https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook/ Building science knowledge, HVAC design, & fun Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:13:07 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook/#comment-4938 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:13:07 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook#comment-4938 John R.:
John R.: As I was reading and thinking about the book, I realized that a lot of my criticisms would require greater length. It’s difficult to write an introductory textbook and cover topics sufficiently without going into much detail. I hadn’t considered a condensed version of a book like this, but I think it’s a great idea. It would take a lot of work, though. Recall what Blaise Pascal said: 
 
I have made this longer than usual because I have not had time to make it shorter. 
 
Carl S.: Indeed it can be a good reference book, and the figures are really good, as I mentioned above. 
 
Nancy: I’m glad you found it helpful.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook/#comment-4937 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 01:01:06 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook#comment-4937 I am actually more inclined
I am actually more inclined to read the book because of the comprehensive and obviously objective review, than if Allison had said “Here’s a great book by my friends.”

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook/#comment-4936 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:32:05 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook#comment-4936 Allison- Thanks for taking
Allison- Thanks for taking the time to review our book (About damn time, man!). I suppose I can’t complain about the “damning with faint praise” tone you have taken, as that is my general policy with most things I develop an opinion on. But it is hard to believe that even Martin seems to like it more than you do. 
 
The one thing that readers might consider is that it can serve as a reference book for construction professionals, and even some energy geeks who need good drawings and information to show their clients. I use the drawings from the book to show people proper insulation and air sealing details fairly frequently and they find them useful. Readers who follow the link to the textbook early in the post can download several chapters for free and decide for themselves.

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook/#comment-4935 Fri, 02 Nov 2012 21:25:37 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=review-of-an-introductory-green-building-textbook#comment-4935 I used this book to teach my
I used this book to teach my Green Building and Remodeling course last spring at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Like you,I found some errors and things I would like to have seen expressed more accurately or clearly. However, on the whole my students liked the book very much as did I.  
However, our 36 class hours did not allow enough time to go through the book with the thoroughness it deserves. Unless the college expands the hours I will have to fall back on a simpler text next spring. I am also seriously considering having my students go on-line and read a number of assigned documents from the Information section of buildingscience.com. instead of using a text. GREAT information.

]]>