The Smarter Green Book: A Guide to Sustainable Designing and Building

As concern for the environment continues to build momentum, proactive companies are moving beyond regulation in the search for materials and processes that make smarter environmental sense.

The environmental impact of buildings, both in construction and operation, has become increasingly regulated over the past decade, resulting in the introduction of a raft of sustainability measures and regulations.

The Smarter Green Book is a one-stop reference guide that leads the reader through the minefield of regulatory terms that surround today’s sustainability landscape and offers an overview of the environmentally friendly options currently available.

Researched and compiled by James Hardie, The Smarter Green Book is written clearly and concisely, covering topics ranging from the aspirations and perceptions of consumers through to assessments of the environmental impact caused in the manufacture of some building materials.

The booklet contains useful information and insights about a wide range of green issues such as the BCA green legislation that has varying residential provisions across every State and Territory in Australia. A quick guide to energy rating software tools offers an overview of second generation software like AccuRate, BERS Pro and FirstRate v5.

Also unravelled and explained is the plethora of rating and accreditation schemes, from thermal house ratings through to specification databases for materials selection. Concise and streamlined, the booklet deciphers the different star ratings as well as how to best apply and use the various rating tools.

Special focus is given to the long term environmental impact of building materials including the costs of maintenance, repair and replacement over the life of the structure. Statistical evidence backed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects shows the costs and extent of maintenance issues such as cracking, water damage, bushfire resistance and termite infestation.

The Smarter Green Book also looks at the impact of building components on people and draws attention to the fact that our energy efficiency ratings don’t necessarily equate to actual thermal comfort. The effects of components including insulation, glazing and wall systems are examined and analysed along with a rating simulation study comparing brick veneer, double brick and insulated fibre cement homes in various climate zones. James Hardie also takes a look at indoor air quality and predicts that whilst not currently regulated, it will be the next big thing as the demand for healthier, pollutant free homes intensifies.

Featuring ten main chapters, easy-to-read comparison charts and glossy images The Smarter Green Book offers a comprehensive guide to smarter sustainable building from raw materials through to application, user comfort, cost and life-cycle.

To receive a free copy of The Smarter Green Book visit: jameshardie.com.au