Ecotone Releases "The Philosophy of Sustainable Design," which Lays Foundation for Growing Green Architecture/Green Building Design Movement

Ecotone Publishing, the first exclusive green architecture and design book publisher, today announced a new title, "The Philosophy of Sustainable Design" (ISBN: 0-9749033-0-2), authored by Jason F. McLennan. The first of its kind, this comprehensive 324 pp. book outlines the major ideas and issues that have emerged in the growing movement of green architecture and sustainable design over the last 30 years. The book is designed to help architects, engineers, building professionals and home owners understand and apply sustainable design principles.

Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) July 12, 2004 -- Ecotone Publishing LLC, the first exclusive green architecture and design book publisher, today announced a new title, "The Philosophy of Sustainable Design" (ISBN: 0-9749033-0-2), authored by Jason F. McLennan, a nationally recognized leader in the Sustainable Design Movement. The first of its kind, this comprehensive 324 pp. book outlines the major ideas and issues that have emerged in the growing movement of green architecture and sustainable design over the last 30 years.

"This book is intended as a starting point for anyone involved in the building industry on a journey to learn how he or she can build more responsibly," McLennan says. "It is rooted in practical knowledge but rather than being a 'how-to book' asks individuals to understand how the philosophy of sustainable design can affect their own work. Part Sustainable Design 101 and part manifesto this book lays the groundwork and philosophical basis for more technical study."

"The Philosophy of Sustainable Design" begins with a discussion of the evolution of sustainable design and the individuals who started the movement. It examines the relationship between sustainable design and the natural systems, building site ecology, human health and natural resource. With wisdom, facts and insight, the author makes the case for maximizing the quality of the built environment, while minimizing the negative impact to the natural environment. The book outlines the sustainable design processes, principles and technologies, provides a vision for the future of the green building movement. Five appendices provide ample references for further study.

Author Jason F. McLennan, founder and director of Elements (the sustainable design consulting division of BNIM Architects), draws on this experience consulting to dozens of green building projects and design teams all over the country. Mr. McLennan is an adjunct professor at the University of Kansas and has lectured on sustainability across the U.S. and Canada. His work has been published in several journals, conference proceedings and books. McLennan is a former board member of the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment and the technical board for the US Green Building Council's LEED rating system.

Advanced Praise for The Philosophy of Sustainable Design

"With passion and clarity Jason F. McLennan has traced the past, present and future of green design. While he covers technologies and techniques, he focuses on what is really important about this movement: how these buildings affect our lives."
—William D. Browning, Founder, Green Development Services, Rocky Mountain Institute

"The Philosophy of Sustainable Design goes well beyond its title. It not only gives the foundation but the fundamentals—it is a workbook, source book and a thinking book all at once. An instant classic!"
—Pliny Fisk III, Co-Director, Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems

"Bold, insightful and inspiring—Jason F. McLennan has given us a compelling vision of sustainable design in its historical and philosophical context."
—Nadav Malin, Editor, Environmental Building News

"Jason has captured the spirit of this growing movement and offers a roadmap of exciting new possibilities. Truly a must-read for every architect, engineer, building professional and citizen interested in increasing the vitality of our communities."
—Bob Berkebile, FAIA, Founding Principal, BNIM Architects

Availability

"The Philosophy of Sustainable Design" is now available online and at architecture and building bookstores nationwide. For more information or to order the book, please visit http://www.ecotonedesign.com.

Title: The Philosophy of Sustainable Design
Author: Jason F. McLennan
ISBN: 0-9749033-0-2
List Price: $29.95 copyright 2004

As supporters of the environmental movement, Ecotone LLC will donate a minimum of 10% of its profits to environmental and social organizations and will publish all of its books on recycled content paper.

About Ecotone

Founded and operated by green building experts, Ecotone Publishing LLC is the first book publisher to focus solely on green architecture and design. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., the company is dedicated to meeting the growing demand for authoritative yet accessible books on sustainable design, materials selection and building techniques. For more information on Ecotone Publishing, please visit the website at www.ecotonedesign.com or call 816-363-3304.

Ron Schmidt
Rosswood Communications
www.rosswood-inc.com

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