If you have read this edition of this book then feel free to add your comments on this thread.

Review by Lewis Taylor ...

The Green Building Bible Volume 2, entitled ‘The low energy design technical reference’ is billed as ‘The perfect companion to the Green Building Bible, Volume1’.

The content of this book is essentially the technical backup to Volume 1. It too is split up into nine chapters, and although these chapters do not mirror those of Volume 1, they follow a logical path. Starting from the beginning, site location and climate is discussed. This, naturally, is the starting point of any low energy design because the building must suit what the local environment and infrastructure can provide. On from here the second chapter covers form and function and introduces how to calculate heat losses from the building through the fabric and the ventilation as well as how the design of the building can be utilised to improve its overall performance.

The third chapter expands on the performance of the structure and looks at super insulation as well as the thermal performance of doors, windows and other elements of the structure. Infiltration and ventilation are the subject matter for chapter four. Air tightness, of course, plays a large part in the heating requirements of the building and this chapter gives some tips on helping improve air tightness through detailing. Another subject covered at length is this chapter is passive or natural ventilation design.

Chapter five talks at length about energy and renewables, including practical calculations to help determine the potential output of renewable energy sources for your given installation. The subject of renewable energy sources is probably, for me at least, one of the most exciting parts of ‘green’ building. Super insulation and air tightness have been common place across many parts of Europe for many years now, and as such there is a great deal of information on these matters. Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, are a relatively new to the majority of people. Understanding how these systems work, and how they can be bought together to create a system that actually works in reality, is vital in ensuring that the time, money and faith that is put in some of these systems and what they represent (i.e. net zero carbon) yields satisfactory results for the end user.

Lighting and heating systems, both mechanical and natural, are covered in chapter six. There are, again, calculations and practical examples of how a balance of natural lighting can be achieved whilst considering heat loss in the winter and overheating in the summer. There is also a raft of information about types of lighting and installation to maximise the effect whilst minimising power requirements.

Chapter seven covers cooling and starts out by discussing how to reduce unwanted heat gains. Passive cooling is also discussed at great length with examples of the use of thermal mass and earth tubes, as well as maximising the performance of mechanical cooling systems.

Water conservation is the subject of chapter eight, and energy management and monitoring are the subject of chapter nine.

The front of this book says it is ‘The perfect companion to the Green Building Bible, Volume 1’. The two publications complement each other very well, with Volume 1 providing a huge amount of background information, and Volume 2 providing the technical information to turn the contents of Volume 1 into reality. I am also of the opinion, however, that Volume 2 stands fully on its own as a competent and helpful publication.

For those involved with either a self build project, those who want to learn more about sustainable building and living and even for construction professions, the information contained in these two publications will undoubtedly prove of huge benefit.

Volume 2 – Technical Guide

Volume 2 follows on from Volume 1 with the same enthusiasm and knowledge by plunging into the more complex details of designing and specifying a more sustainable building.
The book is filled with examples and case studies to help you understand more clearly the algebraic calculations provided.
Everything is clearly written and easy to understand, just like volume 1 but the detail enclosed within the books glossy covers is invaluable to the academic, professional and everyday user. The book is ideal for building service engineers wishing to get up to speed on environmental design methods.
Volume 2 looks mainly at energy saving, ventilation, heating and lighting. With pages of information giving you the tools to improve and adapt your design to be as efficient and sustainable as your budget allows you.
From explaining common everyday abbreviations to breaking down equations into easy to understand calculations, everything you need to know is right at your fingertips.
Volume 2 shows you how to exploit natural energy to it’s optimal efficiency for your requirements, whilst also providing the methods in which you can adapt your design to create a more sustainable building.
The information is collected from a wide selection of recently published international publications, providing the reader with up to date and proven practices.
Volume 2 carries on from volume 1 reagarding commercial design, it looks at how high embodied energy construction methods can be adapted to reduce the energy demand over the buildings life cycle rather than at the construction stage which has a high impact.
Modelling exercises compare different methods through a variety of analyi. The exercises don’t dismiss the low scoring methods, just demonstrates how one method is not always the best method for a proposed application.
Both books are invaluable and should be on the reading list for every budding green builder, designer or user. The information is unbiased and too the point.


Dai Evans ACIAT
Architectural Technologist

mrswhitecat. I would certainly recommend vol 2 as a good read for your house in France. However, I understand you are building it as I speak. You may end up reading the book and find yourself wishing you had been able to alter the design before building started.

Thanks for the update. Great books to give as a gift - especially to someone in the trade.

Hate to say it, but all French men (according to joe.e on another thread) never aspire to being footballers. All they need is a zippo, gauloise and the shutzpa of how to wear a leather jacket. . . . . . . practise with a nonchalantly raised eyebrow. . . . . . irrisistable. . . . . . .