware.
The book ends with six in-depth case studies of companies and their respective experiences with carbon reduction strategies. Additionally, the book includes an appendix with a list of initiatives undertaken by the surveyed companies organized by type of initiative.
This compilation of data alone makes “Carbon Strategies” an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without reinventing the wheel. Published by University of Michigan Press.
