Product Description

Most people are unaware that environmental problems such as climate change can be easily avoided, at a profit, through the intelligent application of appropriate technology. The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook describes how to achieve this goal in the residential field.

The first book in North America to provide a detailed carbon accounting of a family's carbon emissions and how to reduce them, it systematically analyzes energy costs and evaluates which measures yield the highest returns for the environment and the pocketbook. It provides answers to questions such as:

Which measure is more effective: putting solar panels on your roof or buying a hybrid car?
Where do I need to invest first: in high-efficiency shower heads or solar tubes?
Is a $500 fridge that uses 800 kWh of power per year a good buy?

The book allows individuals to quickly and accurately assess which products are a good deal and which aren't. It systematically analyzes residential carbon emissions and energy costs and prioritizes solutions based on highest carbon reductions and monetary returns, yielding results that are often surprising. The book enables readers to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions-far below the levels targeted under the Kyoto Protocol. At the same time, readers implementing the recommendations will save an average of $15,000 in energy costs over the next five years.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #352973 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Godo Stoyke is President of Carbon Busters Inc., an energy efficiency consultancy that has reduced carbon dioxide emissions of buildings in North America and Europe by 121 million pounds, saving clients over US$16 million. An award-winning environmental presenter, Godo is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional, and author of The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook.

Customer Reviews

From assessing changes for maximum returns to considering what systems to invest in first, it's an outstanding survey
General-interest lending collections strong in home energy handbooks will find this will enhance any home improvement and construction section, offering the first book in North America to provide a detailed carbon accounting of a typical family's emissions and how to reduce them by over seventy percent. From assessing changes for maximum returns to considering what systems to invest in first, it's an outstanding survey.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Saving Money
This is a good book but it is about as much fun as reading the Dictionary. It's a data book. A reference book of technical data. It has some useful information about energy use in the home. I don't regret that I bought but it didn't turn my crank. Regards, Keith Renick, Peachtree City, Ga.

If you only read one "green" book this year, make it this one.
A well written guide to reducing carbon output and energy consumption. Home conservation based, without the "sit and shiver in the dark" attitude that we are sick of. These techniques allow you to be environmentally responsible without sacrificing comfort or productivity. Two things readers need to be aware of: 1. Not all measures are applicable to everyone - for instance, if you don't have a natural gas pipe to your house, the high efficiency gas furnace option won't work with propane. 2. Some of the product information is dated and no longer accurate, especially in the automotive areas. But how was the author to know that the Mercedes Smart Car was going to turn into a Daimer Chrysler dud? Don't worry - VW is still making high mileage diesels.
Overall, I say it is a well written book that will not only get us started down the path to a better environment, it should get us well down the road.