'Zero Carbon' is an abstract concept for most people, but we have lived energy-profligate lifestyles for too long on finite fossil-fuel resources. We now face potential environmental catastrophe from climate change and global warming, with a continuing exponentially expanding global population that doubles every four decades. The capacity of the planet to reabsorb carbon dioxide is about two to three tonnes of carbon equivalent per person at current population levels of seven billion and therefore there is a desperate need for us to reduce our carbon footprint. A way of helping to achieve this is to live in a zero-carbon house, and this will become UK legislation for new homes by 2016. This fascinating book covers all aspects of the zero-carbon house, from its evolution to achieving carbon neutrality in old and new homes as well as entire communities. Includes an overview of zero carbon and how to achieve it on a global scale; covers communities of zero-carbon houses and provides inspirational examples of low-carbon lifestyles. Case studies show how principles are put into successful practice to save energy, carbon, money and the environment. AUTHOR: Martin Godfrey Cook, MPhil (Cantab), RIBA, is a chartered architect, conservationist and historian with three decades of experience in the international property and construction industries. He has advocated energy efficiency, conservation and sustainability in existing buildings, and designed new environmentally-friendly buildings since the last energy crisis in the 1970s. He was appointed to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment's (CABE) Design Review panel in 2007, and is a founder member of the RIBA's Sustainable Futures Committee and the Urban Land Institute's European Sustainable Development Council. SELLING POINTS: . Case studies show how principles are put into successful practice to save energy, carbon, money and the environment. This publication is ideal if you are starting your journey, or are already embarked on a voyage, to low-carbon lifestyle and home. 160 colour photos, diagrams & drawings