About the Author

A leading proponent of green building, Barry Katz has more than 20 years' experience in new home construction and remodelling. His Connecticut business is exclusively dedicated to sustainable construction and green consulting. A LEED-accredited (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System[trademark]) professional, Katz was the recipient of the 2007 HOBI Award for Best Green House from the Connecticut Association of Homebuilders.

Reviews

"Practical Green Remodeling" offers green remodeling guidance for those who aren't sure where to begin.--"Natural Home"Katz approaches the subject of green and sustainable building by explaining that nothing is clear-cut. For instance, for the question about whether a house can be green without using green materials, the answer is both yes and no. He explains that there are shades of green and no house or building that is absolutely green. Throughout the book, his tone is more that of an informed friend than a preachy advocate. The softbound book is loaded with photographs, charts and diagrams to help explain each topic. "--The Oregonian
"For clients who want to green their existing homes but have no idea where to start--or what going green even entails--green building proponent Barry Katz's "Practical Green Remodeling: Down-to-Earth Solutions for Everyday Homes" provides an easily digestible guide and handy educational tool. Katz starts with the basics and explains industry best practices for achieving energy efficiency, conserving resources, and creating healthy living environments, emphasizing off-the-shelf materials and detailing how different choices impact a home's overall sustainability, as well as the client's bottom line. He encourages clients to establish a sustainable vision for their homes that will guide their choices and the remodeling process. --Custom Home OnlineGreen construction doesn't have to happen from the ground up. Builder Barry Katz advocates remodeling to make a house more environmentally sensitive in his book, "Practical Green Remodeling: Down-to-Earth Solutions for Everyday Homes." Katz emphasizes that the book isn't a how-to guide but rather a "what-to book," a compilation of possibilities designed to help readers see what they can achieve through remodeling. He offers a wealth of ideas for conserving resources or making a home healthier or more energy-efficient, from simple strategies such as caulking to large-scale project