CoHousing development—is it sustainable? Kathleen O’Brien thought maybe; I think yes. Yes because CoHousing offers another scale of social organization—an intermediate scale between the single family and the town or municipality—thereby expanding the palette of technologies that can be applied. It does this simply by being a... Read more

The 1992 Energy Policy Act, signed into law in October, sets maximum water use standards for most plumbing products manufactured after January 1, 1994. Most toilets will be limited to 1.6 gallons per flush (a higher limit of 3.5 gpf will apply to most commercial toilets). Kitchen and... Read more

In recent months we've seen increasing signs that timber interests and environmentalists are beginning to talk. After years of finger-pointing and scapegoating, some serious, constructive communication is long overdue. In the words of Tim Lovlien, a voice of reason from Boise Cascade, “anytime you open the forum to discuss the issue, it’s... Read more

NRG Barriers, Inc. of Saco, Maine, has become the first polyisocyanurate foam insulation manufacturer to totally phase out CFC-11 use in a complete product line. As of January 1, 1993, 100% of NRG’s commercial roofing insulation products will be produced with HCFC-141b, according to Technical... Read more

In what is described as a major policy change, the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) is launching a campaign to emphasize the environmental benefits of wood and appeal to growing public awareness about the environment. “We want the [building] industry to know that we’re concerned about the... Read more

from NAHB

With the upcoming release of its booklet

What Remodelers Need to Know and Do About Lead, the Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders is providing a valuable service. The booklet, to judge by a late draft, will be effective in educating builders and remodelers about the dangers... Read more

Lumber from 100% recycled plastic has been around for several years now. Due to the large number of companies making recycled plastic lumber (currently about 22 in the U.S.), and the range of processes and feedstocks used, product quality varies greatly. ARW Polywood comes strongly recommended by contractors who’ve used it.

... Read more

Richard L. Crowther, Butterworth Architecture, 80 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180; 617/438-8464 (800/366-2665 for orders). 1992, $39.95.

Richard Crowther is clearly committed to understanding and practicing “ecologic architecture” in every way possible. The scope and breadth of material in this book is remarkable... Read more

Steve Loken has been building houses and enjoying the Montana wilderness for fifteen years. In the mid-’80s, Steve began to see a conflict. The forests he so enjoyed were disappearing, the houses going up were getting bigger and bigger, and the lumber they had available to them was getting worse and worse. Out of that realization grew the idea... Read more

In what could become an exciting new trend for environmentally conscious remodelers, Neworld Bank of Massachusetts has announced a reduced-rate loan available to homeowners in the state for “green” home improvements. The improvements covered include:

•energy-efficiency retrofits of insulation,... Read more

By Janet Marinelli with Robert Kourik. Little, Brown & Co., 1992. 230 pages, hardcover, $45.

This book skillfully combines a “how-to” approach to sustainable home-building and remodeling, with an inspiring array of case studies and beautiful photographs showcasing environmental design strategies. Clearly reflecting the author’s first... Read more

for Roof Sheathing

An emergency ordinance amending the South Florida Building Code to deal with the devastation wrought by Hurricane Andrew includes a provision requiring that only

5/

8" or thicker plywood be used for roof sheathing. The provision applies both to repairs and new roofs, and... Read more

The Naturally Elegant Home (see review, page 14), are proliferating nationwide. One innovative item, introduced last year by Feeny Manufacturing Company, replaces the common corner-cabinet lazy susan with three rotating bins for separating recyclables. The... Read more