Green Construction (avail 2/16)

Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry

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Available for pre-order at Amazon.

“It’s about friggin’ time somebody wrote this book! An in-depth study of the green building practices of today, and tomorrow. Invaluable, well written and insightful. I don’t think there’s a similar book that provides the reader with such a masterful overview of sustainable design and building practices. Dykstra makes a compelling economic argument as well as an environmental case. This is a fascinating introduction to a crucial topic that affects all of us “a must-read.”
~ Lawrence Sweeny, Solstice Enterprises, Inc., commercial and residential contracting and project management

“Once again, Alison Dykstra has done a great service, through her unique focus on the green construction industry. This book is a great introduction to the field and represents a powerful argument for an increased focus on green construction. Dykstra’s writing is clear, concise and well informed by decades of experience in the field.”
~ Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, author and speaker, founder of the Yudelson Associates consultancy

“This book is very comprehensive, from the topics the author has chosen to cover to the way the parts are broken down. It identifies all the component parts and provides a really good picture of what green and sustainable building means. The sections are concise and clear on important topics that we should all know about as CMs — this is something I would suggest as reading to Sciame employees — or at least portions of it because it is so well organized and informative.”
~ Robert E. DaRos Jr., Vice President, Sciame Construction, construction managers, consultants, builders

Click here for more advance reviews of Green Construction by Dykstra.

This hardback book, available now, helps the reader transition into and within an industry that is going through major change. The book provides vital information on:

  • How the design and construction of our buildings is changing
  • How current industry jobs must adapt
  • New emerging careers in construction
  • Green credentials and training opportunities
  • Green standards and rating systems.

Plus:

  • Information on LEED, Green Globes, Passive House, and other green building rating systems and professional credentials
  • Product rating and labelling programs
  • Helpful organizations, agencies, trade associations, unions and others
  • Where to get the information you need to move forward.

The only book designed, for those in the construction industry, to present the basics of what “green,” sustainable,” and “high-performance,” mean for the industry and its workers.

Not another how-to book, nor a sermon on the benefits of environmentalism, the book provides an overview of a quickly changing construction industry and clarification of what green means and how it is impacting jobs, workers, and the built environment. In-depth coverage of topics include:

  • What is meant by terms like “green,” “sustainable,” and “high performance”?
  • What makes constructing a green building different from constructing conventional buildings?
  • How is green construction changing workers’ jobs?
  • What are the benefits, to jobs and the economy, as well as to the environment, of green construction?
  • What are the challenges and opportunities for general contractors and specialty trades?

And much more:

  • Green standards, codes, and rating systems
  • Building certification programs such as LEED, Green Globes, and others
  • Green products and materials
  • Professional credentials and continuing education

Extensive appendices include a history of the green movement; How we get and use our power; How to get a building LEED-certified; and an extensive list of helpful organizations and resources. A comprehensive glossary and detailed index complete the book.

This book is an excellent jumping off point for anyone—general contractors, specialty tradespeople, designers, engineers, construction students, and the general public.

Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry was published is hardcover in February 2016 and is available now.

Click here if you are a teacher or instructor interested in a review copy to determine the book’s suitability for classes.

Table of contents: Dykstra Green Construction TOC pdf

Index: Dykstra Green Construction Index pdf

Introduction: Dykstra Green Construction introduction pdf

Sample chapter: Dykstra Green Construction chapter 3: A Changing Industry pdf

Sample appendix: Dykstra Green Construction sample appendix: Energy sources pdf

Glossary: Dykstra Green Construction glossary pdf

Bibliography: Dykstra Green Construction bibliography pdf

List of helpful organizations: Dykstra Green Construction organizations pdf


  • "Construction Project Management is informative and easy to read. It clearly outlines the professional building processes and procedures. It is a great book not only for students, but for the building professional as well."
    ~ Andy Briglio, contractor

    For more information: Construction Project Management

    "This book is a great introduction to the field and represents a powerful argument for an increased focus on green construction. Dykstra's writing is clear, concise and well informed by decades of experience in the field."
    ~ Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, author and speaker, founder of the Yudelson Associates consultancy

    Available now; for more information:
    Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry