On the shelf Green construction doesn't have to happen from the ground up. Builder Barry Katz advocates remodeling to make a house more environmentally sensitive in his book, "Practical Green Remodeling: Down-to-Earth Solutions for Everyday Homes" (Taunton Press, $24.95).

Katz emphasizes that the book isn't a how-to guide but rather a "what-to book," a compilation of possibilities designed to help readers see what they can achieve through remodeling. He offers a wealth of ideas for conserving resources or making a home healthier or more energy-efficient, from simple strategies such as caulking to large-scale projects such as major additions.

Profiles of several remodeling projects let readers see how other homeowners have achieved their green goals.