May 1, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
21 minute read
Green building, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly construction, refers to the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner throughout their entire lifecycle. This comprehensive approach extends from initial planning and design to construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and eventual demolition. The core idea is to minimize the negative impacts of buildings on the environment and human health while simultaneously enhancing occupant well-being and productivity. This involves a holistic consideration of factors such as energy use, water consumption, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.
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Find a path to becoming a Green Building. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 30 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Green Building.
Provides a clear and detailed exposition of the LEED Green Building Rating System and is an invaluable reference for individuals aiming for LEED certification.
Leading reference in the field of sustainable construction, covering a broad range of topics from materials selection to building systems. It provides detailed information on how green building concepts apply throughout the design and construction process. It is commonly used as a textbook and valuable reference tool for both students and professionals.
An industry-standard text focusing on sustainable environmental control through building design. details factors contributing to building comfort and strategies to minimize mechanical systems by maximizing natural heating, cooling, and lighting. It's a fundamental resource for understanding passive design principles and is often used in academic settings.
With a clear focus on high-performance building design and sustainability, this book conveys the principles of green building, and will be of great interest to students as well as practicing architects, designers, and builders.
Providing clear steps to implement sustainable building processes, this book is an essential reference for those working on or in green-building projects.
Presents in-depth case studies of net zero energy buildings across various types and climate zones. It details the design, construction, and performance of these buildings, offering valuable lessons learned. It's a practical resource for understanding how net zero is being achieved in practice.
Outlines the principles and strategies for designing net-zero energy buildings. It covers various aspects of the design process aimed at achieving this high level of energy performance. It's a practical guide for designers and engineers focused on net-zero goals.
Explores the design and construction of net-zero energy buildings with a focus on renewable energy integration. It showcases leading-edge projects and provides insights into achieving high-performance, sustainable buildings. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the practical application of net-zero strategies.
Focuses on the technical details and construction assemblies required for Passive House buildings. It provides a visual catalog of details and illustrates how to achieve high performance through careful construction. It's a practical guide for architects and builders working on Passive House projects.
This guide focuses on the principles and practice of performing life cycle impact assessments for buildings and materials. It's a practical text for understanding how to evaluate the environmental performance of projects across their entire life cycle. It's a valuable reference tool for design and construction professionals.
This guide comprehensive study reference for the LEED Green Associate exam, providing a thorough review of sustainability and green building concepts. It's widely used by students and professionals globally to understand the core principles of LEED certification. It serves as excellent preparation material for those seeking to enter the green building field.
Delves into the nuances of net zero energy buildings, examining different approaches globally and their potential outcomes, including unintended consequences. It takes a life cycle perspective, analyzing impacts beyond just operational energy. It's a valuable resource for a deeper, critical understanding of net zero.
Focusing on the management aspects of sustainable construction projects, this book covers topics like green building rating systems, life cycle assessment, and greening the construction process. It's a valuable resource for understanding the practical implementation and management of green building projects.
This influential book presents a paradigm shift in design and production, advocating for a circular economy where materials are seen as nutrients in closed-loop systems. While not solely focused on buildings, its principles are fundamental to sustainable materials and design in green building. It's considered a classic in the broader sustainability field.
Highly illustrated and accessible guide to the principles of ecological design for houses.
Utilizing Ching's signature graphic style, this book provides a visually clear guide to green building principles and techniques. It's an excellent resource for gaining a foundational understanding through easily digestible illustrations and concise explanations. Useful for students and those new to the topic.
Offering a foundation in green building management and operational aspects, this book valuable asset for professionals and students alike.
A specialized work focused on the many sustainable materials used in green building, this book will prove valuable to architects, designers, and builders who work in or are interested in green building.
Provides a fundamental understanding of the scientific principles underlying sustainable design in architecture. It's an ideal resource for students and professionals seeking to grasp the technical basis of creating energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings. It offers background knowledge crucial for the field.
An in-depth, evidence-based analysis of material use and its environmental impact across various sectors, including buildings. It presents strategies for reducing material consumption and improving efficiency. is more technical and data-driven, suitable for those seeking a deep understanding of sustainable materials at a systemic level.
This handbook offers practical guidance on designing buildings that are healthy, efficient, and sustainable. It covers a range of topics relevant to creating high-performance buildings. It serves as a useful reference tool for designers and builders.
Offers an evidence-based examination of material use and its environmental impact, focusing on key materials in construction. It explores strategies for material efficiency and reducing demand. While data-intensive, it provides a crucial perspective on the lifecycle of building materials.
A comprehensive overview of the principles and major topics of green-building with examples and expert analysis, this book would be of great value to any architect, designer or builder.
A richly illustrated text on green building concepts that will be of interest to anyone seeking an accessible and engaging introduction to the subject.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/jfxssy/green
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