Untitled Document

This resource guide is an updated version of the list published in The Natural House: A Complete Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Environmental Homes. It contains chapter-by-chapter listings of books, articles, videos, magazines, newsletters, builders and suppliers, and organizations -- in that order. Rather than list chapter titles, however, I've chosen to list the major topics covered in each chapter. Because addresses, phone numbers, and Web sites change, I've tried to provide multiple access points for each resource. If a Web site or phone number is no longer in service, you may want to try writing. Information in this guide is as current as possible, but these things do change. If you discover any changes, please notify me via e-mail: danchiras@msn.com

Chapter 1:
Sustainability and Sustainable Design
Books

* Alexander, Christopher, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein, Max Jacobson, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, and Shlomo. Angel. A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. New York: Oxford University Press. 1977. Excellent resource for those seeking to build asethetics and functionality into a home.
* Allen, Edward. How Buildings Work: The Natural Order of Architecture. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. This book offers a great deal of information that will be useful to anyone who wants to build his or her own home.
* Broome, Jon and Brian Richardson. The Self-Build Book: How to Enjoy Designing and Building Your Own Home. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1998. Contains a lot of good advice on homebuilding.
* Barnett, Dianna Lopes and William D. Browning. A Primer on Sustainable Building. Snowmass, CO: Rocky Mountain Institute, 1995. Excellent overview of sustainable design and construction.
* Chappell, Steve K. and James J. Marks. The Alternative Building Sourcebook. Brownfield, ME: Fox Maple Press, 1998. This reference lists over 900 products and professional services for natural and sustainable building.
* Chiras, Daniel D. Environmental Science: A Systems Approach to Sustainable Development. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1998. This book covers many subjects including sustainable ethics and principles of sustainable design.
* _______. Lessons from Nature: Learning to Live Sustainably on the Earth. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1992. A primer on sustainability that outlines key principles of sustainability and how to apply them.
* Clark, Sam.. The Real Goods Independent Builder: Designing and Building a House Your Own Way. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1996. Although geared toward wood-frame construction, this book offers a wealth of information and some sobering words on building too far out on the fringe. Be sure to read the information on foundations, roof construction, and design for ergonomics and accessibility.
* Edminster, Ann and Sami Yassa. Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests. Washington, D.C.: Natural Resources Defense Council, 1998. A must for all builders. To order a copy send $15 plus $4 shipping to NRDC Publications Department, 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011.
* Elizabeth, Lynne and Cassandra Adams, eds. Alternative Construction: Contemporary Natural Building Methods. New York: Wiley, 2000. Collection of essays written by experts in natural building.
* Fitch, James M. and William Bobenhausen. American Building: The Environmental Forces That Shape It. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. A elegantly written book that will help you understand how buildings function. Good background reading.
* Hermannsson, John. Green Building Resource Guide. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 1997 This book lists numerous green building products. Excellent resource.
* Holmes, D., Larry Strain, Alex Wilson, and Sandra Leibowitz. GreenSpect: The Environmental Building News Product Directory and Guidelines Specifications. Brattleboro, VT: E Build, Inc., 1999. One of the best guides on green building out there. It's expensive, but well worth the money!
* Kennedy, Joseph F. (ed). The Art of Natural Building: Design, Construction, Technology. Kingston,NM: Networks Productions, Inc. Compilation of presentations made at the Natural Building Colloquia. Available from the publisher at www.NetworkEarth.org.
* National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Directory of Accessible Building Products. Upper Marlboro, MD: NAHB Research Center, 1999. Another great resource. Available through NAHB at 400 Prince George's Blvd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Phone: (800) 638-8556.
* Potts, Michael. The New Independent Home. People and Houses that Harvest the Sun, Wind, and Water. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Co, 1999. Describes many facets of building energy-independent homes.
* Pearson, David. The New Natural House Book: Creating a Healthy, Harmonious, and Ecologically Sound Home. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1998. Beautifully illustrated book that covers a wide range of topics.
* Spiegel, Ross and Dru Meadows. Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification. New York: Wiley, 1999. Another of the growing list of green building materials books, which list hundreds of products and where you can get them.
* Taylor, Charmaine. The Dirt Cheap Houses Guidebook. Eureka, CA: Taylor Publishing. This book on disk contains a wealth of information, including links to other sites and color photos. This is a very valuable resource!

Videos

* A Sampler of Alternative Homes: Approaching Sustainable Architecture. Two-hour video featuring numerous natural building technologies, including rammed earth, adobe, straw bale, tire homes, and a host of others. Gives an overview of the possibilities. To purchase a copy contact: Hartworks, Inc. 713 W. Spruce #89, Deming, NM 88030. Phone: (800) 869-7342.
* At Home with Mother Earth. This video covers ancient and current issues in earth architecture and contains interviews with important Earth architects. You can order a copy at the CalEarth web site. See the section on CalEarth products listed on their website.

Magazines and Newsletters

* BackHome, Address: P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Tel: (704) 696-3838. Covers independent living and topics related to it.
* Building Concerns Newsletter. Offers a weath of information on building issues, sustainable design, and green building products. Available online at www.greendesign.net.
* Building with Nature, P.O. Box 4417 Santa Rosa, CA 95402-4417. Tel: (707) 579-2201. A newsletter for design professionals but easy enough to read for anyone interested in sustainable building.
* Cohousing Journal. Published by the cohousing network listed under organizations.
* Earth Quarterly (formerly Dry Country News). A new magazine devoted to living close to, and in harmony with nature. They cover all aspects of natural life including homebuilding and renewable energy. Address: Box 23-J, Radium Springs, NM 88054. Tel: 505/526-1853.
* Eco-Building Times, Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, 217 Ninth Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. Tel: (206) 622-8350. In-depth articles on green building projects. The organization also publishes a Green Pages, an annual listing of ecologically sustainable designers, contractors, suppliers, and professional services.
* Ecodesign, The British School, Slad Road, Stroud, Glos GL5 IQW, UK (+44) 1453-765575. This is the official journal of the Ecological Design Association and is available to all members.
* Environ Magazine, P.O. Box 2204, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
Tel: (303) 224-0083. Covers a wide range of topics related to sustainable building and design.
* Environmental Building News, RR 1, Box 161, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Tel:: (802) 257-7300. A bimonthly newsletter aimed at builders, architects, and owner-builders. Some people consider this to be the leading newsletter on environmental design and construction.
* Environmental Design and Construction. Extremely valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable design and building. Address: 299 Market Street, Suite 320, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. Tel: (201) 291-9001.
* The Junction, Books and News from Chelsea Green Publisher of Books for Sustainable Living. P.O. Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001. Tel: 1-800-639-4099. Chelsea Green is the leading publisher of books on sustainable building.

Organizations

* American Institute of Architects, Committee on the Environment. Long interested and active in green building issues. Address: 1735 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20006.
Phone: (202) 626-7300.
* Austin's Green Builder Program Provides a wealth of knowledge on water systems, energy systems, green building materials, and solid waste. They publish the Sustainable Building Sourcebook. Check out their on-line version. Address: 206 E. 9th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.
* Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems offers a wealth of information and services on sustainable building design.
Address: 8604 F.M. 969, Austin, TX. Tel: (512) 928-4786.
* The Cohousing Network. This organization offers a wealth of information and a variety of services for those interested in cohousing. Address: P.O. Box 2584, Berkeley, CA 94702. Tel: (510) 486-2656.
* Eos Institute. Non-profit educational and resource center for ecological building. Regional resources and referrals. Contact: Lynne Bayless, 580 Broadway, Suite 200, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
E-mail: eos@igc.org.

Chapter 2:
Rammed Earth
Books

* Berglund, Magnus. Stone, Log, and Earth Houses: Building with Elemental Materials. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 1986. Chapters 9 - 12 of this book provide technical information on rammed earth construction and some beautiful photos.
* Easton, David. The Rammed Earth House. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1996. An informative, highly readable book. A must for anyone considering this technology.
* King, Bruce. Buildings of Earth and Straw. Sausalito, CA: Ecological Design Press, 1996. Another essential reading for anyone interested in building a rammed earth home.
* Middleton, G. F. Earth Wall Construction. Bulletin #5. North Ryde, NSW, Australia: CSIRO-DBCE, 1995. A manual on rammed earth showing a unique forming system. Appendices contain structural and insulation calculations.

Videos

* Rammed Earth Construction. A 29-minute video produced by Hans-Ernst Weitzel To order call Bullfrog films at: (800) 543-3764.
* The Renaissance of Rammed Earth. This 31-minute video features David Easton and serves as an excellent introduction to the subject or a companion to The Rammed Earth House. Available from Chelsea Green.

Magazines

* Adobe Builder Magazine. This magazine, while focusing primarily on adobe, offers articles on rammed earth from time to time.
Tel: (505) 861-1255.

Builders/Suppliers

* Earth & Sun Construction, Inc. A rammed earth and adobe builder at 5105 Cueva Mine Trail, Las Cruces, NM 88011.
Tel: (505) 522-5103. E-mail: Earth-sun@zianet.com.
* Huston Rammed Earth. Builds rammed earth homes and walls (as subcontractor). Also consults nationally and internationally. Works in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Texas, and some in Arizona. Write to: P.O. Box 99, Edgewood, NM 87015. Tel: (505) 281-9534.
* Rammed Earth Development, Inc. Offers general contracting service, wall construction, and design services. Builds about 12 houses per year. Write to: 265 W. 18th Street, #3, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Tel: (520) 623-2784. E-mail: redinc@azstarnet.com.
* Rammed Earth Solar Homes, Inc. Offers site evaluation, design and evaluation of customer plans, full or partial contracting, and monthly seminars. Address: 1232 E. Linden Street, Tucson, AZ.
Phone: 520-623-6889.
* Rammed Earth Works. David Easton's company offers a variety of services, including design, construction, consultation, site evaluation, soil evaluation, referrals to engineers and energy evaluators, and workshops. Write to: 101 S. Coombs, Suite N, Napa, CA 94559. Tel: (707) 224-2532. E-mail: Rew@i-cafe.net.
* Soledad Canyon Earth Builders. Adobe and rammed earth home builders. Pat and Mario Bellestri. Write to: 949 S. Melendres, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Tel: 505-527-9897.
E-mail: info@adobe-home.com.

Organizations

* The Earth Building Foundation, Inc. Formerly the Earth Architecture Center, International, Ltd. A nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people learn how to utilize earth building, especially adobe and rammed earth. Offers a newsletter, publications, information on building codes, workshops and training. Especially helpful is an extensive search list of approximately 1300 references.

Chapter 3:
Straw Bale Construction
Books

* Bolles, Bob. The Straw-bale Workbook: A Guide to Building a House of Straw Bales. Poway, CA: Bale Press, 1996. Contains a wealth of information, especially for California residents. Contains cost comparisons between straw bale and conventional construction. Order a copy by calling (858) 486-6949.
* Edminster, Ann V. Strawbale Construction: A Sustainable System for Ownership. Self-Published, 1994. To order a copy contact the author at: 115 Angelita Ave., Pacifica, CA 94044.
* Eisenberg, David. Straw Bale Building and the Codes: Working with Your Code Officials. Tucson, AZ: DCAT, 1996. Valuable resource for those whose building departments have never approved or heard of straw bale construction. To order a copy: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* Farrant, Tim. How to Build Straw Bale Landscape and Privacy Walls. Self Published, 1996. To order write author at: P.O. Box 41991, Tucson, AZ. 85717. You can also order through: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* Kemble, Steve and Carol Escott, C. How to Build Your Elegant Home with Straw (manual and video set).: Bisbee, AZ: Sustainable Systems Support, 1995. To order contact authors at: Sustainable Systems Support, P.O. Box 318, Bisbee, AZ 85603.
* King, Bruce. Buildings of Earth and Straw. Sausalito, CA: Ecological Design Press, 1996. A great book for the technically minded reader. Contains a wealth of information on tests run on straw bale structures.
* Lanning, Bob. Straw Bale Portfolio. Tucson: Dawn/Out on Bale by Mail, 1996. This 79-page booklet contains numerous illustrations of 16 house designs. To order a copy: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* Magwood, Chris and Peter Mack. Straw Bale Building: How to Plan, Design, and Build with Straw. Gabriola Island, BC, Canada: New Society Publishers, 2000. The newest straw bale building book. This book provides an overview of design and building and many details you won't find in other books. Good coverage of building code issues, too.
* Myhrman, Matts and S.O. Myhrman. Build It with Bales (Version 2.0): A Step-by-Step Guide to Straw-bale Construction. Tucson: Out on Bale, 1998. A superbly illustrated manual on straw bale construction.
* Steen, Bill and Athena Steen. (1997). Earthen Floors. Elgin, AZ: The Canelo Project. A 30- page booklet covering all aspects of earthen floors. You can order this directly from the authors by contacting: http://www.deatech.com/canelo/order.html.
* Steen, Athena S., Bill Steen, David Bainbridge, and David Eisenberg, D. The Straw Bale House, White River Jct., VT: Chelsea Green, 1994. Contains a wealth of information on straw bale construction and numerous drawings and photos.
* Straw Bale Testing documents. Hard copy reports on code testing of straw bale walls. May be essential to help your building department understand what you are doing. A must read for architects and builders and building department officials. To order a copy of all three reports, visit this web page.
* U.S. Department of Energy. House of Straw: Straw Bale Construction Comes of Age. U.S. Department of Energy, 1995. Also available on-line.

Articles

* Jones, Barbara. "Thatching," The Last Straw 26 (1999): 29 - 30. A must read for anyone considering a thatch roof.
* Jones, Barbara. "Working with Lime in England," The Last Straw 26 (1999): 22 - 25. Excellent resource on lime plasters.
* Lacinski, Paul. "The Rainscreen Siding Approach," The Last Straw 26 (1999): 21. Describes a technique for siding straw bale structures in cold- and wet-weather climates.
* Piepkorn, Mark. "Buying Your Bales," The Last Straw 23 (1998): 22. An excellent article on buying straw bales.

Videos

* Building with Straw, Vol. 1: A Straw-Bale Workshop, Black Range Films, 1994. Covers a weekend workshop in which volunteers helped to build a two-story greenhouse addition onto a Lodge. To order: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* Building with Straw, Vol. 2: A Straw-Bale Home Tour, Black Range Films, 1994. A tour of ten straw bale structures in New Mexico and Arizona. To order: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* Building with Straw, Vol. 3: Straw-Bale Code Testing, Black Range Films, 1994. Takes you on a tour of ten straw-bale structures in New Mexico and Arizona. Presents the insights of the owners/builders. To order: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* How to Build Your Elegant Home with Straw Bales, covers the specific of building a load-bearing straw bale home. Comes with a manual. To order: www.strawbalecentral.com.
* The Straw Bale Solution narrated by Bill and Athena Steen and produced by Catherine Wanek. Features interviews with architects, engineers, owner-builders. Covers basics of straw bale construction and much more. You can order directly from the Steens by contacting their website or by contacting the producer.

Magazines and Newsletters

* The Last Straw. Quarterly journal containing the latest information on straw bale construction. Annual resource issue contains a gold mine of information. This is an absolute must for all straw bale enthusiasts! Address: HC 66 Box 119, Hillsboro, NM 88042.
Tel: (505) 895-5400.

Builders/Suppliers

* For a comprehensive list of builders check out Human Resource Listed published annually in The Last Straw (see previous listing) or contact Out on Bale, 1037 E. Linden Street, Tucson, AZ 85719,
Tel: (602) 624-1673. They have an up-to-date list of builders and architects.

Organizations

* Strawbale Building Association for Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and England. Exchanges information and experience in straw bale construction.
Contact: SBBA, P.O. Box 17, Todmorden, OLI1 8fD, England.
Tel: 00-44-1706-818126.
* California Straw Building Association. This is group is involved in testing straw bale structures. They also offer workshops and sponsor conferences.
Contact them at: 115 Angelita Avenue, Pacifica, CA 94044.
Tel: (805) 546-4274.
* The Canelo Project, Founded and run by Athena and Bill Steen, coauthors of The Straw Bale House. They offer workshops, videos, and books on straw bale construction as well as information on building codes and results of tests on straw bale homes.
Address: HC 1, Box 324, Elgin, AZ 85611.
* Center for Maximum Building Systems. Working at the cutting edge of building materials, systems, and methods. Led by Pliny Fisk III. Contact: 8604 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724. Tel: (512) 928-4786.
* Development Center for Appropriate Technology. Offers a variety of services including consulting, research, testing, assistance with code issues, project support, instruction, and workshops. Contact them in care of David Eisenberg P.O. Box 27513, Tucson, AZ 85726-7513. Tel: (520) 624-6628.
* European Straw Bale Contacts. See the annual resource issue of The Last Straw.
* Greenfire Institute, Ted Butchart, 1509 Queen Anne Ave. N #606, Seattle, WA 98103. Offers straw bale workshops, design consultation, full design, building consultation, and full building options, all using straw or other sustainable materials.
E-mail: greenfire@delphi.com.
* Natural Building Resource Center. Assists and supports owner-builders interested in straw bale, cob, and earthbags.
Contact them at: Rt. 1, Box 245B, Mauk, GA.
* Straw Bale Association of Nebraska. Active in promoting straw bale construction. Contact at: 2110 S. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68506-6001. Tel: (805) 483-5135.
* Straw Bale Association of Texas. Sponsors monthly meetings, publishes a newsletter, and provides a host of other resources. Contact them at: P.O. Box 4211, Austin, TX 78763. Tel: (512) 302-6766.
* Straw Bale Construction Association of New Mexico. Contact Catherine Wanek, Route 2, Box 119, Kingston, NM 88042.

Chapter 4:
Earthships and Tire Homes
Books

* Berlant, Steve. The Natural Builder. Volume 3. Earth and Mineral Plasters. Montrose, CO: Natural Builder, 1999. A superb resource on plasters.
* Reynolds, Michael. Earthship: Build Your Own. Vol. I. Taos, NM: Solar Survival Press, 1990. A must read for those wanting to understand the basics of early Earthship design. This book contains some outdated information, however, so be careful. Be sure to read the more current volumes and check out the Earthship Chronicles for up-to-date information.
* ______. Earthship. Systems and Components. Vol. II. Taos, NM: Solar Survival Press, 1990. Explains the various systems such as graywater, solar electric, and domestic hot water. Essential reading for all people interested in sustainable housing.
* _____. Earthship: Evolution Beyond Economics. Vol. 3. Taos, NM: Solar Survival Press, 1993. Presents many of the new developments. Latest information, however, is always to be learned in workshops, tours of new houses, and the Earthship Chronicles.

Videos

* Building for the Future. This is a video about the building of my house. It explains the how it was built and many green building products. Contact me at 303) 674-9688 or via E-mail: danchiras@uswest.net.
* Dennis Weaver's Earthship. Shows contruction of actor Dennis Weaver's Earthship. Well done and very informative. Helpful in securing building permits. Available from Solar Survival Architecture at their on-line store.
* The Earthship Documentary. Describes the history of Earthship construction, the underlying philosophy behind this unique structure, and building techniques. Available from Solar Survival Architecture at their on-line store (listed above).
* Earthship Next Generation. A look at new Earthship designs and constructions. Available from Solar Survival Architecture at their on-line store (listed above).
* From the Ground Up. Takes you through the process of building an Earthship. Available from Solar Survival Architecture at their on-line store (listed above).

Magazines and Newsletters

* Earthship Chronicles published by Earthship Global Operations,
P.O. Box 2009, El Prado, NM 87529. Tel: 505/751-0462. Pamphlets issued periodically to disseminate new information. You will find pamphlets on graywater, catchwater, blackwater, mass vs insulation, and equipment catalog.
* Solar Survival Newsletter. Available from Solar Survival Architecture, P.O. Box 1041, Taos, New Mexico 87571.

Builders/ Suppliers

* Earthship Global Operations. Michael Reynold's headquarters. Contact them for books; supplies, such as preassembled PV and water filtration systems; hot water systems; blueprints; consultation; a list of approved builders; and much more at P.O. Box 2009, El Prado, NM 87529. Tel: (505) 751-0462.
E-mail: earthshp@taos.newmex.com.
* Keith Lindauer. One of many builders of straw bale homes and Earthships. Keith also sponsors the Colorado Natural Building Workshop which features many natural building techniques. Address: P.O. Box 113, Rico, CO. Phone: (970) 967-2882.
E-mail: sunearth@theriver.com.
* Tim Pettet. Consultant and builder who specializes in Earthships, straw bale, adobe, straw-clay, earthen floors and can/cement walls for planters, showers, and tubs. Address: P.O. Box 1054, Ouray, CO 81427. E-mail: Pettet@independence.net.
* Red Pueblo, LLC,Builder Gary Dillard specializes in Earthships and Earthship Nests. Contact at: 46195 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, CO 80134. Tel: (303) 841-7507.
* Solar Survival Architecture. For a wide range of services from design to construction. Contact at: P.O. Box 1041, Taos, NM 87571.
Tel: (505) 751-0462. Email: solarsuvival@earthship.org.
* Vanguard Homes. No longer building homes, but provides technical advice and design consultation on Earthship derivatives, straw bale, and adobe. Contact Dave Johnson at (719) 475-1972.

Chapter 5:
Adobe
Books

* Berlant, Steve. The Natural Builder, Vol. 1, Creating Architecture from Earth. Montrose, CO: The Natural Builder, 1999: Montrose, CO. Discusses many earthen building technologies, especially adobe. This book is an extremely valuable resource. Available from www.naturalbuilder.com.
* Berlant, Steve. The Natural Builder, Vol. 3: Earth and Mineral Plasters. Montrose, CO: The Natural Builder, 1999. Detailed discussion of plasters and plastering. Great reference for anyone wishing to build an adobe home. Available from www.naturalbuilder.com.
* Khalili, Nadir. Ceramic Houses and Earth Architecture: How to Build Your Own. Hesperia, CA: Cal-Earth Press, 1990. This book is mostly about adobe and has good information on kiln-fired adobe blocks, foundations, walls, roofing, and other topics as well.
* Lumpkins, William. La Casa Adobe. Santa Fe, NM: Ancient City Press, 1986. Contains a drawings and floor plans of adobe homes. The solar structures in the back of the book provide design ideas.
* Mather, Christine and Sharon Woods. Santa Fe Style. New York, Rizzoli, 1986. Contains hundreds of photos of adobe structures and interior design. If you are looking for ideas on how to finish rooms artistically, this book will help.
* McHenry, Jr., Paul G. Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings: Design and Construction. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 1984. Excellent reference, covering history, soil selection, adobe brick manufacturing, adobe wall construction, and many more topics.
* McHenry, Jr., Paul G. Adobe: Build it Yourself. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 1985. Highly readable and surprisingly thorough introduction to many aspects of adobe construction.
* McHenry, Jr. Paul G. The Adobe Story: A Global Treasure. Washington, D.C.: American Association for International Aging, 1996. Discusses the history of adobe and dispels common myths about this ancient building technique.
* Romero, Orlando and David Larkin. Adobe: Building and Living with Earth. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written treatise on adobe.
* Seth, Sandra and Laurel Seth. Adobe! Homes and Interiors of Taos, Santa Fe and The Southwest. Stamford, CT: Architectural Book Publishing Company, 1988. Largely black and white photographic collection of virtually every aspect of adobe homes, including walls, ceilings, floors, fireplaces, patios, fences, and gates. Great for design ideas.
* Southwick, Marcia. Build with Adobe. Denver, CO: Sage Books, 1994. Pretty informative and full of practical advice.
* Stedman, Myrtle and Wilfred Stedman. Adobe Architecture. Santa Fe, NM: Sunstone Press, 1987. Contains numerous drawings of houses, floor plans, and well-illustrated basic information on making adobe bricks and laying up walls.

Videos

* Agni Jata, a video on ceramic houses made in India. Available from California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture, 10376 Shangri La Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345. Tel: 1-760-244-0614.
* Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Video of the building and firing of a school in Iran. Available from California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture listed above.
* Sunrise Dome. Video documenting the building and firing of a ceramic dome in the United States. Available from California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture listed above.

Builders/Suppliers

* Adobe International, Inc. Sales office of a New Mexico-based company that manufactures a portable (trailer-mounted) machine that makes pressure-stabilized adobe blocks on sites. Contact them at: 1847 Libertyville Road, Libertyville, IA 52567.
* Earth Uprising Adobe Block and Machine Company. Manufactures adobe blocks made from compressed earth and subcontracts wall construction. Contact them at: P.O. Box 122, Arivaca, AZ 85601. Tel: 520/622-7188. Email: davemoshel@aol.com.
* The Natural Builder. On-site construction assistance, consulting services, and workshops on adobe, cob, straw bale, light clay, natural plaster, and other natural building techniques. Contact them: Steve Berlant, The Natural Builder, 7395 E. Eastman Ave., Suite L104, Denver, CO 80231.
* Soledad Canyon Earth Builders see description in rammed earth section.

Organizations

* CalEarth, California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture. Nader Khalili's nonprofit organization that offers information on ceramic houses. CalEarth/Geltaftan Foundation, 10376 Shangri La Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345. Tel: 1-760-244-0614.
* The Earth Building Foundation, Inc. See description listed in rammed earth section.

Chapter 6:
Cob (Monolithic Adobe)
Books

* Bee, Becky. The Cob Builders Handbook: You can Hand-Sculpt Your Own Home. Murphy, OR: Groundworks, 1997. Amply illustrated and clearly written introduction to cob building.
* Berlant, Steve. The Natural Builder, Vol. 2, Monolithic Adobe Known as English Cob. Montrose, CO: The Natural Builder, 1999. Discusses all aspects of cob construction. The unique level of detail in this book will assist you in designing and building a cob structure. Contains source material and engineering data on cob that is helpful when dealing with building departments. Available only on the web.
* Berlant, Steve. The Natural Builder, Vol. 3, Earth and Mineral Plasters. Montrose, CO: The Natural Builder, 1999. Detailed discussion of plasters and plastering. Great reference. Available only on the web.
* Cob Cottage Company. Earth Building and the Cob Revival: A Reader. Grove: OR: Cob Cottage Company: Cottage Collection of articles on cob. Order on the web at the Cob Cottage Company.
* Evans, Ianto, Linda Smiley, and Michael G. Smith. The Cob Cottage. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, Forthcoming. A comprehensive guide on cob building by some of the nation's leaders. (Fact check)
* Smith, Michael G. The Cobber's Companion: How to Build Your Own Earthen Home. 2nd Edition. Cottage Grove, OR: The Cob Cottage Company, 1998. Well written introduction to cob many excellent and useful illustrations.

Videos

* Building with the Earth: Oregon's Cob Cottage Co. Great resource. Obtain from The Cob Cottage Company, P.O. Box 123, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.

Magazines and Newsletters

* The CobWeb. The only cob-focused periodical. Published twice yearly by The Cob Cottage Company listed above.

Builders/Suppliers

* Cob Cottage Company. Contact them for information on cob construction, photos, answers to common questions, tours of cob buildings, workshops, cob products, and their apprenticeship program. Contact information listed above.
* Groundworks. Workshops, and more.
P.O. Box 381, Murphy, OR 97533.
* The Natural Builder. Offers on-site construction assistance, consulting, and workshops on cob, adobe, straw-bale, light clay, natural plaster, earthen floors, and other approaches to natural building. Contact them at: P.O. Box 855, Montrose, CO 81402.

Organizations

* Center for Alternative Technology. This educational group in the United Kingdom offers workshops on earth building and natural finishes, among other topics. Address: Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ. Phone and fax: 01654 703409. Check out their web site for a list of offerings.

Chapter 7:
Cordwood
Books

* Flatau, Richard. Cordwood Construction: A Log-End View. Merrill, WI: Self-Published, 1997. You can obtain a copy from the author at: W4837 Schulz Spur Drive, Merrill, WI 54452 or from Earthwood Building School (listed below).
* Henstridge, Jack. Building the Cordwood Home. St. Annes Point Press, 1978. Documents author's experience building a cordwood home. Obtained via interlibrary loan.
* Henstridge, Jack. About Building Cordwood. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada: Self-Published, 1997. You can obtain a copy from the author at RR 1, Oromocto, New Brunswick, Canada E2V 2G2 or from the Earthwood Building School (listed below).
* Lansdown, A M., G. Watts, and A. B. Sparling. Stackwall: How to Build it. 2nd ed. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: Northern Housing Committee, 1998. Difficult-to-find book, but well worth the search. Contains all kinds of information from chain saw maintenance to building walls.
* Lansdown, A.. and K. Dick. Stackwall: How to Build It. 2nd ed, 1997. Manitoba, Canada: Technical Services. Available from the publisher at PO Box 22, Anola, Manitoba, Canada R0E 0A0.
* McClintock, Michael. Alternative Housebuilding. New York: Sterling, 1984. Contains a good section on cordwood homes with excellent drawings and photos.
* Rob, Rob. Complete Book on Cordwood Masonry Housebuilding: The Earthwood Method. New York: Sterling, 1992. Contains a wealth of information on cordwood construction. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School (listed below).
* Roy, Rob (ed.). Continental Cordwood Conferences Collected Papers. West Chazy, NY: Earthwood Building School, 1994. A transcript of 25 presentations by leaders in the field. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School (listed below).
* Roy, Rob (ed.). Continental Cordwood Conferences Collected Papers. West Chazy, NY: Earthwood Building School, 1999. Papers from the most recent Continental Cordwood Conference covering everything from electrical to economic analysis to cob as mortar to the latest innovations in the use of cement retarders. Includes papers from Japan, Wales, Chile, Sweden, Canada, and the United States. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School (listed below).
* Roy, Rob. The Sauna. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1996. Fully illustrated book covering sauna lore, history, and the benefits of saunas. Three chapters describe the construction of cordwood masonry saunas.
* Shockey, C. Stackwall Construction: Double Wall Technique. 2nd ed. Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, Canada: Self-published, 1999. You can obtain a copy from the author at P.O. Box 193, Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, Canada S0L 3JO or from Earthwood Building School.

Videos

* Basic Cordwood Masonry Techniques with Rob and Jaki Roy. An 88 minute video that shows you how to bark wood, mix mortar, build cordwood walls, lay up window frames, and attach door frames. It discusses wood and curing, how to estimate quantities of wood, and lots more. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School.
* Cordwood Homes. A tour of 7 cordwood homes featuring interviews with owner-builders and several cordwood experts. This is not primarily a how-to video, although it does feature some new techniques. This video explores the whys, whats, and who's of cordwood building. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School.

Builders/Suppliers

* Earthwood Building School. Offers books, videos, consultation, and workshops on cordwood construction. Contact them for the latest information on this unique natural building technique at 366 Murtagh Hill Rd., West Chazy, NY 12992. Tel:( 518) 493-7744.

Chapter 8:
Log Homes
Books

* Berglund, Magnus. Stone, Log, and Earth Houses: Building with Elemental Materials. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 1986. Contains useful information on log home building.
* Branson, Gary D. The Complete Guide to Log and Cedar Homes. Cincinnati, OH: Betterway, 1993. Covers all aspects of building or buying a log home and includes 28 floor plans.
* Burch, Monte. Complete Guide to Building Log Homes. New York: Sterling Publishing:, 1984. Excellent book with numerous photos and drawings.
* Chambers, Robert W. Log Building Construction Manual. River Falls, WI: Self Published, 1999. If you are serious about building your own hand-crafted log home, read this detailed, well-illustrated book. Even comes in a metric version. Contains an extensive list of resources. You can obtain a copy by writing to author at: N8203 1130th St., River Falls, WI 5402254022. Tel: (715) 425-1739.
Web site: www.book@logbuilding.org.
* Cooper, Jim. Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home. Harrisburg, PA. Stackpole, 1993. This book is written for people who want to build a log home from a kit.
* Hard, Roger. Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home. Pownal, VT. Storey Communications, Inc., 1985. Complete guide to log home construction.
* Log Building Association. Log Homes: Land to Lock Up. Bellingham, WA: LBA, 1998. Workbook to help those interested in having a handcrafted log home built for them. To obtain a copy, write LBA @ PO Box 28608, Bellingham, WA 98228-0608.
* MacKie, B. Allen. Building with Logs. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 1997. A very popular book well suited to those interested in building their own log home.
* McRaven, Charles. Building and Restoring the Hewn Log House. Cinncinati, OH: Betterway. 1994. Although the history section of this book is hard to follow, the how-to portion is extremely well illustrated and thorough.
* Renfroe, J. The Log Home Owners Manual: A Guide to Protecting and Restoring Exterior Wood. Bellevue, WA:.Wood Care Systems, 1995. Includes a list of suppliers. You can order a copy from the author at: 1075 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 181,
Bellevue, WA 98004.
* Teipner-Theide, Cindy, Arthur Thiede, and Jonathan Stoke. The Log Home Book: Design, Past, and Present. Salt Lake City, UT Gibbs Smith, 1995. Features hundreds of innovations in log home construction and numerous color photos. A great idea book.
* Thiede, Arthur. and Cindy Teipner. American Log Homes. Salt Lake City, UT: Gibbs Smith, 1992. Chronicles the history of log home construction and includes numerous floor plans.
* Williams, Robert L. How to Build Your Own Log Home for Less than $15,000. Port Townsend, WA: Loompanics Unlimited, 1996. Very detailed and thorough discussion of building a log home.

Videos

* Log Cabin Video. A 130-minute, inexpensively priced video of a PBS special on log home building. This video takes you through the entire process of handcrafting a log home. You can order a copy at Sunrise Productions, an on-line source of books and videos on building log homes.
* Montana School of Log Building. Six-video series (11 hours) on log home construction by Al Anderson. Takes you through the process of building a log home from the bottom up. You can order a copy from Sunrise productions (listed above).
* Wonderful World of Log Homes. Produced by Jim Croft, this video offers a wealth of information on log home construction for those interested in handcrafted and log home kits. You can order a copy from Sunrise Productions (listed above).

Magazines and Newsletters

* Log Building News. Published three times a year by the Canadian Log Builders Association and the American Log Builders Association. Contains a wealth of practical information. For information contact Robert Chambers at N8203 1130th Street, River Falls, WI 54022. Tel: (715) 425-1739. E-mail: robert@logbuilding.org.
* Log Home Living. Primarily features manufactured log homes. Published by Home Buyer Publications, 4451 Brookfield Corporate Drive, Suite 101, Chantilly, VA 22022.

Builders/Suppliers

* The Internet contains Web sites for log home builders. Rather than list them here, I recommend you search the Web or look in the Yellow Pages. You can also contact the American or Canadian Log Builders' Association (listed below) for a list of builders of handcrafted log homes. Contact the Log Home Council (listed below) for a list of log home kit suppliers.
* For information on architects and engineers, see Robert Chambers' Log Building Construction Manual. This book contains an extensive list.
* Schroeder Log Home Supply. Sells a wide range of books on log building. Tel: (800) 359-6614.
* Sun Country Logworks. Log home supplies, books, etc. See their on-line catalog for log building tools and equipment, log home finishes, books, and videos. Tel: (800) 827-1688.

Organizations

* American Log Builders Association. Dedicated to furthering the craft of log home construction. Works in conjunction with the Canadian Log Builders' Association. Contact them for local log builders associations. Publishes Log Building News and holds annual conferences with educational seminars. Address: P.O. Box 28608, Bellingham, WA 98228-0608. Tel: (800) 532-2900.
* Canadian Log Builders Association, International. Nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering the craft of handcrafted log construction. Jointly publishes Log Building News and offers an annual conference with ALBA. Address: CLBAI, #800, 15355 24th Ave., Box 465, White Rock, British Columbia, V4A 2H9 Canada.
Tel: (800) 532-2900.
* Great Lakes LogCrafters Association. Members are mostly from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and nearby states and provinces. Publishes a newsletter, meets twice a year, and sponsors workshops.
Address: P.O. Box 633, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
* Log House Builder's Association of North America. Trade association with 25,000 members worldwide representing handcrafted log home builders. Disseminates information on log homes. Offers a wide range of products and services, including apprenticeships, classes, free referral service, journal, newsletters, international meetings, tours, and a free question and answer hot line.
Contact them at: (360) 794-4469.
* Log Home Council, an industry organization representing manufacturers of log home kits. Contact them at (800) 386-5242 for a brochure and a list of companies.
* New Zealand Log Builders Association. Publishes a newsletter and meets every other year in New Zealand. Address: P.O. Box 8, Masterton, New Zealand. E-mail: tree-hut@clear.net.nz.

Chapter 9:
Stone Houses
Books

* Berglund, Magnus. Stone, Log, and Earth Houses: Building with Elemental Materials. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 1986.Contains useful information on stone home building, including several case studies.
* Cramb, Ian. The Complete Guide to the Art of the Stonemason. Cinncinati, OH: Betterway Publications, 1992. A detailed reference, ideally suited for the beginner.
* Frasch, Robert W. and Delia A. Robinson. A. Details of Cobbelstone Masonry Construction in North America 1825 - 1860. Albion, NY: Cobbelstone Society, 1993. Well illustrated account of cobblestone construction.
* Lawrence, Mike. Step-by-Step Outdoor Stonework. Pownal, VT: Storey Publications, 1995. Contains illustrations on 20 different projects such as arches, walls, patios, paths, and steps.
* Long, Charles. The Stone Builder's Primer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Owner-Builders. Widowdale, Ontario, Canada: Firefly Books, 1998. Contains the most complete instructions on stone home building of the books I've read or reviewed.
* McRaven, Charles. Building With Stone. Pownal, VT: Storey Books, 1989. Contains a wealth of information on collecting stones and building stone walls.
* McRaven, Charles. Stonework: Techniques and Projects. Pownal VT: Storey Books, 1997. Covers the use of stone to build walls, paths, ponds, steps, and much more.
* Schwenke, Karl and Sue Schwenke. Build Your Own Stone House: Using the Easy Slipform Method. Pownal, VT: Storey Books, 1991. Great little primer on the subject of stone house construction, featuring the slip form method.
* Vivian, John. Building Stone Walls. Pownal, VT: Storey Books (1986). A small, well illustrated and well written book that focuses primarily on stone wall construction.

Organizations

* The Cobblestone Society, P.O. Box 363, Albion, NY. Tel: (716) 589-9013. An organization dedicated to the preservation of the craft of cobblestone building.

Chapter 10:
Earthbags, Papercrete, Cast Earth, Light Straw-Clay, Bamboo, and Hybrid Homes
Books

* Cusack, Victor. Bamboo Rediscovered. Trentham, Australia: Earth Garden Books, 1997. Fairly comprehensive guide on growing and harvesting bamboos. Includes some valuable information on building with bamboo.
* Farrelly, David. The Book of Bamboo. San Francisco, CA: Sierra Club and Random House, 1995. Explains the benefits of bamboo and the many uses of bamboo over the years. It is best described as part catalog, part history.
* Hunter, Kaki and Doni Kiffmeyer. Earthbag Construction: Putting the "Arc" back into Architecture. Moab, UT: OK OK OK Productions, 2000. Delightful, informative, and well organized. I thoroughly recommend this book which can be obtained from the authors at their company, OK OK OK Production (listed below).
* Janssen, Jules J. A. Building with Bamboo. London: Intermediate Technology Publications, 1995. A brief, yet concise guide that outlines the basics of building with bamboo.
* Laporte, Robert. MoosePrints: Holistic Home Building. Santa Fe, NM: Natural House Building Center, 1993. The only published source on straw-clay construction. Contains some excellent illustrations, but contains only a fraction of the information you will need to learn this technique. Order on the web.
* Solberg, Gordon. Building with Papercrete and Paper Adobe. Radium Springs, NM: Earth Quartery (1998). Collection of well written, detailed articles on papercrete.
* Also see Build it With Bales and The Straw Bale House listed in chapter 3 and The Cobber's Companion listed in chapter 6.

Articles

* Steinfeld, Carol. "A Bamboo Future," The Last Straw. 23 (1998): 25 - 26. An excellent article.
* Steen, Athena and Bill Steen. "The Straw Bale Earthen House," 1999. This article is posted at the Steen's web page: www.deatech.com/canelo/sbearth.html.

Magazines and Newsletters

* See Earth Quarterly listed in chapter 1 references.

Builders/Suppliers

* Cast Earth Affiliates. Offers a variety of services for those interested in building a cast earth home. Contact them at: 4022 E. Larkspur, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Tel: (602) 404-1044.
* Eric Patterson. Eric is one of the pioneers in papercrete construction. Contat hime at 2115 Memory Lane, Silver City, NM 88061.
Tel: (505) 538-3625.
* Living Systems Architecture and Construction. This company owned and operated by architect and builder Mike Frerking designs and builds cast earth homes and provides consultation. Contact him if you are a builder interested in training and licensing.
* New Vision Building Unlimited. For information on papercrete, including a video and a schedule of workshops, contact Mike McCain at Box 1331-EQ, Alamosa, CO. Tel: (505) 531-2542.
* OK OK OK Productions. Interested in creating affordable, sweat equity housing using earthbag technology. Khaki Hunter and Doni Kiffmeyer workshops, design services, on-site supervision, consultation, and construction services. Contact them at:, 265 E. 100 South, Moab, UT 84532. Tel: (435) 259-8378.
* Plyboo America, Inc. Sells bamboo flooring. Contact them at: 745 Chestnut Ridge Road, Kirkville, NY 13082. Tel: (315) 687-3240.
* Safari Thatch and Bamboo, Inc. Sells many bamboo products including decorative and structural timber, fencing, flooring, and thatch. Address: 2036A N Dixie Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305.
Tel: (954) 564-0059.

Organizations

* American Bamboo. This company supplies a wide assortment of bamboo products including flooring, trusses, poles, panels, fiberboards, fences, and furniture.
* The American Bamboo Society. Visit their Web site to find a list of books and publications, addresses and phone numbers of U.S. chapters, a listing of national bamboo societies, and a wealth of additional information.
* The Australian Bamboo Network. A research organization formed to promote the cultivation and use of bamboo. Their Web site lists sources and suppliers, reading materials, and important links.
* Bamboo Society of Australia. An organization seeking to promote all aspects of bamboo in Australia. Address: Bamboo Society of Australia, 1171 Kenilworth Road, Belli Park, Australia QLD 4562.
* CalEarth, California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture. Offers information on earthbag construction, including an online newsletter. Address: Nader Khalili, CalEarth/Geltaftan Foundation, 10376 Shangri La Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345. Tel: (760) 244-0614.
* European Bamboo Society. An informal federation of national European bamboo societies, each with their own administration and membership.

Chapter 11:
Passive Solar Heating and Passive Cooling
Books

* Carmody, John, Stephen, Selkowitz, and Lisa Heschong. Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performance. New York: Norton, 1996. If you really want to understand windows, this is the book you've been waiting for.
* Crosbie, Michael. J. (ed.). The Passive Solar Design and Construction Handbook. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1997. A pricey and fairly technical manual on passive solar homes. Contains detailed drawings and case studies.
* Freeman, Mark. The Solar Home: How to Design and Build a House You Heat with the Sun. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1994. Fairly useful introduction, although it contains more information on general building than passive solar design and construction.
* Givoni, B. Passive and Low Energy Cooling of Buildings. New York: Wiley, 1994. Fairly technical resource for architects and builders.
* Kachadorian, James. The Passive Solar House. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1997. Presents a lot of good information on passive solar heating and an interesting design that's been successful in cold climates.
* Lyle, David. The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1984. A great resource on masonry stoves, an environmentally friendly way of burning wood for back-up heat.
* McIntyre, M., ed. Solar Energy: Today's Technologies for a Sustainable Future. Boulder, CO: American Solar Energy Society, 1997. Good overview of alternative energy, including passive solar heating.
* Miller, Burke. Buildings for a Sustainable America: Case Studies. Boulder, CO: American Solar Energy Society, 1997. Features mostly conventionally built homes, but well worth reading.
* Moffat, Anne. S., Marc Schiler and The Staff of Green Living. Energy-efficient and Environmental Landscaping. South Newfane, VT: Appropriate Solutions Press, 1994. Contains a wealth of information on energy-efficient landscaping. Also contains information on sun angle to help you determine where the sun will rise and set on your property throughout the year.
* Potts, Michael. The New Independent Home: People and Houses that Harvest the Sun, Wind, and Water. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1999. Delightfully readable book with lots of good information.
* Roy, Rob. The Complete Book of Underground Houses: How to Build a Low-Cost Home. New York: Sterling, 1994. A revision of a 1979 best seller with lots of new information on earth sheltered homes. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School listed in cordwood section of the Resource Guide.
* Sklar, Scott and Kenneth Sheinkopf. Consumer Guide to Solar Energy. Chicago: Bonus Books, 1995. Good introduction to solar technologies, including passive solar heating.
* Solar Survival Architecture. "Thermal Mass vs. Insulation." Earthship Chronicles. Taos, NM. Solar Survival Architecture, 1998. Basic treatise on passive solar heating and cooling.
* Steven Winter Associates. The Passive Solar Design and Construction Handbook. New York: John Wiley, 1998. Fairly technical book primarily geared toward architects and builders.
* Taylor, John S. Shelter Sketchbook: Timeless Building Solutions. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1983. Pictorial history of building that will widen your understanding of the relationship between form and function in building and open your eyes to some intriguing design solutions to a home's comfort, efficiency, convenience, and aesthetics.
* Van Dresser, Peter. Passive Solar House Basics. Santa Fe, NM:.Ancient City Press, 1996. This brief book provides basics on passive solar design and construction primarily of adobe homes. Contains sample house plans, ideas for solar water heating, and much more.
* Wells, Malcolm. The Earth-Sheltered House: An Architect's Sketchbook. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1998. Although you won't find a ton of information on earth-sheltered housing in this book, you will be regaled with lots of inspiring designs that will help you see the potential of this design strategy.
* Wilson, Alex and John Morrill. (1998). Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. Washington, D.C.: American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy, 1998. Excellent book that everyone in the developing world should be required to read.
* Yost, Harry. Home Insulation: Do It Yourself and Save as Much as 40%. Pownal, VT: Storey Communications, Inc., 1991. Extremely useful book to read for anyone building his or her own home.

Videos

* The Solar Powered Home with Rob Roy. An 84-minute video that examines basic principles, components, set-up, and system planning for an off-grid home featuring tips from America's leading experts in the field of home power. Can be purchased from the Earthwood Building School listed in cordwood chapter.

Magazines and Newsletters

* Earth Quarterly. See listing in chapter 1.
* EREN Network News. Newsletter of the Department of Energy's Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network. See listing under organizations.
* Home Energy Magazine. Great resource for those who want to learn more about ways to save energy in conventional home construction. Address: 2124 Kittredge Street, No. 95, Berkeley, CA 94704.
* Inside and Out. Newsletter of the Passive Solar Industries Council. See their listing under organizations.
* National Renewable Energy Lab Now. Check out their newsletter on line at: www.nrel.gov.
* Solar Today. This magazine published by the American Solar Energy Society contains a wealth of information on passive solar, solar thermal, photovoltaics, hydrogen, and other topics. Be sure to check it out for names of engineers, builders, and installers and lists workshops and conferences. Contact them at: 2400 Central Ave., Suite G-1, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: (303) 443-3130.

Builders/Suppliers

* Alternative Energy Systems Company. Offers a wide range of products and services for those interested in different forms of alternative energy. Address: www.poweriseverything.com.
* Resnet. Residential Energy Services Network. Nationwide network of mortgage companies, real estate brokers, builders, appraisers, utilities, and other housing and energy professionals. Address: P.O. Box 4561, Oceanside, CA 92052. Tel: (760) 806-3448.
* Solar Works, Inc. Offers consulting, sales and installation of solar equipment and training. Contact them at http://home.solarvt.com/SolarVT/index.html.

Organizations

* American Solar Energy Society. Publishes Solar Today magazine and sponsors an annual national meeting. Also publishes an on-line catalogue of publications and sponsors the National Tour of Solar Homes. Contact this organization to find out about an ASES chapter in your area. at: 2400 Central Avenue, Suite G-1, Boulder, CO 80301.
* Center for Building Science, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Center for Building Science works to develop and commercialize energy-efficient technologies and documenting ways of improving energy efficiency of homes and other buildings while protecting air quality.
Contact them at http://eande.lbl.gov/CBS/CBS.html.
* Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies (CREST). Nonprofit organization dedicated to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living. Contact them at: 1612 K St., NW, Suite 410, Washington, D.C. 20006. Tel: (202) 293-2898.
* El Paso Solar Energy Association. Active in solar energy, especially passive solar design and construction. Contact them at: P.O. Box 26384, El Paso, Texas 79926.
* Energy Efficient Building Association. Offers conferences, workshops, publications and an on-line bookstore. Contact them at: P.O. Box 22307, Eagen, MN 55122. Tel: (651) 994-1536.
* Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Acitvely promotes solar energy and offers valuable workshops. Address: P.O. Box 249, Amherst, WI 54406. Tel: (715) 824-5166.
* North Carolina Solar Center. Offers workshops, tours, and much more. Address: Box 7401, Raleigh, NC 27695. Tel: (919) 515-3480.
* Passive Solar Industries Council. This organization has a terrific web site with information on workshops, books and publications, and links to many other international, national, and state solar energy organizations. This organization publishes a newsletter, Buildings Inside and Out. Address: 1331 H. Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20005. Tel: (202) 628-7400.
* Renewable Energy Training and Education Center. Offers hands-on training and certification courses for those interested in becoming certified in solar installation. Courses offered outside of the U.S. Contact them at: 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922.
Tel: (407) 638-1007.
* Solar Energy International. Offers a wide range of workshops on solar energy, wind energy, and natural building. Contact them at P.O. Box 715, Carbondale, CO 81623. Tel: (970) 963-8855.

Chapter 12:
Solar Electricity, Wind Power, and Microhydroelectric
Books

* Davidson, Joel. The New Solar Electric Home: The Photovoltaics How-To Handbook. Ann Arbor: MI. aatec Publications, 1987. Comprehensive and highly readable guide to photovoltaics, although it is a bit out of date.
* Gipe, Paul. Wind Power: For Homes and Business: Renewable Energy for the 1990s and Beyond. White River Junction: VT: Chelsea Green, 1993. Comprehensive, technical coverage of home wind power.
* Gipe, Paul. Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1999. Succinct introduction to the subject for those who are more technically inclined.
* Jeffrey, Kevin. Independent Energy Guide: Electrical Power for Home, Boat, and RV. Ashland, MA: Orwell Cove Press, 1995. Contains a wealth of information on solar electric systems and wind generators -- and it is fairly easy to read.
* Komp, Richard J. Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells. 3rd ed. Ann Arbor: MI: aatec Publications, 1999. Fairly popular book on PVs.
* McIntyre, M., ed. Solar Energy: Today's Technologies for a Sustainable Future. Boulder, CO: American Solar Energy Society, 1997. Good overview of alternative energy, including passive solar heating.
* NREL. The Colorado Consumer's Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Lab, 1998. Provides basic information about purchasing, financing, and installing photovoltaic systems in Colorado that is applicable to many other states and countries as well. Contact NREL's Document Distribution Service at (303) 275-4363 for a free copy.
* NREL. The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Lab, 1998. Provides information about nationwide financing programs for photovoltaics and passive solar heating. Contact NREL's Document Distribution Service at (303) 275-4363 for free a copy.
* Peavy, Michael A.. Fuel from Water: Energy Independence with Hydrogen. 8th ed. Louisville, KY Merit, Inc., 1998. Technical analysis for the engineers and chemists.
* Potts, Michael. The New Independent Home: People and Houses that Harvest the Sun, Wind, and Water. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1999. See description in Chapter 11. See the Solar Utilities Network for a range of sensible solar projects.
* Roberts, Simon. Solar Electricity: A Practical Guide to Designing and Installing Small Photovoltaic Systems. Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1991. Good reference but a bit dated.
* Schaeffer, John and the Real Goods Staff. Solar Living Source Book. 10th ed. Ukiah, CA: Real Goods, 1999. Contains an enormous amount of background information on wind, solar, and microhydroelectric.
* Sklar, Scott and Kenneth Sheinkopf. Consumer Guide to Solar Energy. Chicago: Bonus Books, 1995. Good introduction to solar technologies, including passive solar heating.
* Solar Energy International. Photovoltaic Design Manual, Version 2. Carbondale,CO: Solar Energy International. A manual on designing, installing, and maintaining a PV system. Used in SEI's PV design and installation workshops.
* Strong, Steven. and William G Scheller. The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally Responsive, Energy-Independent Home. Still River, MA: Sustainability Press, 1993. A comprehensive and more technical guide to solar electricity.
* Volunteers in Technical Assistance. 3-Cubic Meter Biogas Plant. Mt. Ranier, MD: VITA, 1980. This construction manual presents one of many designs for biogas production. It is available directly from VITA at 3706 Rhoade Island Avenue, Mt. Ranier, MD 20822 or can be ordered from Jade Mountain.

Articles

* Linkous, Clovis A. (1999). "Solar Energy Hydrogen -- Partners in a Clean Energy Economy." Solar Today 13(4) (1999): 22 - 25. A good, but detailed and somewhat technical, article on hydrogen production.

Videos

* An Introduction to Residential Microhydro Power with Don Harris. Produced by Scott S. Andrews. P.O. Box 3027, Sausalito, CA 94965. Tel: (415) 332-5191. Outstanding video packed with lots of useful information.
* An Introduction to Residential Solar Electricity with Johnny Weiss. Good basic introduction to solar electricity. Source: listed above.
* An Introduction to Residential Wind Power with Mick Sagrillo. A very informative video, especially for those wishing to install a medium-sized system. Source: listed above.
* An Introduction to Solar Water Pumping with Windy Dankoff.A very useful introduction to the subject. Source: listed above.
* An Introduction to Storage Batteries for Renewable Energy Systems with Richard Perez. This is one of the best videos in the series. It's full of great information. Source: listed above.
* The Solar-Powered Home with Rob Roy. See listing in chapter 11.

Newsletters and Magazines

* EN Network News. See listing in chapter 11.
* Home Power Magazine. The Hands-On Journal of Home-Made Power. Excellent resource. Check out their web site, too. Address: P.O. Box 520, Ashland, OR Tel: (541) 512-0201.
* Inside and Out. Newsletter of the Passive Solar Industries Council. See their listing under organizations.
* Solar Today. See listing in chapter 11.
* Wind Energy Weekly. Newsletter published by the American Wind Energy Association listed under organizations.
* Builders, Suppliers, and Manufacturers
* Alternative Choices. Lauri Campbell, the owner, is smart, friendly, and good at what she does. She will design a solar and wind system for your home. Address: P.O. Box 128, Florence, CO 81226. Tel: 1-800-784-3603.
* Real Goods. Real goods is the nation's leading distributors of renewable energy products, including solar electricity, solar thermal, microhydroelectric, and wind energy. Address: 550 Leslie Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. Tel: 1-707-468-9292. Order on-line at: www.realgoods.com.
* Solar Works, Inc. See listing in chapter 11.
* Jade Mountain. Check out their catalog for a variety of products for sustainable living, including renewable energy systems, lighting, appliances, and heating and cooling products. Address: P.O. Box 4616, Boulder, CO 80306-4616. Tel: (800) 442-1972.
* Wind Can Do, Inc. Provides wind generators from 500 watts to 50,000 watts. Their web site also includes links to other wind-energy companies and organizations throughout the world. Address: 2320 Conc. #4, RR#1, Goodwood, Ontario L0C1A0 Canada.

Organizations

* American Solar Energy Society. See listing in chapter 11.
* American Wind Energy Association. This organization also sponsors an annual conference on wind energy. Check out their web site which contains a list of publications, their on-line newsletter, frequently asked questions, news releases, and links to companies and organizations.
* British Wind Energy Association. Actively promotes wind energy in Great Britain. Check out their web site for fact sheets, answers to frequently asked questions, links, and a directory of companies.26 Spring Street, London W2 1JA. Tel: 0171 402 7102.
* Center for Alternative Technology. This educational group in the United Kingdom offers workshops on alternative energy, including wind, solar, and microhydroelectric. Address: Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ. Tel: 01654 703409.
* Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies. See listing in chapter 11.
* European Wind Energy Association. Promotes wind energy in Europe. The organization publishes the European Wind Energy Association Magazine. Their web site, which contains information on wind energy in Europe and offers a list of publications and links to other sites.
* National Wind Technology Center of The National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Their web site provides a search mode, so you can check out their site and provide a great deal of information on wind energy, including a wind resource database.
* Solar Energy International. See listing in Chapter 11.

Chapter 13:
Alternative Water and Waste Systems
Books

* Banks, Suzy and Richard Heinichen. Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged. Dripping Springs, TX: Tank Town Publishing, 1997. Humorous and informative guide to above ground rainwater catchment systems.
* Campbell, Stu. The Home Water Supply: How to Find, Filter, Store, and Conserve It. Pownal, VT. Storey Communications, Inc., 1983. Good resource on water supply systems, although it is dated. Unfortunately, it has very little about catchwater or graywater systems.
* Del Porto, David and Carol Steinfeld. The Composting Toilet System Book. Center for Ecological Pollution Prevention: Concord, MA, 1999. Contains detailed information on composting toilets and graywater systems.
* Harper, Peter. Fertile Waste: Managing Your Domestic Sewage. Machynlleth, Powys, UK. Centre for Alternative Technology, 1998. This brief book offers some useful information on composting toilets and for handling urine.
* Jenkins, Joseph. The Humanure Handbook. A Guide to Composting Human Manure. 2nd ed. Grove City, PA: Jenkins Publishing, 1999. Excellent resource. Well worth your time.
* Ludwig, Art. Creating an Oasis with Greywater: Your Complete Guide to Managing Greywater in the Landscape. Santa Barbara, CA: Oasis Design, 1994. Firly detailed discussion of the various types of graywater systems.
* Ludwig, Art. Building Professional's Supplement: Your Complete Guide to Professional Installation of Greywater Systems. Santa Barbara, CA: Oasis Design, 1995. Contains a wealth of information on graywater systems, including important information on safety and chemical contents of detergents.
* Solar Survival Architecture. "Catchwater." Earthship Chronicles. Taos, NM: Solar Survival Press, 1998. Focuses primarily on catchwater systems for Earthships, but has ideas that are relevant to all homes.
* _____. "Greywater." Earthship Chronicles. Taos, NM:.Solar Survival Press, 1998. Focuses primarily on greywater systems for Earthships, but has ideas that are relevant to all homes.
* _____. "Black Water." Earthship Chronicles. Taos, NM: Solar Survival Press. (1998). Provides an introduction to the black water systems under development by SSA.
* U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. US EPA Guidelines for Water Reuse. Washington, D.C. U.S. EPA, 1992. Publication USEPA/USAID EPA625/R-92/004. You can obtain a copy of this document at US EPA National Ctr. for Environmental Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cinncinati, OH 45242.
Tel: (800)489-9198.

Videos

* Rainwater Collection Systems. A brief, informative video that comes with a 50-page booklet that provides more details on systems and provide information on equipment and suppliers. Available from Garden-Ville Nursery, 8648 Old BeeCave Road, Austin, TX 78735. Tel: (512) 288-6113.

Builders/Suppliers

* Jade Mountain. Offers a variety of useful products, including cisterns, water filters, low flush toilets. See listing in chapter 12.
* Tank Town. Offers a variety of materials and devices you will need to install a catch water systems. Address: P.O. Box 1541, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Tel: (512) 894-0861.
* Real Goods. Offers a wide variety of products for water systems, including pumps, composting toilets, efficient shower heads, and water filters. See listing in chapter 12.
* For a complete list of International suppliers and manufacturers of composting toilets and related products, see John Jenkins, The Humanure Handbook, listed in books section of chapter 13.

Organizations

* American Water Works Association. Concerned with many aspects of water, including water reuse. They publish proceedings from their water-reuse conferences that offer a wealth of information. Address: 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
Tel: (303) 794-7711.
* Center for Alternative Technology. See listing in Chapter 12.
* Rocky Mountain Institute. Check out the catalog of this outstanding organization for publications on water efficiency and water reuse. Address: 1739 Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass, CO 81654.
Tel: (970) 927-3851.

Chapter 14:
Green Building Materials
Books

* American Institute of Architects and Architects and Designers, and Planners for Social Responsibility. The Sustainable Design Resource Guide. Denver, CO: AIA and ADPSR: Denver, 1994. Now a bit dated and apparently out of print, but once a valuable resources. See listing for AIA in chapter 1.
* Baker, Paula, Erica Elliot, and John Banta. Prescriptions for a Healthy House. Santa Fe, NM: Inword Press. Comprehensive guide to creating a healthy living space, 1998.
* Bower, John. The Healthy House: How to Buy One, How to Build One, How to Cure a Sick one. Bloomington, IN: The Healthy House Institute, 1997. Comprehensive resource with an extensive resource guide of its own.
* Chappell, Steve K. (ed). The Alternative Building Sourcebook. Fox Maple Press: Brownfield, ME, 1998. Lists over 900 products and professional services in the area of natural and sustainable building.
* Edminster, Ann and Sami Yassa. Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests. New York: Natural Resources Defense Council, 1998. Dscribes how to reduce lumber use by 30 percent without compromising the structural integrity of a home.
* Hermannsson, James. Green Building Resource Guide. Newtown, CT: Taunton Press, 1997. A goldmine of information on environmentally friendly building materials. Reader beware, however, not all building materials in books such as this pass the sustainability test.
* Holmes, D., Larry Strain, Alex Wilson, and Sandra Leibowitz. GreenSpect: The Environmental Building News Product Directory and Guidelines Specifications. Brattleboro, VT: E Build, Inc., 1999. One of the best guides on green building out there. It's expensive, but well worth the money!
* Pearson, David. The Natural House Catalog. Everything You Need to Create An Environmentally Friendly Home. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1996. Contains a lot of information on building and furnishing a sustainable home, including a list of products and services.
* Pearson, David. The New Natural House Book: Creating a Healthy, Harmonious, and Ecological Sound Home. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1998. See description in chapter 1.
* Roulac, John W. Hemp Horizons: The Comeback of the World's Most Promising Plant. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1997. Well written and well informed book on industrial hemp, an agricultural product used to make numerous building products.
* Rousseau, David and James Wasley. Healthy by Design: Building and Redmodeling Solutions for Creating Healthy Homes. 2nd ed. Point Roberts, WA: Hartley and Marks, 1999. Extremely informative reference.
* Spiegel, Ross and Dru Meadows. Green Building Materials: A Guide to Product Selection and Specification. New York: Wiley, 1999. Another of the growing list of green building materials books, which list hundreds of products and where you can get them.

Magazines and Newsletters

* Environmental Design and Construction, This magazine features numerous articles on alternative building products and has numerous ads by manufacturers of green building products. This magazine also publishes a buyer's guide that lists green building materials and suppliers. See listing in chapter 1.

Builders, Suppliers, & Manufacturers

* Because there are so many manufacturers of green building materials, please refer to a local retailer or check out John Hermannson's Green Building Resource Guide or Spiegel and Meadow's Green Building Materials or check out Austin's Green Building Program's Sustainable Building Sourcebook. The same holds true for hemp products. If you want a complete listing, see the Hemp Resources section of John Roulac's book, Hemp Horizons which is listed above.
* Building for Health Materials Center. Offers a complete line of healthy, environmentally safe building materials and home appliances including straw bale construction products; natural plastering products; flooring; natural paints, oils, stains, and finishes; sealants, and construction materials. Offers special pricing for owner-builders and contractors. Address: P.O. Box 113, Carbondale, CO 81623.
Tel: (970) 963-0437. E-mail: crose@sopris.net.
* EcoBuild. This new company in Boulder, CO works specifically with builders, providing consultation and an assortment of green building materials at competitive prices.
Call David Adamson at: (303) 444-5332.
E-mail: dadamsonson@indra.com.
* Eco-Products, Inc. Offers a variety of green building products including plastic lumber.
Address: 1780 55th Street, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 303/449-1876.
* Eco-Wise. Retail store that carries Livos and Auro nontoxic natural finishes and adhesives. Address: 110 W. Elizabeth, Austin, TX 78704. Tel: (512) 326-4474.
* Environmental Building Supplies. Green building materials outlet for the Pacific Northwest. Address: 1331 NW Kearney Street, Portland, OR 97209. Tel: (503) 222-3881.
* Environmental Construction Outfitters. Sells an assortment of green building materials. Address: 44 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012. Tel: (800) 238-5008.
* Environmental Home Center. Offers a variety of green building materials. Address: 1724 4th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134.
Tel: (800) 281-9785.
* Planetary Solutions. Long-time player in the green building movement. Offers paints, flooring, tile, and much more. Address: 2030 17th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. Tel: (303) 442-6228.

Chapter 15:
Environmental and Energy Efficient Landscaping and Siting
Books

* Clark, Sam. The Real Goods Independent Builder: Designing and Building a House Your Own Way. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1996. Check out the chapters on choosing a site and site planning.
* Moffat, Anne S., Marc Schiler, and the Staff of Green Living. Energy-Efficient and Environmental Landscaping. South Newfane, VT: Appropriate Solutions Press, 1994. Contains an abundance of information on landscaping strategies and plant varieties suitable for your climate zone.
* Mollison, Bill. Perma-Culture Two: Practical Design for Town and Country in Permanent Agriculture. Stanley, Tasmania, Australia:.Tagari Books, 1979. A seminal work in the field of permaculture.
* Morrow, Rosemary. Earth User's Guide to Permaculture. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000. Brand new book on permaculture. Good resource.

Magazines and Newsletters

* Earthwood Journal. A glossy permaculture magazine published by Eos Institute and the Permaculture Institute of Southern California. Geared to the professional designer, architect, and land-use planner. Address: Eos Institute, 580 Broadway, Suite 200, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Tel: (714) 497-1896.
* The Permaculture Activist. Publishes articles on a variety of subjects related to permaculture, including permaculture workshops. Address: P.O. Box 1209W, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Tel: (828) 298-2812.
* Permaculture Drylands Journal. Quarterly journal that focuses on the practice of permaculture in arid lands, especially Arizona and New Mexico. Address: Permaculture Drylands Institute, P.O. Box 156, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Tel: (505) 983-0663.
* Permaculture Edge. Reports on cutting edge developments in permaculture. Address: Permaculture Nambour, Inc., P.O. Box 148, Inglewood 6050, Western Australia.
* Permaculture International Journal. Contains articles, book reviews, and news of permaculture events. Address: P.O. Box PG6039, South Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia. Tel: (066) 220-020.
* Permaculture Magazine UK: Ecological Solutions for Everyday Life. Qarrterly journal published in cooperation with the Permaculture Association of Great Britain. Contains articles, book reviews, and solutions from Britain and Europe. Address: Permanent Publications, Hyden House Limited, Little Hyden Land, Clandfield, Hampshire PO8 ORU, England.

Builders/Suppliers

* Permaculture Resources. An educational publisher and distributor of permaculture resources and publications. Address: P.O. Box 65, 56 Farmersville Road, Califon, N.J. 07830. Tel: (800) 832-6285.

Organizations

* Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas. Actively involved in the permaculture movement. Address: P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Tel: (800) 346-9140.
* International Permaculture Institute. An international coordinating organization for permaculture activities such as accreditation. Address: P.O. Box 1, Tyalgum, NSW 2484, Australia. Tel: (066) 793 442.
* National Wildlife Federation. Their Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program has helped thousands of homeowners improve landscaping for wildlife. Address: 1400 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-2266.

Chapter 16:
Building a Home
Books

* Bridges, James E. Mortgage Loans: What's Right for You. Cinncinati, OH: Betterway, 1997. This book will help you understand mortgages and help you pick the one that's best for you.
* Dickinson, D. Small Houses for the Next Century. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1995. One of several books on the subject. Full of good information.
* Freeman, Mark. The Solar Home: How to Design and Build a House You Heat with the Sun. Mechanicsburg, PA.: Stackpole Books, 1994. This book contains a wealth of information on building your own home, including many practical aspects.
* Heldmann, Charles. Be Your Own House Contractor. Save 25% without Lifting a Hammer. Pownal, VT: Storey Books, 1995. Although it is geared toward conventional home building, the book will walk you through the steps of building a home, giving advice on many issues such as permits and working with subcontractors.
* Procter, Jody. Toil: Building Yourself. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 2000. A most unusual, but thoroughly enjoyable book about the life of a man who builds homes and the politics of the workplace. Reads like a novel.
* Roy, Rob. Mortgage-Free! Radical Strategies for Home Ownership. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 1998. Wonderful book that should be one of the top of your list if you're looking to build a home but wish to avoid the tyranny of mortgage payments.
* Wilson, Alex, Jenifer L. Uncapher, Lisa McManigal, L. Hunter Lovins, Maureen Cureton, and William D. Browning. Green Development: Integrating Ecology and Real Estate. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1998. Contains an enormous amount of information to professional and nonprofessional readers.

Organizations

* National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. For a referral in your area, contact their head headquarters at 7652 Gartner Road, Suite 500, Evergreen, CO 80439. Tel:: 800-986-2322. Or contact them via E-mail at NAEBAHQ@naeba.org.
* Resnet. Residential Energy Services Network. A nationwide network of mortgage companies, real estate brokerages, builders, appraisers, utilities, and other housing and energy professionals. This organization is dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of the nation's housing stock and expanding the national availability of mortgage financing. Address: P.O. Box 4561, Oceanside, CA 92052.
Tel: (760) 806-3448.

Useful Links