Eco House Book

Terence Conran is one of the world's best-known designers, restaurateurs and retailers. In the 1960s he founded Habitat - the chain of homeware stores that brought good, modern design within reach of the general population for the very first time.

Over the subsequent 50 years Terence built another group of companies centred around design, retailing, restaurants and hotels. Today, Conran owns restaurants and shops in eight cities throughout the world and a design business serving many international clients that includes architecture and interior design, product and graphic design and brand licensing.

In January 2011 Conran began working with Marks & Spencer in the UK, designing an exclusive range of homewares for the store. In 2012 Conran signed a deal to collaborate with US retail giant jcpenney to design an exclusive range of furniture, lighting and accessories for the home. The initial collection launched in spring 2013 into 300 jcpenney stores throughout the US and there will be new ranges launching each spring and autumn.

Terence was knighted for his services to design in 1983 and has been provost of the Royal College of Art in London. In 1982 he opened the very first museum in the world dedicated to design, which is now the celebrated Design Museum in London, due to move to new premises in 2015 thanks to a massive expansion programme.

Buildings are the biggest polluters on the planet, responsible for a far greater proportion of the carbon dioxide emissions that get pumped into the atmosphere every year than cars, planes or factories. Just as we are urged to change our lifestyles to reduce our carbon footprint and consumption of water, there is a great deal we can do to convert our existing homes into greener, healthier places to live. Most homes, even those built relatively recently, are not decorated, designed, constructed or serviced with eco-friendliness in mind. But you don't have to start from scratch to make a huge difference to the way your home impacts on the environment. From relatively small and economic changes to more dramatic overhauls, there has never been a better time to turn your home green.Environmental issues should be part of every decision you make on the home front - from selecting fabric for soft furnishings to designing and siting a home extension. Including tips, advice on material choices and design directions, Eco House Book provides all the information you need to reduce your home's carbon footprint and in the process directly improve the quality of your life.

Sold more than 20,000 copies in hardback; The complete guide to home improvement the environmentally friendly way; Details small, economic changes that can be made (including improving energy efficiency, water saving tips) to more dramatic overhauls (such as redesigning room use, extending your home); Terence Conran is the undisputed authority on design and his books, notably The Essential House Book and The Ultimate House Book, are international bestsellers; Includes more than 300 colour photographs.

INTRODUCTION - ECO ADIT How to be aware of your carbon footprint. Audit your lifestyle to find out how much energy you consume to heat, light and power your home, how much water you use and how much waste you generate in order to identify areas of improvement. Small steps can make a huge difference and all it takes is the will to change a few bad habits. CHAPTER 1. SERVICING Homes consume vast amounts of energy and water on a direct basis. Changes to your home's infrastructure are among the most effective energy- and water-saving measures you can take. Many of these changes are simple, cheap and immediately cost-effective. Covers lighting, heating and cooling, electricity and water. CHAPTER 2. BASIC FABRIC From basic repairs and renovation to complete decorative and design overhauls, this section covers all the various ways you improve the basic fabric of your home. Covers windows, airflow and ventilation, doors, floors, walls, furniture and furnishing and repairs and maintenance. CHAPTER 3. DESIGN Design changes, whether or not they involve structural alteration, can go a long way towards greening your home. Includes advice on changing the layout, building in flexibility, making new openings, converting basements, converting lofts and extending your home. CHAPTER 4. OUTDOOR SPACE Includes advice on green roofs, productive gardening and eco-friendly habitats. CHAPTER 5. MAINTENANCE Recycling in all its manifestations. Covers reducing waste, cleaning and best practice. CASE STUDIES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS