A Primer on Sustainable Building

The Primer We’ve Been Waiting For

Dianna Lopez Barnett with William D. Browning. Rocky Mountain Institute, 1739 Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass, CO, 81654-9199; 970/927-3851, 970/927-4178 (fax); 1995. 135 pages, spiral-bound, $16.95 ($20.34 with shipping).

This Primer from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is the most complete introduction to date on the principles of sustainable design and construction. It exudes the confidence and commitment that has made RMI a leading proponent of efficiency and environmental sensitivity in energy, transportation, and buildings.

The

Primer is laid-out in a series of short, one- to three-page sections, each addressing one element of the overall sustainable buildings picture. The text is accompanied by sidebars with related anecdotes and examples, and sketches by the author. The book is further enhanced by a short glossary and several appendices, including an extensive listing of information resources.

As an overview, the book is remarkably comprehensive, addressing everything from single-family homes to large commercial buildings. The only area of green building we feel should have gotten more attention is the principle of designing for future reuse or disassembly. Even more impressive is the fact that the

Primer includes enough detail and technical information to be useful to practitioners, yet it’s written in language that everyone can relate to. For “green” architects, keeping a supply of these books handy to share with colleagues and potential clients may prove a very worthwhile investment.