The Philosophy of Sustainable Design

by Jason F. McLennan; Ecotone Publishing Company, Kansas City, Missouri, 2004; hardcover, 325 pages, $29.95

EBN

Vol. 9, No. 3), touches on all aspects of green design with a confident and knowledgeable pen. The book moves sequentially through the many different perspectives, from McLennan’s own life experience and relationship to sustainable design to the movement’s historical roots, its underlying principles, some key technologies, levels of sustainability (both in projects and in design firms), economics, the design process, aesthetics, and future directions. Appendices include a recommended reading list and even a “Who’s Who in Green Design.”

Each of these aspects of green design is approached in a fitting manner—the underlying principles are organized conceptually and illustrated with examples, the key technologies are described in specific and matter-of-fact terms, and the levels of sustainability are described based on the levels of certification in the LEED

^® Rating System, and beyond.

In many areas, McLennan offers a conceptual overlay that can help readers relate to material that is inherently squishy and multifaceted. While one might argue with some of the divisions he creates, and even imagine entirely different overlays, there is no denying the usefulness of these concepts as interpretive tools. For example, McLennan describes four phases in the evolution of a design firm towards a practice that fully integrates sustainability. Initially, he describes basic characteristics of a firm at each stage. Later, in the chapter on economics, he draws on that structure to illustrate how firms tend to deal with design fees for various levels of green design. In McLennan’s scheme, Phase One firms typically require higher design fees to achieve any shade of green, while Phase Two firms only charge a premium to achieve a LEED Silver or higher rated building, Phase Three firms to achieve a Gold-rated building, and Phase Four firms to achieve a Platinum-rated building.

With its encyclopedic scope and authoritative content,

The Philosophy of Sustainable Design offers an excellent introduction to the breadth of the green design movement.

— NM