Rating: 
Summary: A Keener speaks
Review: David - Loved the book!! It sure gave me the big picture of how the USGBC got started, which is very helpful to me, both professionally and personally.I was also at the USGBC Conference in Austin, TX. It was interesting seeing the conference from your perspective. I was 'womaning' the Keen booth so I saw a lot of concrete floor and lots of friendly faces. I had the distinct advantage of having both eyes functioning at the time! Thanks for signing my copy of the book. I appreciate the personal touch. You will always have my respect and admiration! Sharon Lisette
Keen Engineering
Rating: 
Summary: Honest and straight forward story of the USGBC
Review: David Gottfried describes the process that led to the creation of the US Green Building Council, telling it like it happened in an honest and straight forward manner, which makes for a very easy read. The story of how and industry was rallied and united through the creation of a memership driven organization focused on sustainable design/construciton is truley facinating. David includes practical examples of how he worked with various building owners to convert traditional designs into environmentally friendly ones and to improve the bottom line dollar through higher efficiencies in building systems. Its a terrific inspiring story with practical and "meaty" information...a great buy!
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Book!
Review: Greed to Green describes the journey that every punter in the building industry needs to undertake for the sector to become environmentally sustainable. All will remorsefully empathise with the grubby imagery of an industry driven by greed, all will find hope in a vision which offers a change. For builders, designers, investors, occupants, Gottfried's story is an inspiration, showing the philosophical leap we must each make, whilst keeping the light at the end of the tunnel clear for all to see. With some luck, we might all get there before it goes out!
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and inspirational!
Review: Greed to Green is a fascinating read of Mr. Gottfried's personal journey - through his own life and the greening of the construction industry. His tales of his personal soul searching and quest to make a positive difference in the world are particularly inspirational, especially since they show that it is indeed possible to make a living while benefitting the environment.
Rating:
Summary: Green Inspiration
Review: Greed to Green is a rollicking tale of David Gottfried's journey from self proclaimed greedy developer to one of the world's leading proponents of Green Development. The story tracks the remarkable drive and determination it took for David and a growing band of like minded people to begin the transformation of the building industry in the US - a transformation that has now taken substantial hold, via the work of the body that David founded - the US Green Building Council. Whilst the results of David's efforts are impressive in their own right, David also provides insight to his personal journey - and some of the human factors which drive people to achieve remarkable things - the search for love and recognition from a demanding father, the traps of following convention and money, over dreams and personal values, and the inner tension of seeking to match personal values to your life's work. The tale shows both how much a dedicated individual can affect change by working with others and leading the way, and how much our outer worldly jouneys are a reflection of our inner, personal journeys. One senses that there will be a follow up book one day, chronicalling an even deeper progression to come. David's journey will be an inspiration to anyone who dreams of a better world and wants to do something about it.
Rating:
Summary: Awakening
Review: I love irony. It occurred to me after reading this book that David Gottfried, former developer, a guy who once symbolized the "me, mine" attitude that that has been so destructive to our natural systems, has quite possibly had a greater beneficial impact on the environment than anyone alive. This is the story of how Gottfried and a few of his friends initiated the transformation of the largest industry on earth; the building industry, an industry that has a greater impact on the environment than any other human activity. As a result of the author's efforts, you cannot pick up an architecture or construction trade journal that does not have an article about "Green Building", the USGBC or it's L.E.E.D. program for rating a building's "greenness". Hundreds of local, state and federal agencies now require their buildings to qualify for L.E.E.D. certification. Improvements in the building industry, as a result, will be huge.
This all came about through an awakening on the part of the author. A similar awakening is occurring in a lot of us. Mainstream folks everywhere are realizing, as Gottfried did, that we cannot continue our present pattern of consumption and destruction. Many of us, who love nature and consider ourselves "environmentalists" are realizing to our horror that our own individual impact on the environment has been anything but benign.
Gottfried's story chronicles his epiphany, the resultant depression, his desperate attempt to change the status quo utilizing passion and skills developed in his "greed" years, and ultimately, his very own personal transformation and renewed sense of hope. It is a story that many of us can relate to.
Rating:
Summary: A Brilliant Book!
Review: I loved this book! David Gottfried has captured the zeitgeist of my generation as we search for meaning within our careers and families. His arc from greedy pig developer to environmental entrepreneur is totally inspiring and has broad appeal. His writing style makes the sometimes fusty/techie area of "green buildings" very accessible and fascinating. People outside of the movement, like me, will love it. Thank you, David Gottfried!
Rating:
Summary: Greed to Green
Review: There are two basic elements in any good book. First, it must be well written. "Greed to Green" is very well written. It is structured so that it flows smoothly from page to page. The second element is that it needs to be a good story. This is a GREAT story. It's hard to lay down. Finally, a book like this needs to be relevant. It is. David Gottfried shares a journey of the mind and soul that we all need to take if our legacy is to be the preservation of this planet. I am looking forward to the movie.
Rating:
Summary: Greed to Green
Review: This book was a great. I received it as a gift and could not put it down. I put off all other evening activities and read it in one sitting. It has all the components of a good novel. Greed, passion,love, hate, frustration and personal fullfillment.
The author has lived out his dream to make green building common place. He shows in this book a real passion for a vision not many others in the industry have had the courage to pursue. This is a great read and I highly recommend it. If you have any interest in a better enviroment this book will change you. It really is inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: a true change agent
Review: To write such a personal story is unusual. Not only is this book flowingly well written, but it has provided the reader with a fast-paced record of how much of the economic system of building development is practiced. How fantastic that David Gottfried could be so visionary and develop concepts that have formed the basis for the foundation of the the US Green Building Council. "Brillant" is what Paul Hawken calls this action. I concur. This book leads the way toward a new possibility for building in harmony with the environment. I highly recommend this book.
How inspiring, too, that David Gottfried could also change his life to walk the talk.
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