This is a no-nonsense guide to green building. This books offers simple, but not simplistic, advice and information for both renovators and builders. It provides a no-nonsense guide to anyone wishing to build their own home or upgrade an existing house in a sustainable way. A sustainable home is one that minimises its impact on the planet in terms of the materials its built from, the energy and resources used in its construction, and the energy and resources used by the people living in it. Creating a more sustainable home with lower carbon emissions (and lower running costs) is an achievement in itself. This book will show readers how to design a sustainable home, and explain which approaches make the best commercial and environmental sense. "Simply Sustainable Homes" is approachable and interesting. It is destined to become the benchmark by which other 'green' building books are judged.