This handbook is the first to give concise, comprehensive guidance to the architect or planner wishing to make environmentally conscious choices when selecting building materials. The authors clearly and simply grade the options available when selecting materials at each stage of construction. The recommendations made in the handbook are based upon extensive evaluation of the environmental impact of the materials, and practical experience of project and pilot studies conducted in the Netherlands. More and more housing associations, private housing administrators, councils, architects and builders are developing initiatives relating to sustainable building. This handbook plays a significant role in forwarding these initiatives, demonstrated by the fact that over 50 per cent of local authorities in the Netherlands have now used the original Dutch edition to draw up guidelines. The accessible presentation makes this an appropriate reference tool for all members of the building planning team. This is an excellent book to use alongside The European Directory of Sustainable and Energy Efficient Building.