Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons: Interior Design: Sustainable Design

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call: 617-989-4040

What is LEED?

LEED is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that provides a framework for implementing measurable green building design & construction by improving:

energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions
indoor environmental quality
attention to the life-cycle impact from using specific materials & resources

LEED Reference Guides are available in the Reference Collection in the 720.47 section.

LEED Rating System
Learn more about the requirements for LEED certification.

Green Product Standards & Certification

WBDG Certification Detailed Overview - Try This First!
The National Institute of Building Sciences provides information on integrated whole building design guidance, project management, operations, and maintenance.
BuildingGreen Product Guidance
This is BuildingGreen's online product guide of environmentally preferable products, with "key insights on the green attributes of each product and the most critical green issues for each product category. GreenSpec conducts its own independent research in assessing manufacturer claims, ensuring that the guide contains unbiased, quality information."
EnergyStar
Certification system focused on energy consuming products.
Forest Stewardship Council
Certification system focused on forests and forestry products.
Cradle to Cradle
Certification system focused on a wide range of sectors (metals, fibers, dyes, plastics).
GreenSeal
Certification system focused on a wide range of sectors (paints, adhesives, lamps, electric chillers, windows, window films, occupancy sensors).
WaterSense
Certification system focused on showerheads, toilets, faucets, urinals, and valves.
Scientific Certification Systems
Certification system focused is on wide range of products ( i.e. carpets, textiles, wood products, insulation, and more).
GREENGUARD
Certification system focused on indoor air quality, children, and schools.

Books on Sustainability in Interior Design

Sustainability in Interior Design by Siân Moxon
Call Number: 747 .M68 2012
Publication Date: 2014
The environmental impact of interior architecture and design practice is immense. Sustainability in Interior Design highlights the need for designers to adapt the way they work and relearn lessons that have been lost.
Green Interior Design by Lori Dennis
Call Number: 747.1 .D46 2010
Publication Date: 2010
A guide to environmentally sustainable interior design practices that offers tips on using sustainable materials, using vintage treasures, improving outdoor air quality, cleaning with nontoxic products, installing energy-efficient lighting, and applying for various types of green certifications.
Content Notes
Environmentally Responsible Design: Green and Sustainable Design for Interior Designers by Louise Jones
Call Number: 747 .E58 2008
ISBN: 9780471761310
Publication Date: 2008
Covering everything from theory to current practices, eight leading design educators present the tools and knowledge needed to implement an environmentally responsible approach for any interior design project.
Modern Sustainable Residential Design by William J. Carpenter
Call Number: 728.047 .C27 2009
Publication Date: 2009
Modern Sustainable Residential Design offers lessons for architects, interior designers, and builders who want to conceptualize and implement sustainable design strategies in modern residential design. It outlines solutions for incorporating sustainable aspects into a home design from conceptualization to implementation. Detailed design analyses range from groundbreaking contemporary buildings such as Pugh + Scarpa's Solar Umbrella House to Ray Kappe's LivingHome, illuminating some of the most innovative sustainable strategies in the United States and abroad.

Online Resources for Sustainable Design

Access provided by Douglas D. Schumann Library.

Journal of Green Building
Scholarly topics advance the body of knowledge related to green, sustainable, or high performance built facilities and infrastructure systems. Topics include original reviews of past practice, present information of current interest, or exploration of new concepts pertinent to green building.
Note: on campus access only

Free Web Resources

Whole Building Design Guide
The National Institute of Building Sciences provides information on integrated whole building design guidance, project management, and operations and maintenance. This link is to the sustainable section of the guide.