Ecoarchitecture (Opposing Viewpoints)

From School Library Journal Grade 5 Up—This title examines green building and eco-friendly architecture and introduces readers to the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnergyStar designations. Each of the four chapters focuses on a question: Is eco-architecture beneficial to humans? How does it impact the environment? How can eco-architecture be encouraged? How is it being implemented? Topics include Sick Building Syndrome, a 2400-square-foot straw-bale house, "McMansions," the pros and cons of urban sprawl, and eco-friendly schools and hospitals. The chapters are composed of five or six articles, and each one begins with a short summary and ends with questions to be considered. An outstanding feature is the periodical bibliography appended to each chapter. The volume concludes with "For Further Discussion," an annotated list of organizations to contact, and a good-size bibliography. Sidebars and graphs are scattered throughout. A welcome addition for most collections.—