The ZEDBook

Description
Explains the principles behind Zero (fossil) Energy Development, and includes methods and case studies to illustrate the application of ZED standards in construction.

Synopsis
Though few now doubt the severity of the environmental problems faced by humanity there is still resistance from businesses, developers, architects, planners and government when it comes to making the step changes necessary to make our lifestyles sustainable. Based on the experience gained from their involvement in the pioneering Beddington Zero Emission Development (or BedZED) in London, and subsequent innovative schemes, "The ZEDbook" authors present a bold, coherent and refreshing vision of a low carbon future. In three comprehensive sections, "The ZEDbook" leads the reader from basic ZEDliving principles through building physics and architectural design details to a carefully selected array of informative case studies. "The ZEDbook" is a must-have purchase for anyone wanting to make communities and the built environment more sustainable.

From the Back Cover

Every aspect of our contemporary society runs on cheap fossil fuel; from agriculture and food production to transport and buildings. This stockpile of energy, left intact by past civilisations, is being squandered. And fossil fuels are not the only resources being consumed at unsustainable levels – if everyone in the world lived like the average UK resident we would need three planets to support global consumption.   

The problems caused by over-consumption are not just environmental. Millions worldwide are living in fear and squalor as a direct result of climate change. For every person on the planet who chooses a high carbon lifestyle, ten others will suffer.

Though few now doubt the severity of the problems faced by humanity there is still resistance from businesses, developers, planners, architects and government when it comes to making the step changes necessary to make our lifestyles sustainable.

Based on the experience gained from their involvement in the pioneering Beddington Zero Energy Development (or BedZED) in London, and subsequent innovative schemes, The ZEDbook authors present a bold, coherent and refreshing vision of a low carbon future.

In three comprehensive sections, The ZEDbook leads the reader from basic ZEDliving principles through building physics and architectural design details to a carefully selected array of informative case studies.

The ZEDbook is a must-have purchase for anyone wanting to make communities and the built environment more sustainable.

Bill Dunster formed Bill Dunster architects in 1998. In 2002 he completed the award winning BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development), the UK's largest carbon neutral eco-community. The architectural practice now has its own range of low carbon construction products – ZEDfabric – and has recently launched the RuralZED zero carbon self build house kit.

Craig Simmons is the co-founder and Technical Director of Best Foot Forward, one of Europe’s leading environmental consultancies. In 2005 the company was awarded a Queen’s Award for sustainability development. In 2000, Craig co-authored Sharing Nature’s Interest – the definitive book on ecological footprinting – and currently sits on the standards committee of the Global Footprint Network.

Bobby Gilbert is a mathematician and chartered engineer with 20 years’ experience in designing simulation and monitoring systems. He runs his own building physics consultancy and software development business which recently launched Carbon Mixer®, a software tool already adopted by many local authorities and consultants. Bobby also teaches building physics and simulation on post-graduate courses.