Sustainable Building Essentials

Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder. “Essential Green Roof Construction” is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings. Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. Coverage includes: • The benefits of a green roof • The basics of planning and design • Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads • Navigating building codes and working with building officials • Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives • Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production • When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity • Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing • Annual green roof maintenance. Where common sense meets beauty-a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place. “Essential Green Roof Construction” will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof.

Design a rainwater harvesting system for any home in any climate. Water is a crucial resource increasingly under stress. Yet rainfall, even in arid climates, can make up a sizable portion of any home, acreage, or farm's water requirements if harvested and utilized with care. The key is appropriate planning and high-quality site- and climate-specific design. Essential Rainwater Harvesting is a comprehensive manual for designing, building, and maintaining water harvesting systems for the warm and cold climates of the world. Presenting design considerations and approaches for the most common household rainwater supply scenarios — primary, supplemental, and off-grid supply — this step-by-step approach covers: • Considerations for full-property water security • Demand planning and conservation strategies • Supply calculations and design implications for extreme rainfall and drought • Materials selection and water quality • System and site assessment • Sizing and design of gutters, conveyance, tanks, and pumps • Pre-filtration, filtration, and disinfection options • System maintenance and upkeep This practical resource provides DIYers, trades, and rainwater practitioners with the essential tools, methods, and technical know-how to design, build, and maintain rainwater harvesting systems anywhere.