The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook: Slowing Climate Change and Saving Money

by Godo Stoyke

Most people are unaware that environmental problems such as climate change can be easily avoided, at a profit, through the intelligent application of appropriate technology. The Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook describes how to achieve this goal in the residential field.
 
The first book in North America to provide a detailed carbon accounting of a family’s carbon emissions and how to reduce them, it systematically analyzes energy costs and evaluates which measures yield the highest returns for the environment and the pocketbook. It provides answers to questions such as:
 
• Which measure is more effective: putting solar panels on your roof or buying a hybrid car?
• Where do I need to invest first: in high-efficiency shower heads or solar tubes?
• Is a $500 fridge that uses 800 kWh of power per year a good buy?
 
The book allows individuals to quickly and accurately assess which products are a good deal and which aren’t. It systematically analyzes residential carbon emissions and energy costs and prioritizes solutions based on highest carbon reductions and monetary returns, yielding results that are often surprising. The book enables readers to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions—far below the levels targeted under the Kyoto Protocol. At the same time, readers implementing the recommendations will save an average of $15,000 in energy costs over the next five years.

Genres: Sustainability, Nonfiction, Environment

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Godo is a professional carbon buster, assisting governments, municipalities, institutions, businesses and individuals in Canada, the US and Europe with reducing their carbon footprints and in saving utility costs. He is an award-winning environmental researcher, best-selling author and serial social enterprise entrepreneur. As president of Carbon Busters, he oversaw the delivery of energy efficiency programs involving 137,000 students, teachers and maintenance staff in three countries, resulting in CO2e reductions of 78.8 million kg, and cost savings of CDN$26.6 million. He is passionate about the design of zero carbon, renewably powered and wholistic communities designed for human scale. Practicing what he preaches, he has lived for 21 years in an off-grid solar powered home and driven a Prius (Pious?) hybrid-electric car since 2005, now a renewably powered plug-in hybrid. Godo regenerates through wilderness experiences, including Alberta's magnificent Rockies, and hiking treks like the West Coast Trail. His biography is no match for that of C.J. Cherry, but he too has seen northern lights, survived a tornado, and spent time with butterflies, frogs, wasps and bees. When he is not reading, writing or running (the three Rs), he can be found playing the guitar or taiko drums, or spending time with his family and friends.

Reviews

[Mark Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a decent read. Because of the time it was written (2006ish), a lot of the metrics and specific items are more out of date. I think a 2025 reedition of this book would be very cool and very helpful.

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has in depth, factual numbers and suggestions about how to save money and what investments give you the most bang for the buck

[Adrian]

A guide to renovations and refits that will reduce your carbon footprint and save you thousands of dollars. Six or seven idea possibilities in here for us.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lent this book to Arnold so it will be a while before I finish it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

great information.