Eco House Book
By Terence Conran
Conran Octopus, £35
FT Bookshop Price: £28

“Buildings are the biggest polluters on the planet,” writes Terence Conran in his introduction. “In the UK, domestic households account for roughly between one-quarter and one-third of total [carbon dioxide] emissions.” Still, he believes that a home’s carbon footprint can be minimised through intelligent “green” design and offers five chapters of practical advice (Servicing, Basic Fabric, Design, Outdoor Spaces, Maintenance) in this comprehensive 272-page hardback, plus 17 international private homes as inspirational case-studies and an eight-page resource section.

Detailed facts are accessibly presented, enabling homeowners to make informed choices. The cons – as well as pros – are listed for solar thermal panels, photovoltaic panels, heat pumps and rooftop turbines, for example. Nor are dramatic overhauls the only suggestion. Dozens of design-savvy tips and decorating ideas encourage small, inexpensive changes. White reflective surfaces enhance natural light, thus saving energy, as do internal glazed doors and screens. Curtains interlined with soft wadding increase insulation. Sustainably produced bamboo floors are as aesthetically attractive as hardwood. New worktops, drawer-fronts and doors, fitted to existing kitchen carcases, avoid waste.

Environmental issues are now part of every home improvement decision and this informative, down-to-earth guide serves eco-aspiring home-owners well.