Books for an eco-friendly household

Going green not only allows homeowners to curb their carbon footprints and reduce their environmental impact but also has the potential to lower utility bills and enhance a home’s resale value. Whether one is building a new home or updating an existing abode, here are some reads that provide information about designing homes with an eye for ecological sustainability.

Building a Sustainable Home

By Melissa Rappaport Schifman

The author’s own journey toward building a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified home serves as a blueprint for readers in this book, which offers tips for improving a family’s health, wealth and soul using eco-friendly options to suit any budget.

Good Green Homes

By Jennifer Roberts

Filled with inspiring photos of homes that are both sustainable and beautiful, this book explains the seven fundamental principles of green building to help homeowners, architects, remodelers and even renters reduce the environmental impact of their abodes.

The Greened House Effect

By Jeff Wilson

For those looking to enhance an older home, this book teaches readers how to complete a deep-energy retrofit to capture wasted energy in a home. In addition to exploring upgrades for all parts of a home, the book provides information about budgeting and financing the improvements.

Material Revolution

By Sascha Peters

With new materials geared toward energy efficiency and lower costs being developed every day, this book presents an overview of sustainable, natural and biodegradable materials to help homebuilders and architects determine the most appropriate materials for various projects.

The New Net Zero

By Bill Maclay

Beyond reducing a home’s carbon footprint, this book explores the principles of designing homes that are carbon neutral and produce more energy than they consume, offering case studies and information about net-zero techniques for both new builds and renovations.

The Sustainable Sites Handbook

By Meg Calkins

A home’s landscaping can be as important to the environment as the structure itself, and this book covers the ins and outs of designing and maintaining sustainable outdoor spaces, including considerations for materials, soil, water use and more.