Book Categories
Featured Items
WATER
DESIGN FOR WATER
Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment & Alternative Water Use
Heather Kinkade-Levario
A US title for designing larger scale systems for communities though the principles can easily be adapted for smaller scale projects. Includes sections on catchment, storage, distribution, downspout diversions, filters and potable treatment technologies and many residential, commercial and municipal case studies. 238pp
DWR £16.99 add to cart
FERROCEMENT WATER TANKS
And Their Construction
S B Watt
A straightforward account detailing methods of constructing water storage tanks from wire reinforced cement mortar. A very cheap method which is long lasting and resists corrosion. These tanks can be small or large – up to 33,000 gallons! 118pp
FLOWFORMS
The Rhythmic Power Of Water
John Wilkes
Totally fascinating, describing the energetic qualities of water, whether it has memory, how its life-giving power can be enhanced. The author describes the rhythm and polarity of water, how he discovered the Flowform method, and research and development that has taken place all over the world. Full of working examples, explanations and designs. 240pp
FFR £20.00 add to cart
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Small Scale Water Power
Billy Langley & Dan Curtis
GFS £12.00
MICROHYDRO
Clean Power From Water
Scott Davis
A microhydro is the simplest, most reliable and least expensive way to generate electricity off the grid. This book covers AC and DC systems, principles, design and site considerations, equipment options and environmental and economic factors. A highly illustrated and practical guide. 176pp
MCP £19.99 add to cart
NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS
Michael Littlewood
The book on building natural swimming pools. Illustrated with examples of existing pools in the UK and Europe. This book will be an inspiration to anyone wishing to bathe more naturally. 232pp
NSP £39.95 add to cart
RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
John Gould & Erik Nissen-Petersen
The definitive book about collecting rain water from your roof. Contains hard information to design a system anywhere. Full of details by experienced authors. 354pp
RCS £16.95 add to cart
SMALL SCALE WATER SUPPLY
A Review Of Technologies
Brian Skinner
This is an authoritative overview of the technologies available in the field of independent water supply, as well as a guide to designing a supply scheme for a small community. 154pp
SSW £12.95 add to cart
WATER LIFTING DEVICES
Peter Frankel & Jeremy Thake
The devices described are for small scale irrigation and drinking water for humans and livestock. Includes information on paddle wheels, ram pumps, hand-operated pumps, stirling engines, biomass and gasification, photovoltaics, windmills and much more. 340pp
WLD £19.95 add to cart
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Sustainable Technology 1
All Books Postage & Packing FREE
(UK only, £15 min. order)
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BICYCLE REPAIR STEP BY STEP
Rob Van Der Plas
Everything you could wish to know about maintaining your trusty steed. Whether a complete beginner or a seasoned road warrior, this book’s clear and well illustrated instructions will make you a whiz with a nipple wrench in no time. 144pp
BRS £12.95 add to cart
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BIKE EASY
Top Tips & Expert Advice For The New Cyclist
Peter Andrews
This is a practical and useful guide containing everything that you need to know about cycling. How to buy the right bike, how to be comfortable, kid’s bikes, cycling clothes, security and how to carry loads by bike. It will prepare you for commuting and cycling safely and pleasurably on today’s busy roads. Includes the basics of bike maintenance and gives a list of useful organizations. 70pp
BET £6.50 add to cart
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BOOK OF MASONRY STOVES
David Lyle
An extensive survey of all types of masonry heating systems, ancient and modern, including lots of explanatory diagrams. There is a convincing argument for the efficiency, safety and comfort of this technology – an excellent reference for anyone wanting to explore the subject. 204pp
BMS £27.50 add to cart
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BUILDING A WOOD FIRED OVEN
For Pizza & Bread
Tom Jaine
A history of wood-fired oven construction from the earliest times, this book focuses on the design and build of a large traditional bread oven and provides detailed plans and instructions for construction and operation. Can be scaled down for building smaller outdoor ovens. 114pp
BWO £9.99 add to cart
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BUILD IT!...
With Pallets
Joe Jacobs
Pallets are an excellent source of free wood just waiting to be recycled into ingenious and useful items. We use pallets at the Sustainability Centre for all sorts of things, such as platforms for yurts and compost bins. Build It! is full of nifty ideas and useful explanations of how to construct fences, chairs, planters, chicken houses, shelves, saw horses, trunks, bike racks and much more. 168pp
BIWP £9.99 add to cart
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A CHINESE BIOGAS MANUAL
Ed. Ariane van Buren
Biogas, a fuel obtained from inexhaustible biological resources – human, animal and plant wastes – has brought about a radical change in the use of fuel in rural China. With the advent of an efficient digester for processing, biogas is now available as a high quality fuel for heating and lighting. Photos, diagrams and instructions are all included. 136pp
CBM £10.95 add to cart
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THE ECO-DESIGN HANDBOOK
Alistair Fuad-Luke
The ultimate green resource with over 500 detailed eco-product listings, 175 materials and information on hundreds of designers, manufacturers and organisations. From furniture, lighting, textiles, photovoltaics and transport to machines, architecture and office equipment, this is an excellent source of ideas and inspiration. 352pp
EDH £16.95 add to cart
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GREEN UP!
An A-Z Of Environmentally Friendly Home Improvements
Will Anderson
This captivating little guide covers everything from under-floor heating to furniture: from rooftop gardens to drying your clothes. Laid out clearly and easy to read this is a must for anybody wanting to ‘green up’ their home. 144pp
GU1 £7.95 add to cart
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GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
A Guide To Planning & Installing
Karl Oschsner
The most comprehensive guide to the selection, design and installation of geothermal heat pumps available. Presents the most recent information and market developments to help you select and install a domestic geothermal heat pump system.148pp
GHP £49.95 add to cart
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HOW TO CONVERT WOOD INTO CHARCOAL & ELECTRICITY
Richard H Buxton
Learn the secrets of distilling wood into charcoal and producer gas. Explains how to build your distillation chamber and the making of charcoal in separate stages. Plus chapters on using the charcoal for cooking, heating and smelting metal as well as the use of producer gas to power a small lawnmower engine which, in turn can be used to generate electricity. 63pp
CWC2 £8.95 add to cart
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HOW TO LIVE OFF-GRID
Nick Rosen
This book about ‘off-grid’ living – i.e. no national grid electricity, gas, water or sewerage – is a surprisingly addictive read. Nick spends time with the people who are living in forests, fields, caravans and boats, visiting them in situ all over the country. ‘Meet the people’ provides a series of sketches of the reality of off-grid living at present in the UK. He offers practical advice which he has gathered over the course of his lengthy research. This book is an ideal first stop for people who want to learn more off-grid living. 358pp
HLOG £7.99 add to cart
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HOW TO SHIT IN THE WOODS
Kathleen Meyer
Amusingly written by an experienced backpacker. More anecdotal than practical but hugely popular with more than 300,000 copies sold. 108pp
HSW £7.99 add to cart
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THE HUMANURE HANDBOOK No3
A Guide To Composting Human Manure
Joseph Jenkins
Written by an expert with more than twenty years' experience as an organic gardener, the book balances science and philosophy, information and humour to show that considerations of human waste are essential to any discussion of sustainability. 198pp
THH £19.95 add to cart
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NATURES OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The True Biotechnologies
Kenny Ausubel
An interesting and informative collection of writings by scientific innovators who have made – and are still making – a difference, adapting nature’s operating instructions to the benefit of all life on earth. This enjoyable book includes essays by visionaries such as Paul Hawken, Terry Tempest Williams and Michael Pollan. 236pp
NOI £10.95 add to cart
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THE TOILET PAPERS
Sym Van der Ryn
A ’70s classic, back in print and updated. An informative and irreverent look at how we humans have ‘eased’ ourselves over the centuries, from earth closets and privies, to dry toilets, both manufactured and self-builds. Sections on greywater recycling, composting ‘humanure’ and conventional treatment systems. Packed with diagrams so you can make your own compost loo. 128pp
TPR £10.95 add to cart
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THE WOODBURNER'S COMPANION
Practical Ways Of Heating With Wood
Dirk Thomas
A helpful and concise guide for anyone considering heating their home with wood. Considers the economic and environmental impacts of wood-burning. Explains the different types of stoves, furnaces, boilers and chimneys; how to install them and maintain them. Includes a section on how to clean your own chimney. There is advice on how and where to source wood from and how to season and store it. 164pp
WCPW £12.95 add to cart
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THE NEW WOODBURNER'S HANDBOOK
A Guide To Safe, Healthy & Efficient Woodburning
Stephen Bushway
Enjoying your own wood fire is one of life’s great pleasures,but there’s quite a lot to consider before you start – environmental concerns, safety, types of stoves and flues, maintenance. This little book will turn you into woodburning expert and you can reap the benefits for years to come. 160pp
NWH £9.99 add to cart
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RENEWABLE ENERGY
Power For A Sustainable Future
Ed. Godfrey Boyle
With the aid of some 350 detailed illustrations, some 50 tables of data and a wide range of case studies, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the principal renewable energy sources: solar thermal, photovoltaics, bio-energy, hydro, tidal, wind, wave, and geothermal. 452pp
REP £30.99 add to cart
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THE SCYTHE BOOK
David Tresemer
A charming and absorbing read, presenting years of the author’s research and practical experience. Full of tips, tricks and techniques for using and maintaining your scythe. Essential reading for anyone serious about scything. 208pp
SB1 £12.95 add to cart
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SOLAR HEATING IN COLD REGIONS
Jean-Francois Rozis & Alain Guinebault
A technical guide, written for developing countries but no less relevant in the west, for climates where the average annual temperature is lower than 10ºC. Contains examples of typical installations and how to size them. 168pp
SHR £15.95 add to cart
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SOLAR WATER HEATING
A Comprehensive Guide To Solar Water & Space Heating Systems
Bob Ramlow & Benjamin Nusz
This US book covers the history of solar water heating, descriptions of just about every solar water heater ever made, their maintenance and operation; the design, installation and maintenance of closed loop solar energy systems; and a compelling economic argument for solar investments.238pp
SWH1 £18.99 add to cart
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YOUR BRICK OVEN
Buiding It & Backing In It
Russell Jeavons
If you want to build a brick oven at home to bake delicious pizzas, bread, or roast lamb and meringues, then this is the book you have been waiting for. Simple instructions, clear diagrams and photographs for building an oven either indoors or out. With a section on recipes and cooking advice it will change the way you eat. 160pp
YBO £10.99 add to cart
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PHOTOVOLTAICS
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DO IT YOURSELF 12 VOLT SOLAR POWER
Michel Daniek
If you want to introduce alternative power supplies around the house and garden or even live totally off-grid in your boat, caravan or yurt and need a practical introduction to solar power and 12 volt supplies, here is the essential guide to the subject. 128pp
DIY12 £9.95 add to cart
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PHOTOVOLTAICS
Design & Installation Manual
Solar Energy International
A serious, detailed manual about photovoltaics which covers almost everything you need to know: PV applications, basics of electricity, system components (with specif-ications), solar site analysis and mounting, stand alone system sizing, utility interactive systems, costs and economics, and safety issues. 316pp
PDI £40.99 add to cart
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PLANNING & INSTALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
A Guide For Installers, Architects & Engineers
The German Solar Energy Society
The most up to date and comprehensive guide to solar photovoltaic systems currently available in the UK. Covers everything from cell types, system components, site surveying, designing systems, grid connection, stand alone systems, software, mounting, operation, economics and efficiency. This is a professional reference book, not a DIY guide, it is however a must for anyone with a serious interest in PV. 368pp
PIPS £95.00 add to cart
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PRACTICAL PHOTOVOLTAICS
Richard J Komp
A comprehensive guide to the theory and reality of solar electricity as well as a detailed installation and maintenance manual with step-by-step instructions on making your own module. A very popular title. 216pp
PPE £14.95 add to cart
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SOLAR ELECTRICITY HANDBOOK 09
A Simple, Practical Guide To Using Electric Solar Panels
& Designing & Installing Photovoltaic Solar PV Systems
Michael Boxwell
Clearly explains the steps necessary to assess wether your intended site is suitable for solar power and guides you through the specification of your chosen system. The book uses an off grid holiday home as an example but also details many other scenarios. An internet-linked book which answers all your questions. In our opinion best book available for DIY domestic installations. 150pp
SEHB £9.99 add to cart
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WIND
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CHOOSING WINDPOWER
Hugh Piggott
Should you? How much will it cost? How to plan and install it? This is a unique guide to the subject. 64pp
CW3 £7.99
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SMALL SCALE WIND SYSTEMS FOR RURAL ENERGY SERVICES
Smail Khennas, Simon Dunnett & Hugh Piggott
This is both an introduction to the basics of wind generator technology and a guide to establishing a wind power enterprise to meet the needs of households and small communities. There is plenty of practical information, taken from installations in Peru and Sri Lanka, which would be applicable anywhere ‘off the grid’. 72pp
SWS £12.95 add to cart
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WIND ENERGY EXPLAINED
Theory, Design & Technology
Manwell, McGowan & Rogers
A weighty textbook, this is a thorough multi-disciplinary introduction that describes aerodynamic principles, electrical energy conversion and generation, siting guidance, environmental impact and economic benefits. Includes a comprehensive set of tutorial problems related to each chapter’s contents. Hardback. 582pp
WEE2 £39.95 add to cart
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WIND POWER
Paul Gipe
A comprehensive overview on wind energy with a wealth of pictures, charts, graphs, formulas, facts and cautionary tales. There are expanded sections on gauging wind resources and siting wind turbines, and examples and case stydies of successful wind sytems. Includes international sources for new and used equipment. 510pp
WP2 £49.95 add to cart
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WINDPOWER WORKSHOP
Building Your Own Wind Turbine
Hugh Piggott
This practical guide explains what is involved in choosing a wind system.
WPW £12.00
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All Books Postage & Packing FREE
(UK only, £15 min. order)
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Featured Items
CENTRE FOR ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY (CAT) PUBLICATIONS
CHOOSING WINDPOWER
Hugh Piggott
Should you? How much will it cost? How to plan and install it? This is a new edition of the book previously titled, It’s A Breeze. 64pp
CW3 £7.99 add to cart
THE ENERGY SAVING HOUSE
Thierry Salmon & Stephane Bedel
How to minimise your energy consumption, reduce your impact on the planet and save money. From construction to renovation, white goods to heating systems, maintenance to running costs. This concise and informative book is an invaluable guide to energy saving. 192pp
ESH1 £12.00 add to cart
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Small Scale Water Power
Billy Langley & Dan Curtis
If you live near a water course you might want to consider generating your own electricity. This guide will help you assess the suitability of your site, choose materials, equipment and a turbine, and explains the legalities (i.e. planning) and how to sell power back to the grid. A suitable reference book for midi and micro-hydro systems. 152pp
GFS £12.00 add to cart
HOME HEATING WITH WOOD
Chris Laughton
Everything you ever wanted to know about domestic wood fuel systems. 64pp
HHW £7.99 add to cart
LIFTING THE LID
An Ecological Approach To Toilet Systems
Peter Harper & Louise Halestrap
The definitive guide to human waste management. Lifts the lid on triumphs and disasters and answers all the questions that you ever wanted to ask 154pp
LTL £12.00 add to cart
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