• Straw bale construction
• Responsible building materials
• Energy performance
• Plug into a network
• Building for safety
• Water-use efficiency

Straw bale construction

Responsible building materials

The Guide to Resource-Efficient Building Elements. A reorganized and updated 75-page edition of this respected directory of building materials and manufacturers has been released by The Center for Resourceful Building Technology (CRBT). Additionally, the ReCRAFT 90 Handbook, a case study detailing the construction of the group's first demonstration house, is now available. Founded by builder Steve Loken in 1990, CRBT has been consulting with utility companies in Seattle, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona, on selection of materials for demonstration homes they're constructing. Price for both the Handbook (US$12.50) and the Guide (US$25) includes shipping and handling. For more information, contact Stephanie Wyse. Program Coordinator, CRBT, P.O. Box 3866, Missoula MT 59806 USA; telephone, (406) 549-7678.

Energy performance

Energy Tools. The U.S. Department of Energy currently supports a national network of R&D laboratories, several of which have programs concerned with improving the energy performance of new and existing buildings. The eighteen research products presented in this 38-page publication include software and manuals addressing such subjects as daylighting, passive solar design, moisture control, and the thermal performance of windows. Details about each product and its availability are described. Available from the Environment Research Program of the AIA/ACSA Council on Architectural Research, 1735 New York Ave. NW, Washington DC 20006 USA; telephone, (202) 785-2324; fax, (202) 626-7421.

CERENET. This energy simulation software can calculate and graphically display a full year's analysis of a building's energy behavior in under three minutes for both retrofits and new designs. It was developed (and is marketed) by the Center for Energy Research/ Education/Service (CERES) at Ball State University. According to a report sent by Robert Koester, director of CERES, the center also is involved in numerous other projects related to sustainable development, such as a prototype computer-based expert system for indoor air quality diagnostics, an exploration of energy in the landscape, workshops that seek "to balance a comprehensive approach to economic development by integrating environmental concerns into the growth of the community," and a "Green Report" that recommends ways for Ball State to become "a model environmentally conscious community from top to bottom." Numerous publications and courses are available. For details, contact CERES, Ball State University, Muncie IN 47306 USA; telephone, (317) 285-1135.

Green Lights Electronic Bulletin Board. Downloadable versions of the latest EPA Green Lights participants list, program information on lamp and ballast disposal issues, applicable software, and upcoming workshops are available. For instructions or more information, call the Green Lights Hotline at (202) 775-6650. A free yearly subscription to the Green Lights Update newsletter is available from Subscription Services, EPA Green Lights Program, 401 M Street SW (6202J), Washington DC 20460 USA.

Plug into a network

Globuild-Net. According to Victoria Schomer, editor of the Interior Concerns Resource Guide (referenced above), Globuild-Net is targeted at "designers, architects and builders concerned with issues of sustainability, health, and waste management within their related building fields." In addition to on-line discussions and a database focusing on these areas, the system also offers connections to The Global Internet, providing access to thousands of additional information sources around the world. Fees are US$25 for enrollment, US$12 per month, and then averaging around US$8 to US$10 per hour for connect time. Contact the network at P O. Box 2386, Mill Valley CA 94942 USA; telephone, (415) 389-8049; fax, (415) 388-8322.

EDENet, the Ecological Designers Network. This small but very useful database of individuals and professional organizations is intended to "encourage the exchange of vital information that designers need to expedite progress towards environmental sustainability. Updated twice yearly, it was created by and is available (for two first-class U.S. stamps) from Wendy Brawer, Modern World Design, 157 Ludlow St., 4th Floor, New York NY 10002 USA; telephone, (212) 529-2694; fax, (212) 674-1631.

Building for safety

Building for Safety Compendium: An Annotated Bibliography and Information Directory for Safe Building Programmes in Disaster-Prone Areas, by Y. Aysan, I. Davis, A. Clayton, and A. Cory. 1993. ú6.95; US$13.50 (80 pp., paper). More than a hundred "cheap and available" publications are annotated with keywords. Major organizations, training institutions, and other sources of information also are included. The book is written for development workers involved in building programs and disaster mitigation.

Developing Building for Safety Programmes: Guidelines for Organizing Safe Building Programmes in Disaster-Prone Areas, by Y. Aysan, I. Davis, A. Clayton, and A. Cory. 1993. ú7.95; US$15.50 (120 pp., paper). Included are discussions of obstacles and opportunities, target audiences, and fundamental issues, illustrated by ten case studies.

Communicating Building for Safety, by E. Dudley and A. Haaland. 1993. ú7.95; US$15.50 (80 pp., paper). This book is a how-to guide for those involved in teaching the principles of building for safety.

Technical Principles of Building for Safety, by A. Coburn, R. Spence, A. Pomonis, and R. Hughes. 1993. ú6.95; US$13.50 (120 pp., paper). Designed for builders, householders, and communities, this book includes sections on siting for safety in areas prone to high winds, earthquakes, and flooding, and specific guidelines for building safety in masonry (including block, earth, and stone), timber, and reinforced concrete structures. The emphasis is on improved hazard resistance at minimum cost.

Water-use efficiency

Graywater Systems, Composting Toilets, and Rainwater Collection Systems: A Resource List. Pub. W93-18; 14 pp. (seven 8.5 x 11-inch sheets); US$7. An extensive annotated bibliography lists books and articles dealing with these technologies, dozens of manufacturers, and selected organizations and agencies.

Water Efficiency for Your Home: Products and Advice Which Save Water, Energy, and Money. Pub. W91-26; 23 pp. (3.5 x 8-inch booklet); US$1, or US$0.50 each for 10 or more. A concise, practical guide to water efficiency for the homeowner.

Water-Efficient Technologies: A Catalog for the Residential/Light Commercial Sector, Second Edition, by Colin Laird. Pub. W91-18; 200 pp. (8 x 10-inch paperback), illustrated with b&w product photos; US$25. This catalog is indispensable for builders, renovators, and homeowners thinking of making a change for the better. It contains product descriptions of 136 high-efficiency toilets (including one that uses a stingy 1 quart per flush), showerheads, faucets and faucet flow control devices (better, but often inaccurately, known as aerators), lawn and garden irrigation systems, and appliances. Manufacturer names, addresses, and phone numbers, code listings (where applicable), lists of selected installations with contact names and addresses (where available), and sources of product evaluations, lab testing reports, or consumer reviews (where available) add greatly to this publication's usefulness.

Water-Efficient Landscaping: A Guide for Utilities and Community Planners, by Scott Chaplin. Pub. W94-8; 45 pp. (plastic ring bound); US$10. More than two dozen case studies illustrate methods and technologies for water saving of as much as 40 percent in urban landscapes. Target readers include city planners, landscape designers, and water professionals.

Water-Efficiency Sampler. Pub. W92-1; 2 pp. (one 8.5 x 11-inch sheet); no charge. A quick overview of 15 projects, including retrofitting, water reuse and reclamation, transfers, hook-up fee incentives, graywater systems, and use of composting toilets.