Architecture...

As someone who did build a green home, I can tell you that all the choices are overwhelming. From cob to reclaimed wood, from composting toilets to a vast array of solar paneling, from figuring your house footprint to wind use; it’s a lot to think about. Then it becomes super tricky when you add in state and county regulations.

For example, you wouldn’t think installing a composting toilet would be so tricky, but when my partner and I wanted to do so we got grief from the real estate seller, potential buyers, and had trouble with the not-so-helpful fellow doing our certification inspections.

You can narrow down your choices though. For both green building materials and tactical building ideas, there are some books you can take a look at, before you ever step foot into the hardware store.

One good book is actually on sale right now. I just got an email from Building Green – one of my favorite green building sites, and their 3rd edition of Green Building Products is being released. That means the second edition is on sale – at 50% off no less. This guide is great. The book covers more than 1,500 environmentally preferable products and materials for residential building.

If you need a basic introduction into the world of green residential building you can’t beat the 30th Anniversary Edition Solar Living Sourcebook. I’ve had a copy of this for years and it always comes in handy – it’s like a big fat bible of green building. The 30th edition is packed with facts and tips about renewable energy, sustainable living, alternative construction, green building, homesteading, off-the-grid living and alternative transportation.

For some green home eye candy (super motivation) than Good Green Homes is your best bet. Good Green Homes offers a smaller supply of tips but homes to die for. If you don’t want to build green after checking out this book, I’m not sure you ever will. I like that it covers rural and city areas, along with information on planned green communities.