A Greener House

How green should you go?

We all agree that we can't continue to consume the world's resources at the rate that we are now. We must start living more sustainably - and what better place to start than at home? Most of us want to play our part, but we're put off by financial concerns. But what if the cost of building or remodelling a greener house could be recovered in the value of your home when you sell?

If you would like to make a positive impact on the environment but are concerned with the financial outlay, A Greener House is for you. Property experts Richard Reed and Sara Wilkinson will show you how to decide which sustainable measure are suited to your property, and evaluate the cost implications of installing them. You'll learn how to design a new home that exceeds the highest energy-efficiency rating available, protect your property from obsolescence and outdating, and evaluate market trends in your neighbourhood.

If you own property and would like to increase its value, you can't afford to ignore sustainability. This book will show you how to reduce your environmental footprint while making the most of your greatest financial asset.

Contents include:

      Part I : the theory

    * Understanding Value

    * What affects property value?

    * A matter of health

    * Government and sustainability

      Part II : putting theory into practice

    * Energy options

    * Existing properties

    * New Properties

      Part III : looking to the future

    * Alternative building options

    * Where to now?

    * Appendix A: glossary of terms

    * Appendix B: decision-making flowchart

    * Appendix C: sustainability checklist

    * Appendix D: useful websites

    * Index