Energy Free

Homes for a Small Planet

by Ann V. Edminster

Foreword by Peter Yost

Praise

In Energy Free, Ann Edminster brings her wisdom and clarity to the issue of net-zero-energy homes. With so much attention being paid to energy savings and reduction of carbon emissions, we need a book like this that helps us sort through the confusing technologies, claims, and economics to create homes that are better for the planet and better for your budget.

—Alex Wilson, Executive Editor, Environmental Building News and BuildingGreen.com

Net-zero-energy is the watchword of the day, but little has been published about how to get there. Energy Free is the first cogent guidance document for everyone from the motivated home-owner to the affordable housing developer wanting to build homes that produce as much, or more, energy than they consume each year. Seasoned green building consultant and writer Ann Edminster has produced a clear, articulate, and much-needed resource.

—David Eisenberg, Executive Director, Development Center for Appropriate Technology

Ann Edminster facilitated the integrated design process to help us achieve a zero-energy home, and I don't know how we would have done it without her expertise. Ann is the Mother Lode of residential green building, and in this book she has leveraged her vast network of expert contacts and her gift for distilling and clarifying technical information to produce the authoritative resource for anyone – homeowners, architects, contractors, and public policy-makers alike – who wants to develop, or encourage the development of, zero-energy homes. In addition to her green expertise, she is an architect with a beautiful aesthetic who seamlessly marries green building with high design and functionality for any lifestyle.

—Paul Holland, Partner, Foundation Capital