Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification

Book Description

This excellent hands-on guide to designing environmentally friendly buildings -- those made from materials that preserve the earth's natural legacy for future generations -- is written by two nationally known experts on the subject. You'll find practical information on green product selection, product specification, and construction processes. You'll also learn just what green building materials are, where you can find them, and how you can use them effectively. This edition includes updated information on LEED requirements and how to integrate them into the specifications process and new sections on commissioning and on construction waste management. Other features are guidelines on how to evaluate the "greenness" of building materials, helpful sample forms to aid in selecting and specifying materials, and a brief history of relevant environmental legislation. Order your copy today!

Customer Reviews:

costs of green buildings.......2005-10-11

This text was quite basic for what I needed. Although it had a green material selection, no costings of materials were available. Definately not a recommended text for a thesis research.

"Green Remodeling" would be a good companion guide .......2004-10-29

Green materials are definitely an important aspect of green building; however, I think we need to be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking green materials *are* green building. We need to think more holistically - for example, asphalt roofing may not be "green," but it will last 40 years and save me significant money over a sterotypically "green" recycled-tile or slate roof. I can use this money towards green-ing other features of my home. Most of us need to spend our money wisely, so we need to pick and choose green features for homes as best we can. I highly recommend the book "Green Remodeling" as a companion guide to this book that will offer much needed practical remodeling advice and whole-systems thinking.

An excellent and long-needed guide to green specifications!.......1999-11-18

This is an absolute MUST-HAVE addition to the libraries of every firm and organization that deals with designing, constructing, maintaining, or restoring commercial and public buildings. It should be required reading in every architectural school. It also offers much value to residential builders, even though they seldom use the sophisticated specification systems of the commercial building trade.

For some three decades, articles and books on environmentally-sound architecture have focused on the design side. And most have focused on residential construction. Spiegel & Meadow's new book breaks new ground in two respects, by dealing with the product/material side of (primarily) commercial buildings.

The specification aspect of green construction -- in which the appropriate materials and products are prescribed -- has been largely unaddressed. This is partly because the commercial building industry, in general, has culturally been behind the curve in terms of concern for the environment, but also because even the most conscientious firms have serious difficulty finding and obtaining green building products.

There are two reasons for this difficulty of specifying green materials: 1) Few architects receive any meaningful level of training regarding specification in their schooling, preferring to focus on the more glamorous process of design; and, 2) Neither the commercially-available master guide specifications (such as SpecLink and MasterSpec) nor the product catalogs (such as First Source, SpecData, and Sweets) have figured out how to provide a useful and accurate means of helping specifiers compare the greeness of one item over another.

While Green Building Materials can't solve the industry's lack of useful tools, it provides designers with the first comprehensive education on the specification process as it relates to green building.

New tools are finally entering the market, such as the LEED system (from the U.S. Green Building Council) for measuring the greeness of a building, which will soon be incorporated into the Construction Specification Institute's new PerSpective software for performance specifying.

Used in combination with this book, architects and building owners are finally beginning to get what they need to create buildings that are healthy for both their occupants and the world's environment.

The authors have a level of intimacy with their subject that oozes out of each page. Readers come away with the distinct impression that this book is a product of both passion and deep expertise, and is obviously not some publisher's attempt to quickly plug a serious gap in the literature.

A rapidly-growing number of public and private owners are requiring a level of greeness to all of their new buildings. Green Building Matierals is the tool the owners need in order to get what they want. It's also what designers and builders need to respond successfully to such demands.

Book Description

Even the most creative mind needs stimulation. The more inventive pieces it takes in, the more resources it has to draw from. That's why many advertising creatives keep their own clip files. Street-Smart Advertising contains a plethora of examples designed to jump-start the right side of the brain. It is packed with memorable uses of new media, exciting on-strategy marketing, creative online work, insightful quotes by giants in the advertising industry, and exercises to strengthen creative thinking. Students and practitioners alike can reference this book for fresh campaign concepts, unusual visual treatments, innovative media ideas, powerful writing techniques, brainstorming methods, and more.

Customer Reviews:

If you want to be creative.......2007-10-03

This book has all the bases covered. From mind exercises to amazing campaigns, Street Smart Advertising gives creatives the tools needed to take their ideas to the next level. When sitting stumped and uninspired this is the book to turn to in order to get those juices flowing. It may sound like I'm really talking it up, but it has prevented me from throwing my laptop, quiting my job, or basically giving up thinking all together. Perhaps I've gone to far, but trust me...this is a good one.

WOW- So much information in one book!.......2007-08-14

Margo Berman's enthusiasm and expertise for creativity and advertising really shine through on every page of this book. As someone who is very knowedgable about marketing but not so much about advertising, this book really added to my knowledge. It has served as a great resource over and over again. If you are interested in reading it front cover to back page, you can and you will learn much from the real-life "street smart" examples. The exercises help you apply the information. However what I find most useful about the book is that each chapter stands up by itself. I read the material and do the exercises and really feel I understand the material. It is like a mini-course in each chapter. Thanks again Margo for providing so much of you in this book!

A Must BIuy!.......2007-07-12

Street-Smart Advertising features great tips and fun pointers which can be applied first-hand to the real world, or more specifically, the world of Advertising. It makes one believe the unthinkable is thinkable. The hands-on exercises lets you apply it to real life in the most creative and unimaginable way. Berman's book is an informative pocket guide that is straight-forward, easy to read, understand and most importantly, apply to the real world. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling a lack of creativity; this book will let all the ideas your brain never knew you had shine through in the most creative and entertaining ways possible.

Must Read!.......2006-12-12

Street-Smart Advertising offers invaluable insight and expertise into the world of creative advertising. An interesting read from beginning to end, it expresses the ins and outs of advertising through understandable diction and useful tips on how to get the most out of the industry. From creative and interesting advertising examples to helpful exercises, Street-Smart Advertising is a must for anybody interested in learning more about the creative, fun side of advertising. One of the most fun and perceptive books I've read on the subject to date.

A Classroom in a Book.......2006-12-07

Professor Berman's book is just like I said on the title, a classroom in a book.
With it, anyone, even those who have never taken one of her seminars or classes, can get a feel of what she is all about.
Worried about the WIIFM? Does the mention of this word have you in a knot?
This "Berman-encyclopedia" of USABLE, quick-witted and entertaining advertising knowledge, taught in everyday vernacular will untangle your brain and stretch it to the max.
She has kept it simple, stupid. This is the reason why it simply "works."
What's In It For Me? You might be asking yourself.
Well, This book is exactly what advertising should be all about. This book will make all the difference in whatever you choose to apply it in.

Average customer rating:

Street Smart Design
Diana Martin
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0891346864

The New Cool of business: young, hip, innovative, and bursting with ambition ... New Zealand's new generation of street-smart and savvy entrepreneurs strut ... An article from: NZ Business

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The New Cool of business: young, hip, innovative, and bursting with ambition ... New Zealand's new generation of street-smart and savvy entrepreneurs strut ... An article from: NZ Business

Manufacturer: Profile Publishing Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from NZ Business, published by Profile Publishing Ltd. on June 1, 2005. The length of the article is 583 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The New Cool of business: young, hip, innovative, and bursting with ambition ... New Zealand's new generation of street-smart and savvy entrepreneurs strut their stuff!(now showing)(Huffer Clothing)(Inject Design)(Disruptiv)
Publication: NZ Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2005
Publisher: Profile Publishing Ltd.
Volume: 19 Issue: 5 Page: 8(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

San Diego businessman has street smarts: Ramona community would feature narrow roads if landowner gets his way.(road developments) : An article from: San Diego Business Journal

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San Diego businessman has street smarts: Ramona community would feature narrow roads if landowner gets his way.(road developments) : An article from: San Diego Business Journal
Connie Lewis
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000G2Y8LE
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Book Description

This digital document is an article from San Diego Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on May 15, 2006. The length of the article is 773 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: San Diego businessman has street smarts: Ramona community would feature narrow roads if landowner gets his way.(road developments)
Author: Connie Lewis
Publication: San Diego Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 15, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 27 Issue: 20 Page: 25(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

The field techniques photographers need to photograph water with pleasing results, including motion control when photographing running water, lighting, shutter speed, and framing and perspective, are explained in this guide. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, ages, and experience levels, five major photographic themes are presented through clear instruction and series of photographic comparisons that illustrate the varying results of decisions photographers make. The creative process, equipment, and techniques by which each photo is produced are described, and film and exposure information is given throughout.

Customer Reviews:

A Poor Choice for Photographers.......2005-04-05

There are two different approaches authors take to photography instruction. In the first, which I call narrative, the author tells you about the topic and provides pictures to illustrate the teaching points. In the second, which I call exemplary, the author provides a picture and then tells you what considerations went into the choices that he made in taking the picture.

When I first read this book, I thought that I was dissatisfied with it because it followed the exemplary style. Then I looked at two of my favorite books that use the exemplary style: Art Wolfe's "The Art of Photographing Nature" and Tony Sweet's "Fine Art Nature Photography." Wolfe's book uses examples but presents them in a well developed, logical order, from fundamental to complex issues. Sweet's book, on the other hand, does not provide this structure but is aimed at photographers who know how take pictures but want to go further in their art; his pictures are truly magnificent and his explanations of his goals in taking the pictures are insightful.

Kahn on the other hand appears to have taken whatever photographs he had in his files on water, without regard to quality, mixed them up so there was no logical order of presentation, and then written inane comments.

As I read the book, I felt that it was aimed at inexperienced photographers, but failed to develop the subject logically. For example, in photographing moving water one of the first choices to be made is whether to shoot at a fast or a slow shutter speed. Fast speeds freeze the water while slow speeds create a silken blur. This isn't even mentioned by Kahn until late in the book.

But there are many more weaknesses. For example, he has several pictures where the sky is overexposed because the water he was photographing was in a dark area. One way to deal with this is by using a graduated neutral density filter. Kahn doesn't mention this anywhere in his book. He also excludes any reference to full neutral density filters which are used by water photographers to lengthen exposure time to achieve water blur.

People interested in photographing water would be better served by Heather Angel's book, "How to Photograph Water." Aside from a more logical, comprehensive presentation and better photographs, Angel also deals with water in all its forms, like fog and snow, which Kahn ignores. Neither book mentions digital photography, but I believe that a competent digital photographer will be able to apply the material presented in either book.

Not too impressive.......2003-01-28

Not a lot of new info and worst of all, the photos chosen to illustrate the points are not at all impressive.

A good book for beginers, ok for the more advanced.......2002-01-14

This book is a good reference for beginers, with some helpful hints for the advanced. The photgraphs used to illistrate the text are good and he gives the reasoning behind why the shoot was taken. I will probably glance through this book from tome to time just to get general ideas durning those times when I start going stale looking for shots.

Book Description

One result of the Asian economic crisis has been to shatter the belief that Asian ways of management are superior to Western ways. Now, just to survive, Asian firms have come to rethink their entire way of managing, and in his latest book, Richter, assisted by his contributing authors, gives a sharply focused analysis of how they are doing it. Emerging questions are how do Asian firms adjust to the new economic realities? and How do they develop their management style? There are plenty of new opportunities in Asia to play the new game, but they must be grasped and productively channeled. Richter and his contributors conclude that in the end, the Asian economic crisis, or catharsis, may well be a blessing in disguise. It provides an opportunity to completely review the way things stand in Asia. Like entrepreneurs who built the Asian economies, today's firms have the opportunity to lead a revival if they can redirect their businesses. This is an important resource for professionals in all multinational organizations and for academics and their upper-level students of international business.

Book Description

The Handbook provides a step-by-step approach to reducing operating costs, enhancing inventory control, increasing profits, improving customer satisfaction, and controlling assets. In addition, the book fully examines and evaluates the array of practices, methods, equipment applications, and current technology that contribute to the effective operation of any type of warehouse--including industrial, mail order, and retail facilities. Whether remodeling an existing facility or building a new one, readers of Warehouse Distribution and Operations Handbook will explore a broad range of topics, including: logistical and strategic considerations affecting operating costs and customer service; layout and product flow options that affect productivity and handling costs; estimating costs, writing specifications, reviewing bids, and administering contracts; loss prevention, maintenance, and sanitation functions; employee standards, productivity programs, and annual expense budgets. In addition, the Handbook provides comprehensive information on carton handling. . .vertical and horizontal materials-handling systems. . .inventory control. . .site selection. . .private, public, and contract warehousing. . .receiving and shipping. . .stackables and unstackables. . .automated systems. . .and more.

Customer Reviews:

Great for the in dept look at a well run warehouse........2007-09-23

Great for the in dept look at a well run warehouse. Has all the details to help you start or clean-up an operation and help it run like a well oiled machine.

This is a must...........2006-10-30

This book is a must for ANY professional working in the finished-goods/products Fulfillment/Distribution world. If your work and responsibilities span anywhere within a FC/DC, you should pick up this book. For less than one hundred bucks, you get one of the best written, concise handbooks I have ever encountered.

It's very important to note that this is not just a dictionary-like handbook, but rather a book that is actually easily readble and enjoyable. It is not for novices, but for anyone with some level of experience, the book comes to life and will help you build depth.

I work for a major e-retailer that disbributes products to end customers. Having worked many years here and picking up most of the know-how from experience alone, I am now questioning why our learning dept doesn't have the insight to make this book a "required" manual for all when we first started. It is excellent and provides great explanations and applications .

Buy it. If I ran a DC/FC, this is a must read for all my mgrs and jr mgrs.

Great warehousing and material handling book.......2003-05-03

This is the best book I've ever found on material handling and warehouse storage. Though a little pricey, this book has content that makes it well worth the cost. Extensive detail on material handling and storage equipment. Also has separate chapters dedicated to small item warehouses, case-pick warehouses, and pallet warehouses.
Anyone designing a new warehouse or redesigning an existing one should read this book.

Average customer rating:

The McGraw-Hill Real Estate Handbook

Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Sales | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

In this completely updated real estate classic, Irwin, together with a team of experts, delivers again. The McGraw-Hill Real Estate Handbook supplies instant, timely, encylopedic information on every aspect of the contemporary real estate environment, with strong new coverage of current finance, investing, and taxation issues and practices. And it's also packed with precise, exhaustive coverage and commentary on the best new financing methods. . .the do's and don'ts of property management. . .computerized investment analysis. . .and much more. What's more, all-new chapters on brokerage and agency make it required reading for hundreds of thousands of results-hungry brokers and sellers nationwide.

The McGraw-Hill Investor's Desk Reference

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The McGraw-Hill Investor's Desk Reference
Ellie Williams
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Introduction | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Network Security | Networking | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0071359451

Book Description

The McGraw-Hill Investor’s Desk Reference is a book whose time has come. Compiling the up-to-date answers to virtually every important investment question—from “How do I invest online?” to “What is the difference between value and growth investing?”—this comprehensive guidebook puts today’s most important and frequently sought information at the fingertips of investors.

Book Description

Now real estate and leasing professionals can find quick and accurate solutions to the mathematical problems encountered in every branch of real estate. Featuring 89 tables, this definitive reference will provide quick answers to such common real estate financing questions as: "What is the minimum rent required to assure a 7 percent rate of return?"-and hundreds more. This definitive handbook will save hours of time and improve the accuracy of financial projections for all types of real estate projects. "... This book could become a "standard." It contains virtually every table that anyone associated with real estate could find useful." -Robert Irwin, Consultant and Author

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The McGraw-Hill Real Estate Handbook
Robert Irwin
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFXZZ8

Book Description

In this important study, the authors use new material to augment their earlier contributions to understanding the economic and political transformations now taking place in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

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