8 Books On How To Design A Greener World

Architecture and design are key industries capable of fighting the impacts of climate change. Here are eight of the best books to read if you are interested in ways design can make a difference. All these books were written to spread awareness about the importance of sustainable design.

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Sustainable design aims to minimise the industry’s negative environmental impacts through thoughtful design practices. This means creating spaces and products that are energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible. The ultimate goal is not only to reduce harm but to enhance the natural and built environments for future generations.

Reading is a great way to educate yourself on sustainable design, whether you are an architect or simply interested in sustainability. Specialised books on sustainable design can inspire innovation and provide practical solutions to today’s complex challenges. These works can serve as guides for designers, architects, and engineers. They offer new perspectives and methodologies for creating products, buildings, and systems that are not only functional but also environmentally sound.

Below are eight influential books that have shaped sustainable design, each providing unique insights and approaches to building a greener world.

Design Books — ©Mike Mcalister via Unsplash

Best Books on sustainable design

“CRADLE TO CRADLE: REMAKING THE WAY WE MAKE THINGS”
BY WILLIAM MCDONOUGH AND MICHAEL BRAUNGART

Published in 2002

“Cradle to Cradle” challenges the traditional “cradle-to-grave” manufacturing model that ends in waste and landfill. Instead, it proposes a “cradle-to-cradle” model that mimics natural processes, where products are designed with their entire life cycle in mind, enabling them to be fully reused or safely composted. This visionary approach encourages designers to use materials that benefit human health and the environment, advocating for a future where industry and ecology coexist harmoniously.

“THE UPCYCLE: BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY – DESIGNING FOR ABUNDANCE”
BY WILLIAM MCDONOUGH AND MICHAEL BRAUNGART

Published in 2013

In this follow-up to “Cradle to Cradle,” McDonough and Braungart further develop their ideas on sustainable design. They emphasise the concept of upcycling—transforming waste materials into new products of higher value. “The Upcycle” moves beyond the idea of simply doing less harm and advocates for a design philosophy that seeks to create a world of abundance and positive impact. The authors encourage readers to think beyond traditional sustainability and instead focus on innovation and regenerative design principles that improve the quality of life for all living beings.

“BIOMIMICRY: INNOVATION INSPIRED BY NATURE”
BY JANINE BENUYS

Published in 1997

Janine Benyus’s “Biomimicry” introduces readers to the concept of learning from and emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to solve human problems. This groundbreaking book explores how observing and mimicking natural processes can lead to sustainable design solutions in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and product design. By looking to nature for inspiration, designers can develop materials and technologies that are both efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing our ecological footprint while enhancing functionality.

“DESIGN LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN: ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSES TO HUMANITARIAN CRISES”
BY ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY

Published in 2006

This book is compiled by Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to sustainable architecture. It showcases a range of innovative design solutions aimed at addressing humanitarian crises and environmental challenges. “Design Like You Give a Damn” highlights the role of design in creating resilient and sustainable communities, particularly in response to disasters and social needs. The book is a powerful reminder of how architecture and design can serve as tools for positive social change, fostering community resilience and promoting sustainable practices in challenging environments.

“SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: A CRITICAL GUIDE”
BY DAVID BERGMAN

Published in 2012

David Bergman’s “Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide” offers a practical and accessible overview of sustainable design principles. The book covers a wide range of topics, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and materials selection. It provides architects, designers, and students with knowledge to integrate sustainability into their work. Bergman emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to design, considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of every decision.

“SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, PROCESSES, AND PRODUCTION”
BY ROB THOMPSON

Published in 2013

This book is a guide focusing on sustainable materials and production processes used across various industries. Thompson provides detailed information on environmentally friendly materials, technologies, and manufacturing methods, helping designers make informed choices that reduce environmental impact. It serves as a valuable resource for those looking to understand the lifecycle of materials and the importance of sustainable production practices in design and manufacturing.

“THE GREEN STUDIO HANDBOOK: ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES FOR SCHEMATIC DESIGN”
BY ALISON G. KWOK AND WALTER T. GRONDZIK

Published in 2007

“The Green Studio Handbook” is a practical resource for architects and designers looking to integrate environmental considerations into the early stages of design. It provides strategies, case studies, checklists, and tools to guide sustainable design practices. Throughout the publication, the importance of considering the environmental impact from the very beginning of the design process is emphasised. Those who follow this guide are sure to embed sustainability in the core of their architectural projects.

“MATERIAL REVOLUTION: SUSTAINABLE AND MULTI-PURPOSE MATERIALS FOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE”
BY SASCHA PETERS

Published in 2011

Sascha Peters’s “Material Revolution” explores the innovative and sustainable materials that are transforming the fields of design and architecture. The book highlights new developments in materials science, showcasing materials that are not only sustainable but also versatile and multi-purpose. Peters encourages designers to think creatively about how materials can be used in new and sustainable ways, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.