Eco Information

Eco-Building Notes

The BBE has put together the following selection of notes, each 20 -30 pages of practical information.  You are able to download them directly in PDF format.  If you do we require payment of NZ $10 per electronic or NZ $15 (postage included in NZ).  Payment can be made in several ways:

• Send a cheque made out to BBE Institute, PO Box 1364, Wellington, New Zealand;
• Send your Visa/Mastercard details (Card Number, Name on Card and Expiry Date) to the above address or fax it to 00644 387 1043 or email or phone 0800 223 272; 
• Deposit the money directly into our BNZ bank account - Building Biology and Ecology Institute 020536 0444101 00 and email us  when done.

In all cases please send some contact details, (name and address, phone number or email address) in case of queries.  

EBN 01 Introduction to Ecological Building and Design (548K) 

• The 25 Principles of Ecological Building and Design
• Building a House with Minimal Environmental Impact
• Living Stress
• The Indoor Climate
• How a Natural House Performs
• Health Hazards to Look Out For in an Existing House

EBN 02 Designing and Building a Natural House (669K) 

• So You Want to Build an Ecological House
• A Bio Harmonic Design Process
• Bio Harmonic Design and Building Concepts
• Harmony and Proportion in Design
• Different Ways of Approaching Design
• Developing a Design Brief
• Putting Your Ideas on Paper
• Sustainable Settlement and Subdivision
• Assessing an Existing Building or Site
• Designing a Site Layout for Your Lifestyle Block
• The Principles of Co-housing Projects
• The Principles of Permaculture
• Biodynamic Farming
• Restoring Native Forest

EBN 03 Natural Building Materials (651K) 

• Traditional Versus Modern Building Techniques
• Ecologically Sound Construction Practice
• From Demolition to Deconstruction
• Assessing Building Materials
• BBE Materials Rating for Healthy Building
• Embodied Energy of Common Materials
• Ecological Building Materials for NZ Houses
• Natural Wear and Tear
• Timber and Timber Treatments
• Earth Building
• Earth Building Design Guide
• Straw Bale Construction
• Alternative Materials and Construction Methods
• Natural Insulation
• Natural Paints
• Criteria for Choosing Paints and Finishes for a Natural House
• Durable Paints for Cement Based Surfaces
• Doing Your Own Painting 
  

EBN 04 Energy (731 K)

• Power Use
• Alternative Power Systems
• Passive Solar Design Principles
• Efficient Space Heating
• Current NZ Heating Options
• Wetback Systems
• Solar Water Heating
• Natural Food Storage
• Choosing a Cooker
• Avoiding Electromagnetic Fields in the Home
• Wiring to Avoid Electromagnetic Fields 
  

EBN 05 Sustainable Water Use (903 K) 

• Water Sources
• Collecting and Storing Water
• Designing a Rainwater Collection System
• The Treatment of Water
• Water Conservation in the Home
• Water Conservation in the Garden
• Natural Cleaning Products
• Stormwater Disposal
• Wastewater disposal
• Alternative Wastewater Treatment
• Composting Toilets
• Design Considerations for Composting Toilets
• Ready to Buy Alternative Toilets