Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry
Available now at Amazon.
Click here if you are a teacher or instructor interested in a review copy to determine the book’s suitability for classes.
What is green construction and what does it mean for you?
Written in a highly accessible and readable style, Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry by Alison Dykstra, author of Construction Project Management, presents an overview of an industry that is going through profound changes, many of which are tied to the increase in the use of green construction principles. How buildings are designed, the materials and products used, even construction practices and the nature of work, are all changing because of tightening energy requirements and building performance expectations. Industry professionals— designers, engineers, and builders—understand that success is increasingly tied to their response to and understanding of these changes.
Not another how-to book, nor a sermon on the benefits of environmentalism, Green Construction provides answers to the questions: What is green construction? How is it impacting jobs, workers, and the built environment? And what do these changes look like in the field?
In-depth coverage of topics including:
- What is meant by terms like green, sustainable, and high performance?
- What makes constructing a green building different from constructing a conventional building?
- What are the benefits, to jobs, to the economy, and to the environment, of green construction?
- How does the application of green principles result in changes to workers’ jobs?
- How can workers in all aspects of the construction industry take advantage of the opportunities provided by these changes?
The book also covers:
- Green standards, codes, and rating systems
- Descriptions of building certification programs such as LEED, Green Globes, and others
- Green products and materials
- Professional credentials and continuing education
Appendices provide additional information: A short history of the green movement; How we get and use our power; How to get a building LEED-certified; and an extensive list of helpful organizations and resources. A comprehensive glossary and detailed index complete the book.
Focused on the construction industry and trades, this book is also a helpful jumping off point for students, designers, engineers, and the general public.
What They’re Saying:
“It’s about friggin’ time somebody wrote this book! An in-depth study of the green building practices of today, and tomorrow. Invaluable, well written and insightful. I don t think there’s a similar book that provides the reader with such a masterful overview of sustainable design and building practices. Dykstra makes a compelling economic argument as well as an environmental case. This is a fascinating introduction to a crucial topic that affects all of us. A must-read.”
~ Lawrence Sweeny, Solstice Enterprises, Inc., commercial and residential contracting and project management
“Once again, Alison Dykstra has done a great service, through her unique focus on the green construction industry. This book is a great introduction to the field and represents a powerful argument for an increased focus on green construction. Dykstra’s writing is clear, concise and well informed by decades of experience in the field.”
~ Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, author and speaker, founder of the Yudelson Associates consultancy
“This book is very comprehensive, from the topics the author has chosen to cover to the way the parts are broken down. It identifies all the component parts and provides a really good picture of what green and sustainable building means. The sections are concise and clear on important topics that we should all know about as CMs. This book, or at least portions of it, is one I would suggest as reading to Sciame employees. It is very well organized and informative.”
~ Robert E. DaRos Jr., Vice President, Sciame Construction, construction managers, consultants, builders
Click here for more advance reviews of Green Construction by Dykstra.
About the Author
Alison Dykstra has a masters degree in architecture from the University of Colorado and has been a licensed architect since 1983. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), from which she received her CDT certification in construction documents technology, and her local chapter of the US Green Building Council. Her work with and commitment to the issues of renewable energy started at the Farallones Institute in the 1970s, where she worked on passive solar systems, alternative construction technologies, and community-scale design issues.
Dykstra has been an adjunct faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College since 1992; her particular interest is in deconstructing complex subjects to make them accessible to those new to a subject, as well as to seasoned professionals interested in broadening their skills. She was inspired to write this book by her students. What is green construction and how can we take advantage of its job opportunities? were common refrains even among those skeptical of environmentalism. This book is a first step in answering these questions.
For more information:
Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry was published in Feb. 2016 and is available now.
- Hardcover, 316 pages
- ISBN 978-0-9827034-2-7
- Library of Congress control number 2015960690
- Printed with paper from responsible sources, FSC C014174
- Retail price $42.00
Click here if you are a teacher or instructor interested in a review copy to determine the book’s suitability for classes.
Table of contents: Green Construction TOC pdf
Index: Green Construction Index pdf
Introduction: Green Construction introduction pdf
Sample chapter: Green Construction chapter 3: A Changing Industry pdf
Sample appendix: Green Construction sample appendix: Energy sources pdf
Glossary: Green Construction glossary pdf
Bibliography: Green Construction bibliography pdf
List of helpful organizations from the book: Green Construction organizations pdf
