New book on green projects

RSMeans , a business unit of Reed Construction Data , has announced a new book, ”Green Home Improvement,” which includes 65 full-color projects that fight back against skyrocketing utility costs, health concerns, and environmental damage. Objective, expert advice cuts through the “green-washing” to the best products and improvements. Unique to this book are costs and estimated energy savings to help homeowners decide where to invest.

Many projects are easy and low-cost (often less than $5), with a big impact. Efficient showerheads, for instance, can pay for themselves 10 to 20 times over in the first year alone. Adding insulation and a programmable thermostat could cut energy costs by 50% in some homes. Green improvements also bring higher prices and more buyers when selling a home.

Features:
* 65 projects: flooring, paint, cabinetry/countertops, windows, doors, insulation/weatherstripping, roofing, siding, heating and cooling, lighting, appliances, bath fixtures, solar systems, paving, pools, and landscaping.
* 100+ “Go Green” tips: instant, low- or no-cost ways to save energy and water and make homes healthier/more comfortable.
* Advice for building a new home: points to discuss with a builder or architect.

Michael Berry, Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Boston chapter’s Sustainable Building Committee, says, ”This book will help homeowners green their homes cost-effectively — saving energy and becoming better stewards of the environment.”

About the Author
Dan Chiras, PhD, is a well-known green building expert who advises homeowners, architects, builders, and developers throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has published 24 books and hundreds of articles, and presented lectures and workshops to universities, the general public, and organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architects. Dan was recently filmed for a Discovery Channel “Planet Green” series, executive-produced by Leonardo Di Caprio. Dan designed his own green home, featured on NBC’s “Nightly News.”

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